It's just my opinion, but with the time and energy put into the rant here he could have already installed the MARS lighting and been happily on his way... 

Quote from: jonathan on November 19, 2009, 12:34:54 PM
Interesting discussion.

I tried to keep my fingers to myself on this one, but alas, here are my two cents.

I appreciate that Bachmann has chosen to offer quality equipment at an affordable price.  With a young family to care for, and just starting out on my second career, I like that I can still find equipment on my limited budget.  I especially like that this, and other companies, offer equipment that is DCC ready.  One day, perhaps I will be able to afford the jump to DCC and can easily install decoders and speakers (even flashing lights) as I see fit.

That being said, I ALSO appreciate the big dollar equipment offered by MTH, and others, that come with all the bells and whistles.  I have a wish list as long as my arm with the inside-and-out, superdetailed equipment.  If/when I ever get that kind of cookie jar money, you can bet I'll be first in line.

I think there can be room for both kinds of gear.  Both are necessary in this, the best of all hobbies.

How's that for middle-of-the-road?

Regards,

Jonathan

I'll second all that is written above and add only this:  Add it yourself.  There is so much kitbashing going on is adding a LED that much of a big deal?  But I'm modeling the steam era and have no need for MARS lighting.  Perhaps I'd feel differently if my roster were diesel.

Totally agree guys.  I have one that is slated to become the power for my scratch galloping goose.  I've found it to be a good runner if kept perfectly clean and lubricated.

Please post photo's when you are done.  I'd love to see it all come together.  Jay

Also try modeltrainstuff.com  They have fantastic prices, the service is just as nice, and they have real time inventory.

Be careful looking at Wholesale Trains.  When it says "available" thats exactly what they mean.  It could take months to fill your order.

For $150 you should also be looking into a dcc and sound diesel, if you think you may go that route someday.  Lots can be had at that budget that will run just fine on standard dc.  Check eBay.  Lots of reputable dealers there. 

Time.  Not nearly enough of it to get to everything.  You guys sound just like me.  I'm in a club and modified my membership to inactive.  I cannot get down there nearly enough to justify the cost these days.  I can't even get the time to work on my layout in my own basement never mind a huge new layout 30 miles away!

I have about about 100' of track.  I have had no problem running a BLI Mikado, Spectrum 2-8-0, and a Roundhouse 4-4-0 all with sound.  All at the same time.  My NCE Power cab has been flawless.  I don't know enough about the Bachmann dcc systems to know if it is comparable.  But mine is considered a "starter" dcc system and is great!  Jay

Quote from: jbsmith on August 27, 2009, 07:55:52 PM
2-8-4 Berkshires can handle them just fine, despite their size.
2-6-2 Prairies barely notice 18inch curves, cool little locos,,but they are not dcc. Inexpensive too if you shop around on the net.

The 2-8-0 would be a good choice too.

BLI blue line 2-8-2 Mikados too,,you can get these at a nice price too if
you shop/surf a bit on the net.

The BLI's can also be found on the BLI website sold a refurbished.  Nice deals if you are willing to take a chance.  They still have a full factory warranty too...Jay

Quote from: jonathan on August 26, 2009, 12:58:19 PM
I have two 2-8-0 Consolidations; one Spectrum DC and one DCC.  Both will negotiate 18" radius curves with ease.  Don't have any larger steamers, so I can't speak to their performance.  Hope this helps.  R, J

I secondthe above.  A Spectrum 2-8-0 is the largest I have and it easily goes around my 18" curves.  I absolutely recommend this engine for anyone just getting going.  Especially if you go with the dcc and sound version.  Jay

Can we simply lop off a 6 and a 2 and get a Spectrum 2-6-0?

My 7 year old has a Spectrum 2-8-0 with factory dcc and sound.  It's the best runner we have.  We both love it, love it, love it.  As long he is careful with the detailing you cannot go wrong.

Jay 

Our railroad is loosely based on the Brookline and Pepperell Branch of the former Fitchburg Railroad in the early 1920's.  This railroad has just been absorbed into the massive Boston and Maine Railroad.  Plans are to have the tracks follow the original route taken thru the towns of Brookline and Hollis, NH continuing on to Pepperell and Groton, MA.

I have a reproduction of the Fresh Pond Ice Company along with the South Brookline Depot.  I also have the Pepperell and Groton stations and freight houses.

Approximately 100 sf.  Benchwork is complete, and the track work has been completed.  We have basically two interlocking loops that we can run our trains on.  Total track length is around 140 feet with a max grade of 2%.

Quote from: Yampa Bob on June 17, 2009, 11:11:20 AM
That's pretty clever. Of course if I said neigh I might be sleeping in the stables. Guess that's better than the doghouse.

Oh I don't know.  No matter what I say or do, the dog still loves me!

My wife is the artist, and all her weathering is done via the drybrush.  And you cannot go wrong with $1.00 acrylics and a $0.50 brush...