Welcome back Harold. I've always enjoyed your work. You change scales as much as I do.

Any DCC equipped engine will run on DC. If you desire, the decoder can be pulled out and replaced with a dummy for better operation. (Not so easy with the sound versions.)

Scott

I'd be willing to bet the majority of On30ers were mesmerized by the geared engines. I think if the shay and climax were reintroduced, it would be a huge boost. As it is now, newcomers to the scale don't have any of the "gee whiz" locos to choose from.

(No offense intended to the current offerings as they are beautiful! But I think it's the geared engines that most modelers love.)

Throw in a puffing smoke system like the HO competitors and I'll just hand over my paycheck.

Scott

It's probably been 8 years since I replaced mine but I recall it being very straightforward. Remove the housing, pull out the old LED, put the new one in. The LED leads plug into two sockets in the boiler that can be seen by removing the front plate of the boiler (forgive me as I just run them, I don't know technical terms!)

Granted, others may have had different experiences, but I'm not the brightest model railroader and I recall it being very easy. Good luck!

Scott

The shay was the "WOW!" locomotive that really sparked interest in On30. The Climax that followed had the same result.

The locomotives that followed are all gorgeous and run wonderfully, but lack that WOW! effect that the shay and climax had. I really think that if Bachmann came out with something being suggested in this thread, it might reignite interest in the scale. Even just re-running the shay for those late to the party that couldn't get one would be a great shot for On30.

As far as freight cars, all Bachmann cars are roughly based on the same tooling. I'd love to see them produce "shake the box" kits with the parts available. It's a kitbashers scale and I think that would be a big hit.

That said, I don't expect any new locos for On30 that aren't based on already existing tooling. I think 3D printing is the future.

Scott

Bachmann is correct in that there is a lot of product on the market right now. I can't blame them for waiting a bit before producing more.

Since most freight cars are based on the same basic parts, I'd love to see them produce those. I. E. They already produce the freight car frames. They should make the flats to go with them, then the side frames for the high and low gondolas. And the tank for tank cars. All individual pieces. Also so many kits are based on the chassis of cabooses and passenger cards - make those! It would be cheaper since they don't have to be factory assembled, and it would play to the "maker" concept that drives the on30 market.

I hope with the loss of Mr Riley that Bachmann doesn't lose sight of what makes the scale great. I've produced just a few great ideas and there are plenty more elsewhere on this board. I hope they take note.

Scott

Anything from the g scale line would be welcome in on30. They are stunning and I own a few Bachmann g scale locos despite not having anywhere to run them. Gorgeous.

I'll take whatever they offer but I'd still love to see a Mason Bogie.

Scott

P. S. Good to see Harold back!

Thanks for sharing this. Looks great!

Scott

I do think this is the area which has led to the slowdown of the on30 market. On30 freight cars used to be very prevalent, and most importantly, inexpensive. Three cars for $39 was the norm for over a decade.

If Bachmann can reintroduce more freight cars and bring back the geared engines that got most of us started, I think you would see a great resurgence in the on30 market. After all, on30 was supposedly the "poor man's narrow gauge." The market needs to have the eye candy (i.e shays and Climaxes) that draws in new modelers.

Best wishes to the OP. Great scale to model in. Really ideal for a small to mid size layout.

(I also wish there were Accurail style kits in on30. i.e. build in 20 minutes. Hint,  hint Bachmann.)

Scott

Agreed. Anything made in Bachmann's G scale line would look great in On30. The shay(s), climax, and heisler all have nice proportions to each other in G.

Quote from: finderskeepers on May 21, 2016, 02:53:31 AM
still waiting on a decent sized 3 truck shay. If a 30-50 ton Heisler ever comes out, I would be interested in that too. I think the climax is a good size, its too bad that the shay and heisler chosen were "pocket sized".

Another option would be to email NWSL and ask which model is the replacement motor. Likely will be cheaper than alternatives. Talk with Bachmann first though.

Scott

On30 products are made in relatively (to other scales) small batches. A product may be out for a while, then disappear until reproduced (if ever.) The good sellers go fast, and in On30 that tends to be the smaller motive power. The Gas-Mechanical was introduced in 2004 or 2005 I believe, so they were around for a while.

I'm sure if Bachmann sees a market to reintroduce the Gas-Mechanical, they will. But I wouldn't hold your breath. A quick Google search turns up nothing. FWIW, I'd try calling Star Hobby in Maryland. They have a lot of On30 at great prices, but don't advertise and have a useless website. When I saw them in November, they had a lot of out-of-production On30 on hand. They are popular on the train show circuit and I've had good experiences with them. If they don't have them... well... eBay it is.

Scott

Quote from: wblecke on December 21, 2015, 12:03:25 PM
Thank you so much for the prompt reply.  The seller has agreed to a return and refund.  I am still interested in sound, despite this unfortunate experience, but my price point is far less than the list price that I see direct from Bachmann.  Can you explain to me how some sellers can offer new product such as the 4-6-0 with sound for under $160? 

Supply and demand.

Ray from The Favorite Spot in Denton, TX is an outstanding person to deal with. I'm thinking he buys in bulk.

Scott

By chance did you recently adjust any of the speed table CVs? That's my only guess.

Scott

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing!

Scott