I know I'm starting this early as the 2008 releases are just to hit the shelves. But can we ask Bachmann for a 2-6-0 Spectrum? I'd love to see it released at least dcc ready, but with the dcc and Tsunami would be a bonus ( I'd order mine now ). The Mogul was huge up in this area ( the Boston and Maine ). Sorry Roundhouse, your 2-6-0 is not "up to snuff" as long as a MRC sound decoder is installed. So how about it? These must be more Mogul fans than just me right?
How about a nice B-15 for example?
Mr. Bach-Mann,
Unfortunatley there have been no responses, as of yet, to this thread. ??? But I posted this over on the Model Railroader forum site and have a good many other MRRers that feel as I do. Have a look:
http://cs.trains.com/forums/1410298/ShowPost.aspx
There. I've done what I can. Now it up to you! ;D
Sparky.
The need for a Spectrum 2-6-0 has been thrashed to death here on several occasions and seems to fall on deaf ears at Bachmann.
Only problem with a USRA 0-6-0 is that it's already been done by Walthers/LL with DCC & sound. I have one of their 0-8-0's but for as detailed as it is, the DCC is a constant battle to get working. I'm tempted to drop it off at Tony's Trains in Essex here, but I hate to drop another PITA locomotive on them.
Bob(the Vermont Bob)
Quote from: sparkyjay31 on April 09, 2008, 07:10:52 AM
I know I'm starting this early as the 2008 releases are just to hit the shelves. But can we ask Bachmann for a 2-6-0 Spectrum? I'd love to see it released at least dcc ready, but with the dcc and Tsunami would be a bonus ( I'd order mine now ). The Mogul was huge up in this area ( the Boston and Maine ). Sorry Roundhouse, your 2-6-0 is not "up to snuff" as long as a MRC sound decoder is installed. So how about it? These must be more Mogul fans than just me right?
How about a nice B-15 for example?
I would gladly support your request for a Spectrum 2-6-0, would buy one for sure, if not more.
Also needed would be a Spectrum 2-6-2 Prairie.
A spectrum B-15 is a perfect candidate for HO. Not only has there been an increasing number of B&M modelers in the past few years, but a B-15 would make an excellent generic 2-6-0.
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd264/Guilford_Guy/2008040621201416130.jpg)
If bachmann does chose to do a B15, I have a reproduction of the rr blue prints they can use, if they find it necessary. :)
i recently purchased a 0-8-8-8-0 directly from IHC that is supposed to be DCC ready.I would go for a Mogul and a pacific with dcc and sound but only if they were mfg from spectrum locos . I have a std Bachman mogul and I don't believe the detail and quality is good enough for a dcc and sound loco.
Don :P
Well, I heard once that many of the steamers now in the standard line were once Spectrum models, and they were moved to standard to make room for more high end items like sound, Berks, and other stuff.
Of course the newer Spectrum might be better quality than the older ones. I admit to being a Bachmann "snob", I like their quality for the buck.
Don, does the Mogul run good? I'm not so concerned about the detail.
Bob
So I guess it comes down to the manufacturer ( in this case Bachmann ) not thinking thee is a market for this locomotive? Too bad. With the 4-4-0, 4-6-0, 2-8-0 already in the Spectrum fleet I would think that a 2-6-0 Mogul would be a great addition and a natural fit...
Quote from: Yampa Bob on April 10, 2008, 01:08:41 AM
Well, I heard once that many of the steamers now in the standard line were once Spectrum models, and they were moved to standard to make room for more high end items like sound, Berks, and other stuff.
I remember the Bachmann Plus line of steamers and know that they are now part of the Standard Spectrum line. However, I was unaware that any Spectrum engines were now part of the Standard Line.
Can anyone coment on this statement?
IHC makes one that runs realy good it just is lacking majorly in details and is not DCC ready . Some thing logging would be good as some of the 2-6-0 's 2-8-0's ect. were former main line locomotives . Also some thing SP would be nice , Bachmann seems to do all east coast proto tipes .
How about something like this:
http://www.wabash-railroad.com/images/Steam/2-6-0/WB20571F.jpg (http://www.wabash-railroad.com/images/Steam/2-6-0/WB20571F.jpg)
Bob
The mogul runs pretty good but lacks the necessary details.
Don :-\
.
Pacific:
Someone mentioned it on the forum, don't remember when or by whom. I can't verify it since I only started in 2007. Could just be "gossip".
