I too would like to see this, they are wonderfully generic and are similar to vehicles that ran, not only in the US, but also in many other parts of the world.

Hamish

Any new items are better than nothing like last year. At least it shows that Bachmann intend to continue to support On30.

Hamish

To clear up any confusion, HOe is the European term for HOn30, both are HO scale (1:87),running on 9mm (N) gauge track.  OO9 is the British version, however the scale is different. It is British OO scale or 1:76 . ILike HOe and HOn30 OO9 also uses 9mm (N) gauge track.

I suspect  the Bachmann Thomas range will in fact be OO9. BacHmann is introducing a prototype OO9 range in Britain.

Bachmans Thomas range is not really scale in any case, being representations of the TV characters, not scale models of the original prototype engines. The scale difference, if there is one, shouldn't matter.

Hamish

This link has been posted on this board before, but it shows American WW1 narrow gauge equipment  in action during WW1.  Baldwin 2-6-2 tank locomotives and gas mechanicals feature.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3s01i3aa7w

Hamish

True, long grass is probably not doable, but low weeds over the sleepers could be possible, provided that it was well glued down.

Hamish

Fascinating videos.

I love the overgrown track on the NG. Perfect for hiding that your using HO standard gauge track and not true narrow gauge track.

Hamish

I have long thought that the 2-6-2 WW1 tank locomotive would make an excellent Bachmann On30 model. The centenary of WW1 has sparked interest  in the trench railways in Britain and Europe, as well as the Bachmann OO9 locomotive another maker has introduced in HOe (the same as HOn30) a German WW1 ready to run locomotive and some rolling stock. With the centenary of the USA's participation coming up, the time would seem to be right for Bachmann to make a WW1 On30 locomotive.

After the war they were used in many countries on narrow gauge industrial, and sometimes common carrier, lines. A few were in industrial service in the USA.

Yes, there are kits, but some of us prefer ready-to-run.

Here's hoping.

Hamish.

I would love any small or smallish Garratt. The original Garratt K1, would be my first choice, others are the Puffing Billy G 42 and the SAR NG16 posted by ebtnut. All are well known and preserved, K1 at the Welsh Highland (should be in Australia where it operated) G42 at Puffing Billy Australia and NG 16s at various places including in South Africa and the Welsh Highland. There is one being restored at Puffing Billy.

Much as I would like one I can't see Bachmann doing it - there is no guarantee that they will ever produce another On30 locomotive, and if they do it is likely to be a prototype from an American maker.

Hamish

I've always understood that it was horses for courses. The Garratt;s advantages are the ability to go round tight curves (tighter than a Mallet)  and the ability to have a larger diameter boiler for a given loading gauge as well as having a light axle load for its power. Its disadvantages were length (too long for many turntables, many NSWGR 60 class locos,including 6029 were converted to dual control so they didn't have to be turned), and that the coal and water are over the drivers thus lessening the tractive ability as these are consumed.  In places with light trackwork, tight curves and small loading gauges they are unequalled. However if loading gauges are generous and curves not so tight other  designs, such as Mallets, will be preferable. Few places in the USA would have justified Garratts. Perhaps some narrow gauge lines, but probably few of these needed the power that Garratts would have provided.

Hamish





Hamish

I saw 6209 about  10 days ago. I live in Canberra, Australia and was walking to the Fyshwick markets when I heard a steam engine whistle. There running on a track visible from the road was 6029, obviously undergoing a further trial. (The Canberra station and railway museum are just across from the markets.) She's a wonderful locomotive. It's always great to see a loco come back to life. Looking forward to riding behind her when she goes into excursion service.

Hamish

There was also a similar looking 2-6-2t that was originally produced by ALCO for the British Army. When the USA joined the war a slightly modified 2-6-2t was made by Baldwin and others for the American army. I think that it was these 2-6-2s that ran in America after Ww1. I am not sure that any 4-6-0t operated in the USA.

I have often thought that the 2-6-2t would be a good choice for Bachmann to make in On30 as it was used by the US army.

I live in Australia, both the 2-6-2t and 4-6-0t versions were imported after the war to run on sugar plantations.

Hamish

Thank you Yardmaster for your candid answer to my questions. I too appreciate what Bachmann has done for On30 in the past.

Hamish

Given the lack of new announcements this year, and that some items seem to to be in short supply in hobby shops, can Bachmann indicate whether there are likely to be new models in future years? Also will rolling stock be rerun so as to always have a reasonable range available? I accept that all items can not be available all of the time.  Will locos be rerun, or will existing models be replaced by new models as they sell out?

I am not trying to criticise Bachmann, only to clarify the situation for my planning and budgetting purposes.

Hamish

Quote from: Skarloey Railway on July 20, 2014, 08:13:03 PM

There is an issue with an On30 model in that British O scale is 1:43 (7mm=1ft) whereas US is of course 1:48. 

I am aware of the scale issue. There are 3 possible O scales for O narrow gauge, 1:48 (american), 1:45 ( european) and 1:43 (british). One possibility  would be to use 1:45 as a compromise - not too far out for anybody. Alternatively produce in the scale of origin and let people live with the difference, which is what Bachman europe seem to be doing, Liliput (Bachmann Germany) produces HOe, which is the same as HOn30, i.e. 1:87 on n gauge track.  Which would probably mean a 1:43 Baldwin 4-6-0t, as they were produced for the british  Army. I could live with that.

Hamish

Very nice.

For Skarloay Railway -  the gauge is 750mm or 29 and a half inches, not two foot. What a real 30 inch (almost)  gauge line looks like!

Hamish