Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: WVM_guy on March 05, 2010, 11:08:07 AM

Title: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: WVM_guy on March 05, 2010, 11:08:07 AM
It's high time that one of the commercial manufacturers consider HOn3. Since On30 has taken off like a rocket, and there are numerous people in the wings who'd like nothing better than to try their hand at narrow gauge in HO scale (but are put off by exorbitant prices for HOn3 stuff and the constant hawking of Western NG by current niche manufacturers and the unavailability of some items), the time is RIPE for a commercial manufacturer with proven success in the narrow gauge market to give the hobby a line of good running HOn3 that we don't have to mortgage our houses to get and that runs worth a hoot.

Take the hint Bach Man...you're in this business to make money.
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: ryeguyisme on March 05, 2010, 12:50:49 PM
i think instead of HOn3, it would be more marketable to do HOn30 considering it'd be more consumer friendly and it runs on N scale track, if I had the mean, I would sell like K-27's in HOn30 scale and forneys as well as articulateds, and it'd be nice to have a brazilian 2-10-4 ;)
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: WVM_guy on March 05, 2010, 06:45:36 PM
Since HOn3 is the more established scale, with track already available, it is the most logical choice. Track would not have to be included. On30 was successful, and HOn3 OR HOn30 would be as well. Actually, cars that would be usable in either scale (as the On30 cars are in On3) would make it highly successful.
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: ryeguyisme on March 05, 2010, 07:03:46 PM
well looking at it from my perspective, its more practical to sell the narrow gauge as HOn30(even if the prototype goes for HOn3) since there a wide variety of N scale track, the reason HOn3 wouldn't work is because of the lw selection of track. I wouldn't want to buy shinohara HOn3 switches they''re rather pricey and my dad has a small collection of these switches and how much the track cost I've rather just convert N scale. For the price of two switches I could buy an MDC outside frame connie, maybe less for the Connie even. HOn30 could still be converted later, why do you think AHM made HOn30 stock rather than HOn3? Practicality.
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: Bucksco on March 05, 2010, 07:18:59 PM
I would suggest checking into Blackstone Models made by our friends at Soundtraxx.
http://www.blackstonemodels.com/products.php
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: WVM_guy on March 05, 2010, 08:27:12 PM
Jack, most people can't afford Blackstone. They're nowhere near as affordable as your On30 locos.

Secondly, everything they release is WESTERN narrow gauge. They have no Eastern NG whatsoever, a major problem with the market. Your On30 offerings gave the market a well-rounded selection.
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: ABC on March 05, 2010, 08:42:58 PM
I think rolling stock from Blackstone starts at about $30-35 a car. Also all you have to do is re-letter the cars and then you have eastern NG. Another option is to make your own rolling stock out of rolling stock from more common scales and just buying the appropriate trucks. If you don't have the ability to make your own and can't afford it otherwise, but like narrow gauge, you may want to convert to On30 or another more common scale. The problem is that HOn3 is a very specialized scale and not nearly as popular as scales like Ho, N, and O, and thus not as profitable (unless they have higher prices since they are selling less product). For example you can buy a Bachmann (standard not silver series) boxcar for $4 in Ho scale, but a HOn3 boxcar from Blackstone costs $40. Bachmann probably sells at least 1000 times more HO boxcars compared to Blackstone HOn3 boxcars. Unique/specialized and cheap/affordable do not go together.
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: Bucksco on March 06, 2010, 10:27:26 AM
>> "Unique/specialized and cheap/affordable do not go together."

You are correct sir!
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: ebtnut on March 06, 2010, 07:19:12 PM
HOn30, or HOn2 1/2 as some refer to it, has been around for a long time.  Like On30 before Bachmann, there is small following in this scale/gauge.  HOn3 has been around a lot longer, and has had a lot of equipment offered over the years for almost all of the "classic" narrow gauge roads, east and west.  I think what really got On30 up to the forefront was Bachmann's offering of models that were reasonably detailed, had a narrow gauge prototype, were very affordable, and could be built in virutally the same space as HOn3.  At one time, AHM was going to offer a line of HOn30 models based on Maine 2-foot prototypes.  They did an 0-4-0ST and a Plymouth, but never followed through with the others. 
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: Terry Toenges on March 08, 2010, 01:31:49 AM
"I think what really got On30 up to the forefront was Bachmann's offering of models that were reasonably detailed, had a narrow gauge prototype, were very affordable, and could be built in virutally the same space as HOn3."
And the fact that it runs on HO EZ Track.
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: ryeguyisme on March 08, 2010, 02:13:10 AM
Quote from: Terry Toenges on March 08, 2010, 01:31:49 AM
"I think what really got On30 up to the forefront was Bachmann's offering of models that were reasonably detailed, had a narrow gauge prototype, were very affordable, and could be built in virutally the same space as HOn3."
And the fact that it runs on HO EZ Track.