Bob
IHC makes one that runs realy good it just is lacking majorly in details and is not DCC ready . Some thing logging would be good as some of the 2-6-0 's 2-8-0's ect. were former main line locomotives . Also some thing SP would be nice , Bachmann seems to do all east coast proto tipes .
The IHC Mogul (rear cab not that bogus camelback) is based on the SP M-4 2-6-0.
Now, if Bachmann were to do an SP Mogul of classes M-6, M-8 or M-9, I suppose I could be persuaded to part with some money.
Andre
Quote from: Yampa Bob on April 11, 2008, 01:53:59 AM
Pacific:
Someone mentioned it on the forum, don't remember when or by whom. I can't verify it since I only started in 2007. Could just be "gossip".
Bob
Certainly can not think of any Spectrum engines, at least in steam that were later re-released in the Standard line. Perhaps the diesel engines?
Quote from: sparkyjay31 on April 09, 2008, 07:10:52 AM
I know I'm starting this early as the 2008 releases are just to hit the shelves. But can we ask Bachmann for a 2-6-0 Spectrum? I'd love to see it released at least dcc ready, but with the dcc and Tsunami would be a bonus ( I'd order mine now ). The Mogul was huge up in this area ( the Boston and Maine ). Sorry Roundhouse, your 2-6-0 is not "up to snuff" as long as a MRC sound decoder is installed. So how about it? These must be more Mogul fans than just me right?
How about a nice B-15 for example?
Here is an article on converting the IHC Mogul to a different prototype, similar to the Boston and Maine 2-6-0 at:
http://www.cashgroth.com/ho/mstl304.html (http://www.cashgroth.com/ho/mstl304.html)
(http://www.sjcook.com/trains/mccall/rollingstk/msl304.jpg)
B&M 2-6-0:
(http://www.budd-rdc.org/sets/photos/drm16.png)
Harold
I like the idea of an Espee Mogul by bachmann...
Quote from: sparkyjay31 on April 09, 2008, 07:10:52 AM
I know I'm starting this early as the 2008 releases are just to hit the shelves. But can we ask Bachmann for a 2-6-0 Spectrum? I'd love to see it released at least dcc ready, but with the dcc and Tsunami would be a bonus ( I'd order mine now ). The Mogul was huge up in this area ( the Boston and Maine ). Sorry Roundhouse, your 2-6-0 is not "up to snuff" as long as a MRC sound decoder is installed. So how about it? These must be more Mogul fans than just me right?
How about a nice B-15 for example?
I have two Roundhouse DCC ready 2-6-0s that I installed the Micro-Tsunami into along with a one inch speaker. Very nice. The bigger issue is it is a "plaine Jane" next to my Spectrum 4-4-0, plus larger. The Roundhouse needs a lot of added details.
(http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/richg1998/Spectrum4-4-0Roundhouse2-6-0.jpg)
The box type headlights are my conversion. The locos come with the smaller electric headlight.
Rich
Rich
Where did you get the headlight conversions? I'd like to change the light on my Roundhouse 2-8-0. Also, do you know where I can get an "onion" stack to slip over the straight one? I've heard them called all kinds of names, but onion seems appropriate. Taper, balloon, whatever... :D
Bob
Bob
What are you doing up so late.
Which model represents the appropriate size. When I purchase a loco I don't usually think of the appropriate size The comparison here brought it to my attention. I would have thought that locos of the same configuration and of the same era would be of the same approximate size.
Don ???
Quote from: Yampa Bob on April 19, 2008, 12:32:52 AM
Rich
Where did you get the headlight conversions? I'd like to change the light on my Roundhouse 2-8-0. Also, do you know where I can get an "onion" stack to slip over the straight one? I've heard them called all kinds of names, but onion seems appropriate. Taper, balloon, whatever... :D
Bob
I could not sleep.
The headlights are part of a kit MDC use to sell for loco conversions. I took the LED out of the original headlight and installed it in the MDC box light. I put a thin dab of yellow on the LED so it will have a more yellowish color like the old oil lamps did. I first attach the headlight base to the bottom of the headlight. I forgot to do this with the 2-6-0. You will notice the Spectrum 4-4-0 has a base under the headlight. Right click the photo and select View Photo. That should make the photo larger. I use Firefox 2.0.0.6 browser.
