I personally think they're wise to stick with 3-rail at this point in time--particularly at this point in time.

Excellent photos and review, Brady!  Thanks very much!

James Thomas wrote:

"Don't just sit there; go out and buy some On30 trains.  But what?"
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Well, all I can say is that if you're having trouble finding new and very interesting products in On30, you're sure not looking very hard.

I think 2008 was a pretty darn good year for On30.  I realize that some folks can't bing themselves to see beyond their own self interest and the ever-present "I want it and I want it now" way of thinking, but I saw a number of great new On30 products released during the year and I still see--despite a world economy that is in the toilet and perhaps about to be flushed--darn good pricing if/when one is willing to shop around a bit.

One nice thing about the pre-Internet era was that we didn't have to be exposed to whiners while pursuing our hobby interests.  They were there, I suppose, but in smaller numbers and with virtually zero visibility or impact.

Brother Jon!

Thanks for recommending my book!  I'm hoping to do a completely new book one of these days because the Large Scale segment of the hobby sees continual growth and development--especially in terms of products--even though the basic techniques of garden railroading are much the same as they were back when this book was originally published.

I was a member of the Tidewater Big Train Operators Club in the Norfolk, VA, area back when this book was written and published (I now live in Ohio), and Jon is a long-time member of that club and a very knowledgeable contributor to the Large Scale Online discussion forum.  I can tell all here that even though I'm currently having a great time producing "O Gauge Railroading" magazine, I definitely miss the BTO Club and the wonderful fellowship it offered.  I'm still active in Large Scale, but pursuing it indoors at the present time.  It is a great and family oriented segment of the hobby!

My best to all in the club, Jon, and I hope the annual Christmas Show in Virginia Beach is the great draw now that it always was in the past.

I've taken a good bit of heat from some of our own OGR forum members for devoting a significant part of our Oct. issue to O scale narrow gauge, but I do hope that at least some folks who read here have enjoyed that issue, even if they're not regular subscribers.  You can find the magazine at many bookstores (B&N, for example) and hobby shops.

I've learned that there are two definitions of "narrow minded":

1.  Those of us who enjoy narrow gauge railroading and refer to ourselves knowingly and in good humor as "narrow minded."

2.  Those hobbyists who are narrow minded--rather sadly, in my opinion--in the conventional sense of the term.

Although I have both TMCC and DCS available, and have used both, I'm still kind of partial to conventional locomotives and their time-tested reliability.  I received my early Christmas present to myself just today, in fact--Williams (made prior to the sale to Bachmann) F-3 sets in Santa Fe Black Warbonnet, Blue Warbonnet, and Yellow Warbonnet liveries.  About the only one I don't have is the traditional Red-and-Silver Warbonnet, but I'll wait for Bachmann to release that one again in the future.  I haven't had any locomotives in Santa Fe livery since I was a kid, but I guess I'm heading in that direction again! 

Thanks for the kind comments, Bob.  Although we won't be covering O scale narrow gauge in quite this depth in upcoming issues--until we have enough interest and material for another "special" that is--we will be giving regular attention to  O scale narrow gauge as events warrant.

I'll have a review of the new Bachmann Rail Bus in the Jan. issue, as well as (perhaps) one more layout feature if it materializes in time.

I see narrow gauge--and On30 in particular--as a real growth area in the overall world of O gauge and O scale.  I intend to give it a proper amount of attention, especially since a narrow gauge line makes a fine and appropriate addition to a good many "conventional" O gauge and O scale layouts.

A worthy suggestion, to be sure, but I wonder what happened to simply asking or offering a suggestion in a pleasant, reasonable, and cordial way?  There a a lot of good things to be said about the Internet, but one of the not-so-good things is how it has brought out the mean side of some folks who are involved in what is supposed to be a stress-free, relaxing, and friendly hobby.  I suppose hidden identities has something to do with it.

The Rail Bus set (powered unit and trailer connected) measures 11-5/8" from tip of pilot to rear of the rear coupler.  The powered unit by itself measures 6-1/4" from tip of pilot to rear of rear coupler.  Hope this helps.

Frank:

Try that link again in a day or so.  I think there might be a problem with reaching the OGR homepage at the present time.  Not sure what the problem might be, but I'll alert the webmaster.

We also have a toll-free number you can call: 800-980-6477.  I'm not sure how that works from your part of the world, but if you're not charged for the call, give it a try (9-5 Eastern in U.S.)

Frank:

Your link worked just fine for me, at the office as well as here at home.

What doesn't work for me is this "post" feature on this site (for several days now).  I had to go to "preview" and then to "post" from there.  Didn't have to do that previously.

That would be "O Gauge Railroading" magazine, Kevin.

While it's true that FWD never actually made any narrow gauge rail buses, the photo on that link is sure darn close to a spittin' image of what the new Bachmann models look like (I have a set running behind me here at home right now--doing a product review for the Dec. issue of our magazine).  I've long been a fan of "critters" and I guess that's one of the things that initially drew me to On30 a few years ago.

Since Bachmann is offering the rail buses in a couple of painted-but-unlettered versions, it should be easy enough for folks to re-paint (if desired) and/or letter these little buggers for any line they prefer.

Shameless plug here, as well:  I hope you narrow gauge fans will check out our Oct. issue, too, because it's largely devoted to O scale narrow gauge (mostly On30) and includes an interview with the folks at Bachmann, including Lee Riley, the driving force behind their On30 line.

While I, too, would very much like to see O gauge starter sets offered, I also recognize that it will take some time for Bachmann to develop a feel for their new line and what will or will not work.  Better to evaluate things carefully--particularly in today's market--than to jump in with both feet.

My guess is that Williams by Bachmann starter sets have the potential of doing very well, particularly in light of Bachmann's large and well established distribution network. but I fully understand their need to take things one carefully measured step at a time.

And there's sure nothing to preclude someone from purchasing a set of Williams by Bachmann locomotives and cars (there are plenty to choose from); an assortment of track components of one's choice (from a variety of types offered by various makers); and something from the diverse range of transformers currently offered.  Aside from having everything in one box, that's all a starter set is in any event.  Yes, a boxed set is convenient, but that's probably the only real advantage.