Hey all,

I have a quick question. I'm readying myself for a little kitbash project in Large Scale and I need to replace the smokebox front with a more detailed one. I was browsing the Bachmann Parts site and saw the C-19 smokebox front replacements.

How much to they measure in diameter? Real life measurements preferred, thank you.

Hey, does anyone know when the new Porter locos are going to be released? I know they've been announced, but I do recall what the release date was. 

Dear Mr. Bach Man,

This is a though I wished to share with you, for I think it deserves serious consideration. Although modeling narrow gauge is not as wide spread as those who model standard gauge, but it is still a rather large percentage of modelers. I myself toyed with the idea of modeling HOn3 because I am quite fond of narrow gauge and Colorado narrow gauge in particular. However as I explored what was available in terms of motive power for HOn3 I discovered that the choices are quite limited from a financial aspect.

Most locomotives are made of brass and thus cost a pretty penny. Some of the older brass models can be found for reasonable prices, but to my knowledge many of these models are either rare, out of production, or just plain hard to find. New brass models are often quite expensive. Also most brass HOn3 locomotives are DC and not intended for DCC operation. Thus the only option here is to hard wire a decoder into a relatively small model. This is not a huge limitation, however there are those who lack the knowledge or the time and materials to make the conversion.

What I am proposing is for you to consider production of an HOn3 portion of you already renowned Spectrum line. I have had the privilege of owning and operating both HO and On30 locomotives that are Bachmann products and have found little or no reason to be disappointed. As a side not I eagerly await the release of the improved On30 Porters.

Currently the newest locomotives in HOn3 are the new Blackstone models. They are very nice and I greatly enjoy their detail, but their price tag is a little too high for my comfort zone. For any HOn3 modeling I wish to partake in I have to look for the old MDC kits, which sadly are no longer in production. This is where I think that Bachmann Trains can fill a niche. You have already proven yourself to one of the leading model train manufacturers and are always pushing the bar for higher standards.

An HOn3 line would be wonderful because it would rest somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. If you were to release such a product line the models would no doubt be beautifully detailed and, at the same time, wouldn't cost an arm and a leg.

One locomotive I would love to see a model of is the Death Valley Railroad #2.



A Baldwin narrow gauge 2-8-0, inside frame, builders number 42864. (If I'm correct)
Perhaps an HOn3 version of the On30 Porter as well, just to give you a challenge!

And then there are the traditional Colorado narrow gauge prototypes, such as C-16s, C-18s, C-19s, C-21s, and C-25. K-27s, K-28s, K-36s, and K-37s. Or the Colorado & Southern narrow gauge locomotives. Or the Denver South Park & Pacific. Perhaps even the Denver Boulder & Western, the list goes on. And even with Eastern Narrow Gauge, there's the ET&WNC (Tweetsie) or the East Broad Top, the Quincy & Torch Lake, the Argent Lumber Co., ect... There are endless possibilities!!

I know that I am a single voice amongst thousands, but I do not speak for myself alone; but for many narrow gauge modelers who feel the same way. Again, this is just a though I wish to pitch to you and for your consideration. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the matter.

Sincerely, Andrew J. Davis.

I'm planning an interesting kitbash project for a 4-6-0 and I'm considering using the Bachmann 4-6-0 as the chassis. However the engine I'm trying to depict/portray has 44" diaeter drivers and the lead wheel diameters are 24".

Can anyone tell me what the scale drive wheel and lead wheel diameters for the B-mann 4-6-0 are?
Much Obliged in advance. 

Dear Mr. Bach Man,

As someone who comes and checks out this forum on occasion I have noticed a constant I see with every visit. On30 Modelers practically demanding a Heisler locomotive. I myself would like to see one as well, though I'm not holding my breath.

Perhaps the issue is decerning a prototype? Well there's the West Side Lumber Co.'s Heilser(s). The wood burning Heisler on the Sumpter Valley Railroad, but my preference would be this loco. http://www.steamlocomotive.info/onephoto.cfm?display=181&size=1024&submit=1024

Although it's 3ft gauge, its proportions make it look more of a smaller gauge loco. That and the fact that it has a wooden cab, something of an extream rarity that I have seen. Though in this case I would remove the cowcatcher if favor of a more traditional Heisler type pilot. I would like to hear your thoughts on this suggestion Mr. Bach Man. I feel that others would like this prototype as well. 

I'm considering on purchasing a Bachmann 2-8-0 and have read that the minimum sugested radius is 8ft. But will the 2-8-0 perform well on smaller radi? I know that there is a limit to that but I'd still like to know, can anyone help?

Dear Mr. Bach-man,

I've been very enthusiastic with the On30 locomotives and rolling stock you have produced thus far. I am particularly looking forward to getting one of the new Drover's Cabooses. (I think that's what they're called)

But is it at all possible to give us any hints as to what's to come? I'm just a tad bit curious. If you can't I can understand, It would be nice to see a Heisler to complete the two other geared steam locomotives you have! 

Hey! What happened to all the On30 Porters? Did Bachmann disscontinue them? Man that would really stink if they did!