Using a very tiny drill (#73 I think) and pin vise, I drill two holes in the bottom of the headlight/base and install the LED wires through the holes. I use a little GEL ACC to hold the LED in place. I have some lenses I attached to the front and a thin piece of styrene for the back on the light. I paint the headlight before installing the lenses. I bought two different size HO scale lenses by Details West for diesels. I think I used the larger one. Next time, I will take photos of the process. I am sure their are a few people like me who enjoy pain. ;)
Before attaching the headlight, I solder about one inch #30 wires to the LED leads and cover the solder joint with 1/16 inch shrink tube. I wipe the solder iron tip clean and use its heat to shrink the tubing. Remember, there is plastic nearby. I have not had any issues with that process. Not bad for someone who does not have a steady hand anymore. I average out the shakes. :)
I had to extend the wires in the loco boiler the same way. First, I completely removed the two wires, soldered extensions, applied shrink and put the boiler back on the frame. I used a little Contact cement to hold the wires in place before attaching the boiler. I marked the wire that is common with a red dot. The blue wire is common on the decoder and it is positive voltage. With clip leads and my NCE Power Cab connected to the tender wheels, I made sure the LED came on. I then put a red dot on the same lead as the one in the boiler with the red dot. I use header pins and shrink tube to make my own connectors to join the two leads.
These links will show you how to make your own connectors.
http://www.schutzer.net/Brass_Clinics/InstallingDecoders2007.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/sask.rail/plug-and-socket/Little-Plugs-and-Sockets.html
Yes, it seems like a lot of work but I am retired, plus I lke the results.
I will look through my stash for the type of smoke stack you would like. Ok, now I am tired.
Rich
Quote from: grumpy on April 19, 2008, 12:52:42 AM
Bob
What are you doing up so late.
Which model represents the appropriate size. When I purchase a loco I don't usually think of the appropriate size The comparison here brought it to my attention. I would have thought that locos of the same configuration and of the same era would be of the same approximate size.
Don ???
There is no appropriate size. On a large railroad like say the B&O there is a wide variation for each wheel configuration depending upon the needs of service. There is no one size fits all. That is why it is hard to develop steam models, there are so many variants.
Harold
Quote from: Yampa Bob on April 19, 2008, 12:32:52 AM
Rich
Where did you get the headlight conversions? I'd like to change the light on my Roundhouse 2-8-0. Also, do you know where I can get an "onion" stack to slip over the straight one? I've heard them called all kinds of names, but onion seems appropriate. Taper, balloon, whatever... :D
Bob
I have two partial kits of what is linked below. I can spare a couple headlights also.
(http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/richg1998/2-8-0D.jpg)
Rich
Wow. I'd like to get my hands on a bunch of those detail kits. I wonder if Horizon / Athearn could be persuaded to re-issue them? I am so glad to see them release the vintage locos. I am very happy with the 2-8-0, I also ordered the 2-6-0 Rio Grande, it has the large light on top of the boiler and tender.
Some modelers say the Roundhouse is lacking in detail. I may be wrong but from pictures I've seen they didn't have a lot of detail on earlier locos.
Is detailing locos becoming a lost art? It's getting harder to find good selections of parts. Yep, I'm also a glutton for punishment, with my lousy eyesight it's almost torture, but I enjoy the challenge.
Rich, if you have any detail parts you don't plan on using, I could sure put them to good use. Seems I got into railroads a tad too late for some of these goodies.
Bob
Hi Bob
Enlarge the photo I posted and let me know what you would like. I know I can spare two headlights with the base for each.
Rich
Rich
After reading your instructions about changing out the light, I don't think I could handle the job. I am mostly interested in the two sizes of "diamond" stacks, but not sure I want to cut off the old straight one.
You might need the parts someday, let me think more about what I want to do.
By the way, Roundhouse is pulling the separate 2-6-0 and putting them in sets with 4 Overland cars, EZ track and controller. I had to buy the entire set to get the loco, but at $140 it was still a good deal. The cars alone retail for $69, and I can use the Overlands anyway. I got the last set my source had.
If anyone wants the separate locos, better get them before they are all put into sets. They could all be discontinued soon which is typical Athearn strategy.
Bob
Quote from: Yampa Bob on April 21, 2008, 09:24:23 PM
Rich
After reading your instructions about changing out the light, I don't think I could handle the job. I am mostly interested in the two sizes of "diamond" stacks, but not sure I want to cut off the old straight one.
You might need the parts someday, let me think more about what I want to do.
By the way, Roundhouse is pulling the separate 2-6-0 and putting them in sets with 4 Overland cars, EZ track and controller. I had to buy the entire set to get the loco, but at $140 it was still a good deal. The cars alone retail for $69, and I can use the Overlands anyway. I got the last set my source had.
