I know they didn't sell well but wish I would of picked a couple up. Would of been great kitbashing projects.

Bachmann continues to produce fine locomotives. It seems like each new one is better than the last. Why stop producing rolling stock to go behind it?  I can't imagine molds are worn out already.

Judging by Garden Railways magazine it seems like 1:20th scale has a good following and is a quite popular garden scale.

I started this thread so we could speculate what might be released next and to give Bachmann some feedback to what we want.

Mine is the Connie also. I got to operate on the prototype in Virginia City, MT ang got my first taste of 1:1 railroading. When I realized it was out of production, I snapped one up quickly. I'm currently modifying mine with some changes to the tender and a smoke box extension. The thing I love about Bachmann products is they aren't to expensive to take the saw to.  I've never had an operating large scale layout but enjoy modifying my models and detailing them.

I've been thinking about what might be coming out next. It seems to me that a lot models are being discontinued or not listed in the online catalog: Rail truck, Davenport, K-27, side dump gondola, EBT hopper, flat car to name the recent. The older models that come to mind are the connie and 45 ton diesel. The models I mentioned all seem like they were well received a and the fact they are sold out says something.

Tooling seems like the major investment, why stop producing? Is producing models in 1:20.3 scale for a limited time a marketing strategy? Once dies are made and paid for, it seems like the profit margin should increase.

I hope to see some new releases in 1:20.3 scale from July's NMRA convention. I'd love to see some passenger equipment.

Thoughts..... Wishes.......

I finished my RC install of my Bachmann Davenport. I used a RX65 receiver, available from RCS-RC and Del Tang, a Turningy 11.1v battery.


I first added a "floor" in the hood where the circuit board was, which will cover the motor and future speaker.




I used a radio shack push button on/off glued to the bottom of the stack




Picture showing everything installed



I also installed accucraft couplers

I bought a connie a couple years ago for a reasonable price. The first time I tested it the gear broke. I ordered a replacement from NWSL as Bachmann was out of stock at the time. The NWSL delrin gear's axle opening seemed too tight for the connie axle and I drilled it out to fit my axle. I ordered the Bachmann replacement as a back up when they came back in stock. The repair wasn't too hard but was glad to have instructions. Be fair warned though, lots of small screws and springs! 

In the mid nineties I bought my first Bachmann large scale product, a big hauler starter set. "Fine Scale Railroader" was being published at that time and there was an article on kitbashing big haulers into RGS ten wheelers #s 20, 22, and 25. It basically involved enlarging the smoke box, smokestack, making the tender taller and shorter, changing domes, moving air tanks, changing the running boards, shortening the pony truck and adding details. The pics in the article were awesome! I started the project but unfortunately my model was stolen before it was finished. I'd like to suggest to Bachmann as this for a possible new product using their current drive from the 4-6-0. The RGS 20 is currently being restored to operationally condition at the Strasburg RR before being returned to the Colorado Railroad Museum. The RGS 10 wheelers were bought from the Florence and Cripple Creek RR and could be lettered for that RR as well. In addition, the Southern Pacific had very similar 10 wheelers on there narrow gauge branch with whale back tenders. 

With the return of RGS #20 to operating service, I feel this could be a popular model. If the drive train of the 4-6-0 would work for these models, it seems like it could be an economical way for Bachmann to release a new a model.

Not really as it seems like it would be primarily for indoor use. From my experience which is limited, there isn't an issue with laying large scale track on the carpet and narrow gauge lines typically used little ballast.  I'd rather see Bachmann invest resources in more more F scale rolling stock in particular passenger cars. I'd also love to see Bachmann produce some F scale figures!

Bill,

Thanks for the reply and clarification. I had originally planned on using an 11.1 v battery for my rail truck but do to stated measurements on HK's website, I had to switch things around a little. I'll probably run with the 7.4 battery a while till I spring for Phoenix. Thanks for all the info you provide here and promoting Bacmann Large scale!

Tony,

I was just browsing on HK's website and I was just about to post a correction to battery brand but you beat me to it. I was looking to see if they offered any 14.8 volt batteries that would fit in my space after Bill's comment. Last night I also read up on the P8 manual. There statement on page 6 makes me believe that 11.1 v should work. I have only bench tested this rail truck so far. Hoping to run on a friends railroad in a couple of days.

Bill,

Yes they are Tenergy li-po. I bought them from hobbyking, they're prices seem very competitive. I know their are concerns with li-pos but there price and size are very good. I also bought a Tenergy smart charger that is very adjustable so hopefully I won't have a problem. I figure these are very popular with RC hobbyists and explosions aren't making the daily headlines. Thanks for the heads up about the P8 voltage, I wasn't aware of that. I don't know when I'll have the money to add sound to my three locomotives as that will be a big investment; 3 sound boards, programming cable and windows software so I can run it on my Mac. How does the P8 behave differently on 14.8 volts than higher voltage?

Patrick

I converted my Bachmann rail truck to battery and RC. I used a Rx65 receiver mounted under the seat in the cab. I shortened the coffin box and mounted it sideways for the battery. The battery is a Turnigy 2s Lipo (7.4v) 850 mAh. I origanally planned on using a 3s Lipo (11.1v) 1300 mAh battery but the one I ordered was two tight of a fit. I like the speed it provides. I'm hoping to have enough room for a Phoenix P8 in the coffin box and my plan is to mount a speaker on the bottom of the cab roof facing down.

I did a google search and found tha fastracks sells Micro Engineering code 148 rail by the stick. The link is here http://www.handlaidtrack.com/18in-Micro-Engineering-Code-148-Non-Weathered-Rail-p/17-148-c.htm

Could probably buy it from Micro Enginneering also.

I think I will order one of these. Does any one know which screw bachmann sells that is the proper length for the tender truck side frames? I'll order those at the same time.

Thanks,
Patrick

Is the Connie still being produced? It believe it is absent from the product list. Will it return?

Thanks,
Patrick