THATS why I said HOn30 hence 'N' scale EZ Track
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: mp15dc on January 30, 2011, 02:01:43 PM
N scale track is the right width but the ties are too small and too close together. While I think On30 has taken off Im sure HOn3 would take off even more. Most of the HO modelers have all the detail, structures vehicles etc all the have to do is change the track and trains. And I have spoken to many narrow gauge fan who would love to model narrow gauge but are either scared of steam locos or just don't like steam. That why a center cab diesel such as EBT or Georgetown or the 4-5 that Durango and Silverton have would be a good seller. As I said , a center cab and few hoppers and you've got yourself a railroad.
Ted
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: WTierce1 on January 30, 2011, 06:10:37 PM
Hon30 would be a good idea for 30 INCH gauge trains NOT K-27's or things like that because it is 3 foot gauge. Same with On30, that is why Bachmann doesn't make them in On30 because it is based on 30 inch gauge.
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: WTierce1 on January 30, 2011, 06:15:56 PM
Sorry for the double-post but I actually put something about Hon3 E-Z track so if someone wanted to get Hon3 scale they wouldn't have to use flex track but most of my replies were negative about the subject.
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: CNE Runner on January 31, 2011, 11:11:56 AM
This is an interesting thread, as I have considered HOn30 for micro layouts. Recently I looked at the new MinitrainS set and was 'put off' by the strange European couplers. Furthermore, a post on one of the narrow gauge forums, said that conversion to [even] N-gauge couplers was "difficult at best".

Trains that run on N-gauge track are really HOn2.5 (and not HOn30). Given the success of the new MinitrainS sets (they just released an updated version of their 0-4-0); there seems to be a market. Anyone modeling a small industrial or waterfront scene could use this scale (not to mention all the mining and lumbering fans).

A previous poster suggested Bachmann's involvement, in HOn3/2.5 because of the offerings and quality of their On30 line...I couldn't agree more. Perhaps a good starting point is to put N-scale running gear under the Bachmann Plymouth WDT (NOT MDT...please Bachmann!) and see what happens. I envision selling this critter in a set similar to the MinitrainS set...with decent N-scale couplers. Mr. Bachmann: Ask sales (or R/D) to check on the sales of MinitrainS products...this just might be worth the company's while to look into further.

Ray
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: WTierce1 on January 31, 2011, 05:10:12 PM
I have a plymouth minitrains set and am planning on building a micro layout for it. I want the new set with the porter and mine and coal cars. The plymouth set is nice. That is my first Hon30 set so the couplers weren't a problem and the Roco Hon30 (Hoe) trains and Lilliput (Hon30, Hoe) locos have that type so it would be a good match for that.
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: CNE Runner on January 31, 2011, 07:08:56 PM
I have a layout plan (by Jack Trollope) picked out of Carl Arendt's website. The purpose of the layout would be to operate trains while we are traveling in our motor home...hence the interest in the MinitrainS Plymouth set. I had previously mentioned that I was 'concerned' about the unusual couplers only because the MinitrainS couplers would limit the rolling stock to their products. Thanks to you, I will check out the Roco and Lilliput offerings to see what works. I envision a pickle packing production ['try saying that fast, five times] and the MinitrainS set would definitely fit the bill.

Like I said: I am in the planning stages now and don't see any real progress on the 'traveling layout' until late Spring or summer. BTW: Where do you purchase your Roco and Lilliput items?

Regards,
Ray
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: glennk28 on January 31, 2011, 09:01:01 PM
One  reason that On30 got a good start is that On3 lacked an easy to use track  system.  Not so with HOn3--there are good track components available.  Besides Blackstone, which has another loco (2-8-0) coming, Concor has Galloping geese, Micro Trains has cars,  and there are lots of kits and parts around.  gj
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: Doneldon on February 01, 2011, 12:38:22 AM
CNE-

HOn2.5 is HOn30. The "2.5" refers to 2.5 feet which is 30 inches which is what HOn30 means.

                                                                                    -- D
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: WTierce1 on February 01, 2011, 06:17:48 PM
CNE: You can get Roco and Lilput from this site: http://www.reynaulds.com/index.aspx . You can scroll up and down the side and find the brands, just click on them and go to Narrow gauge or Hoe.
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: CNE Runner on February 01, 2011, 06:24:11 PM
Well Don - Generally speaking HOn30 is used to approximate 3' gauge whilst HOn2.5 tries to approximate 2' gauge...neither are totally accurate.

