Hello. Here, we can discuss unusual locomotive ideas for bachmann such as...
This Cab Forward
http://www.skyrocket.de/locomotive/data/npcr_21.htm
That had to be one of the ugliest devices ever to escape from an erecting shop. Probably a good thing there was only one of them. I believe someone makes, or made, a set of soft metal castings to model this loco.
I would note, however, that the first two-foot gauge Forneys - Aerial and Puck - were designed to run cab forward. They were buit for the Billerica and Bedford in Massachusetts. That line died a quick death, but the locos and most of the rolling stock went up to the Maine woods.
Here is something else a little less ugly, but still bizare! Just look at the drive wheels.
http://www.gearedsteam.com/other/images/Oak_Grove_&_Georgetown_RR_5-lrrala-197.jpg
I think you could proboably modify the new OF 4-4-0 to make that one.
Rock On!
Dusten
I have been a huge fan of geared steam for as long as I can remember (at least 45 years). May I suggest the noble and enduring Heisler?
http://www.gearedsteam.com/heisler/cass6.jpg
You need only produce a mid-szied two-truck model for general release. However, I suggest that you also offer a third truck retro-fit to existing Shay and Climax models just to keep things interesting.
I surrender the Soap Box to the next contributor. Thank you.
Here are some more wierd ideas. All narrow gauge. ;)
http://www.gearedsteam.com/other/images/porter_carpenter_steel_co_20.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/other/images/madera_sugarpine_co-thunder.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/dunkirk/images/acme.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/davenport/fixed_frame/images/de_la_rama_cn1839.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/baldwin/images/lr.jpg
Note on last engine: I know Bachmann made a climax, but this is a meter gauge Baldwin. ;)
Here are some more bizzare geared engines. Enjoy!
http://www.gearedsteam.com/climax/images/rigbee_&_hugh.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/climax/images/wild_goose_rr_2012.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/heisler/images/amsler_n_campbell_2.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/heisler/images/wh_eccles_lbr_3.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/heisler/images/pacific_coast_borax_2.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/heisler/images/wt_smith_lbr_11_3ft.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/shay/images/shay_cn_5.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/shay/images/cobbs_&_mitchell.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/shay/images/good_roads_construction_co-3118.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/shay/images/h_kalbach_lbr_4.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/shay/images/mason_n_oceana_rr_2.jpg
http://www.gearedsteam.com/shay/images/yosemite_mtn_n_sugar_pine_rwy_10.jpg
If you are really interested in unusual locomotives have a look at http://www.dself.dsl.pipex.com/MUSEUM/LOCOLOCO/locoloco.htm (http://www.dself.dsl.pipex.com/MUSEUM/LOCOLOCO/locoloco.htm) (not all narrow gauge). I don't agree that normal Shays, Heislers or Class A or class B Climaxes are weird!
While odd locomotives have their fascination (I love quirky), given the number of more mainstream locomotive types NOT available in ON30 I would prefer Bachmann stuck to the more mainstream types (this could include Heislers and Class A Climaxes).
Hamish
I've seen it before. They don't have much narrow gauge, though. :(
Here are more unusual engine
http://www.bedforddepot.org/Ariel.JPG
By the way, were there any narrow gauge steam railcars? ???