Hi, Bachmann.

The 19th century N scale 4-6-0 announcement caught my eye and while I don't model N scale I hope that this model may find its way into HO scale in the near future. I feel especially that with some additional details and swapping some parts a modeler could make a very nice modernized ten wheeler. Again would love to see this loco come to HO scale.

As a quick question, while I understand it may be in it's very early stages, is there a specific one of the prototypes mentioned that the model will be based off of?

Just my two cents. Love that you are helping keep small steam going.

Ah yes I did forget about the decapod. What exactly is shortline or branch line power definitely changes between railroads. Like Buffalo Creek and Gaulys larger 2-8-0s (specifically number 4 I believe, I am not very versed in railroads east of the Rockies) very much tower over Sierra number 28. Yet both are short line locomotives.

I do hope that some of these model ideas come to fruition one day as it would be much appreciated.I accepted early on that if this was what I wanted to model I would have to do some kitbashing to varying degrees,but if they came out with any of the model ideas above I would take that in a heartbeat.

It just would be nice since with bachmann we have very appropriate shortline locomotive, especially for freelance shortlines, with their 4-4-0s, both Ma & Pa and generic Baldwin versions, the Ma & Pa 4-6-0s, my personal favorite as the the ten wheeler is my favorite wheel arrangement, and a 2-6-0. From there it seems a natural evolution to go to a shortline 2-8-0 and a 2-8-2. While the current 2-8-0 could be used it's just too big in my opinion for a small shortline operation as is the USRA 2-8-2.

Yeah replace the tender with a more rectangular one and you got a pretty generic late 1910s through 1920s built shortline 2-8-0.

With the 2-8-2s it is even more barren for options in modern ready to run diecast or plastic. While there is no shortage of USRA mikados that may work for a heavy hauling shortline, like a ore or coal carrier, there is no appropriate one for small shortlines. While I am biased towards a model of Sierra #34 or a more road style shortline 2-8-2, a generic Baldwin logging 2-8-2 with tender would be more than welcome. Especially since a fair number have made it into preservation.

Yes we did. My original post got lost when the forum updated. I have been working on melding a bachmann alco 2-6-0 body onto a athearn/roundhouse 2-8-0 chassis and tender with modified cylinders to make a engine that resembles Sierra #28. I am probably going to redo the loco body as I am not quite happy with how it turned out but the proportions and all look pretty much right. So far its okay but as my first major kitbash I am looking at trying with a new 2-6-0 body and make cleaner cuts and such.

Honestly just put eight drivers under the alco 2-6-0 model and I would be thrilled.

My personal favorite railroad is the Sierra, and since I grew up well past the steam or transition era I got introduced to it by Back to the Future Part 111. The Sonoro Railroad is heavily based on it from 1945 to 1960 but with some changes to suit my personal taste.

The scene of a short freight train snaking its way through golden hills covered in oak and pine trees is peak railroading for me.

Hi Bachmann, just my humble suggestion for new models. While we have 2-8-0 and 2-8-2 models that look at home on mailine rails or on a branch of a larger railroad company we are lacking in ready to run 1920s to 1930s new built shortline steam locomotives for lighter shortlines in these wheel arrangements.

Possible prtotypes which are along the lines of what I would love to see for 2-8-0s if sticking with Baldwin are Sierra Railway #28, Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain Railroad, now Everett Railroad, #38, Rahway Valley Railroad #15, Washigton and Linconton Railroad #203, New Hope and Ivyland #40 and Louisiana and Pacific Railway #252, now Virginia and Truckee #29. If we go to ALCO then Perhaps Valley Railroad #97, Arcade and Attica #18 or Lowville and Beaver River #1923.

As for 2-8-2 prototypes for Baldwin I would suggest Sierra Railway #34,Santa Maria Valley Railroad #21, Mcloud River Railroads #18 or #19 in their later upgraded appearance, California Western #45, or for that matter a generic Baldwin logging 70 or 90 ton tender 2-8-2, or Hattisburg and Southern #300 or Tedmont and Gulf #30 with a more generic tender. For ALCOs how about Valley Railroad #40,

These are just a few ideas for what I would love to see. While Big Boys and Northern's are impressive I hope that we can see some more focus go to us shortline modelers in the near future just as you have given us in the past.