Putting it another way:
  Standard gauge = 55.5" (4' 8.5") This is what the big boys use.
  HO scale = 3.5 mm = 1' [or a scale reduction of 87.1:1]
  HO gauge = 16.5 mm and is within 0.025" of being correct
  HOn30, HOn762, HOe, and HOn2.5 all utilize 9 mm gauged track (N-gauge)

Other obscure gauges in use within the hobby today are:
  HOm = 1 m on 12 mm gauged track in HO
  HOf = 600 mm gauge on 6.5 mm track (in HO)
I should add that the term "in HO" means that the car body is usually in HO scale while the trucks (and therefore track) is not.

Ain't math fun? And let me say it before the rest of you do; "Who cares? Let's run trains!"

Ray

PS: Thanks for the come back Wtierce...you were posting as I was writing this thesis. I will check out the website you suggested.  ;D
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: Doneldon on February 02, 2011, 03:20:56 AM
CNE-

You are confusing simulated prototypes with track gauge. HOn2 1/2 and HOn30
are the same, i.e., 30 inches between the railheads. HOn3 is different,
specifically 3' gauge.
                                                                                     -- D

Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: BillD53A on February 02, 2011, 05:40:05 AM
It was originally HOn2 1/2; Kalmbach called it HOn2 1/2, Carstens called it HOn30
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: Johnson Bar Jeff on February 02, 2011, 01:28:17 PM
Quote from: BillD53A on February 02, 2011, 05:40:05 AM
It was originally HOn2 1/2; Kalmbach called it HOn2 1/2, Carstens called it HOn30

To-may-to, to-mah-to. ...  ;)
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: Doneldon on February 02, 2011, 05:12:33 PM
JBar-

My point exactly.

           -- D
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: Johnson Bar Jeff on February 03, 2011, 11:31:31 AM
Quote from: Doneldon on February 02, 2011, 05:12:33 PM
JBar-

My point exactly.

           -- D


Yup!  :)
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: pjsdad on February 05, 2011, 12:29:20 PM
Like it or not, the most sensable thing business-wise might be to make
a Thomas narrow gage set...Skarloey.. ;D






Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: mp15dc on July 30, 2011, 12:14:52 PM

Well Bachmann here is the what your 45 tonner looks like with the walkway and cab narrowed 2 ft. narrow the wheel sets to hon3 and youve got yourself a winner....what ya think guys?????
(http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/141273/sn/1537696240/name/100_8154.jpg)
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: Doneldon on July 30, 2011, 09:46:24 PM
mp-

Although I don't expect to see a factory version of your
HOn3 45-tonner, I do like yours. Maybe you can go
into production.
                                       -- D
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: CNE Runner on August 01, 2011, 04:43:55 PM
Wow...I really like the color combination on your GE 45 Tonner. It looks like you took the red 'flavor' of the Bachmann locomotive and painted the cab section a 'sea green' - really eye catching. Thanks for sharing.

Ray
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: rogertra on August 01, 2011, 07:48:18 PM
Quote from: mp15dc on July 30, 2011, 12:14:52 PM

Well Bachmann here is the what your 45 tonner looks like with the walkway and cab narrowed 2 ft. narrow the wheel sets to hon3 and you've got yourself a winner....what ya think guys?????
(http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/141273/sn/1537696240/name/100_8154.jpg)

It's work like this that makes me still ponder whether I should stay in HO with the new GER, or go narrow.

Trouble is, I've large investment in HO, all the locos (50 plus) have been lettered for the GER as has much of the rolling stock, so the resale value is almost zero.  :(
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: train guy on August 04, 2011, 08:41:55 PM
Pretty nice center cab!
Title: Re: Has Bachmann considered HOn3 RTR?
Post by: richg on August 04, 2011, 08:55:18 PM
Quote from: rogertra on August 01, 2011, 07:48:18 PM
Quote from: mp15dc on July 30, 2011, 12:14:52 PM

Well Bachmann here is the what your 45 tonner looks like with the walkway and cab narrowed 2 ft. narrow the wheel sets to hon3 and you've got yourself a winner....what ya think guys?????
(http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/141273/sn/1537696240/name/100_8154.jpg)

It's work like this that makes me still ponder whether I should stay in HO with the new GER, or go narrow.

Trouble is, I've large investment in HO, all the locos (50 plus) have been lettered for the GER as has much of the rolling stock, so the resale value is almost zero.  :(

Simple solution is a logging or mine NG addition. Many have done that with HOn3 and HOn30.
I have a HOn30 project to make a resin HOn30 class A Climax based on a N scale diesel chassis which includes Climax side frames to glue onto the side of the diesel trucks.

Rich