If anyone wants the separate locos, better get them before they are all put into sets. They could all be discontinued soon which is typical Athearn strategy.
Bob
Hii Bob
Yes, that is a very good deal. Where did you see that sold? I just was at the Roundhouse site and did not see anything like that. The Overland aare very nice cars. A fellow in a club I belong to has the four car B&O set.
I have two 2-6-0s now.
I know I will never need the diamond stacks.
I just picked up a Spectrum 44 ton diesel. I will chop the body and install the MDC Climax body over the top of the remaining Spectrum body. I have seen this done. It will get DCC. Cheap Climax loco.
Rich
Rich
I got the set from Caboose Hobbies in Denver. They only had the loco by itself in Santa Fe. The Rio Grande I wanted has been pulled and only available in sets.
Here is a link to Horizon.
http://search.horizontrains.com/index.jsp?sid=1197401DDCA7&Ne=5000&N=5584+783
I really wanted 2 of the 2-6-0, but don't need any more sets. I have way too many cars now, but I don't have any Overlands. They are 50 footers, which is max for my small layout. I may get another 2-8-0 while they still have them, I really like the one I have.
If you don't need the stacks I might get them from you and see what I can do with them.
Bob
Did you get the set actually at the brick & motor store as I did not see anyhting like that at the Caboose Hobbies online store?
I would never buy from Horizon Hobbies. Much to expensive.
Rich
Here are two that have roundhouse 2-6-0's:
http://www.firsthobby.com/store1/Category.asp?CategoryID=2006101111245333&SN=2008042122051896 (http://www.firsthobby.com/store1/Category.asp?CategoryID=2006101111245333&SN=2008042122051896)
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/SearchResults.asp?cat=1713&RefineBy_Manufacturer=Roundhouse&RefineBy_Price=&Search= (http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/SearchResults.asp?cat=1713&RefineBy_Manufacturer=Roundhouse&RefineBy_Price=&Search=)
Both give good service
Harold
Not very good prices. Buy it for DCC ready now is $100 on ebay and they are good dealers.
The HO Spectrum 4-4-0 with DCC, no sound, is going for $80 to $100 on ebay with good dealers.
Rich
Rich
I never buy from Horizon either, just use their site to see what's available or upcoming. They sell only at full retail to protect their dealers.
I got my locos by calling Bill Johnson at Caboose Hobbies in Denver. He checked his dealer access at Horizon and it showed some of the 2-6-0 locos are being pulled and put into sets. Horizon will not reflect that on their public site until all their dealers are sold out of the separate loco. Here is the link for Caboose Hobbies, it's under the "Athearn" listings:
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/index_home.php?cPath=3_4&sort=3a&filter_id=65
Can you give me a link to a dealer selling the 4-4-0 for $80? With a list price of $275 that seems too good to be true.
Bob
Look at ebay. I usually look at Completed Auctions for average prices.
Buy it now might be around $100. It will cost around $100 to add sound.
Go to Micro Mark and order the Spectrum 4-4-0 with DCC and Sound for $208.50.
Other Spectrum steamers are going for $208.50 with DCC and Sound.
They are going for around $400 retail.
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Department&ID=158&Offset=30
Rich
Hi Bob
I just remembered the stock Spectrum decoders do not have all the bells and whistles of the ones you buy directly from SoundTraxx. I use the Tsunami light steam. This is from the Yahoo SoundTraxx forum. Notice the Bachmann OEM. If you are happy with this, go for it. Not sure about the other features comaprisons.
Tsunami Whistles - all types
Tsunami Heavy Steam, TSU-1000, P/N 826103
Frisco #1522 "Mountain" (4-8-2)
Norfolk & Western #1218 2-6-6-4 (N&W Class "A")
Union Pacific # 4018 "Big Boy" 4-8-8-4
Southern Pacific #4449 (Whistle) "Northern" 4-8-4
Southern Pacific #4449 (Air Horn) "Northern" 4-8-4
USRA 6-chime
------------------------------------------
Tsunami Medium Steam, TSU-1000, P/N 826102
USRA 6-chime
Baltimore & Ohio 3-chime
Colorado & Southern #801 "Mikado" 2-8-2
Pennsylvania Railroad Banshee
Lehigh Valley
Nathan 5-chime (Road mix)
Nathan 5-chime (Yard mix)
Santa Fe Freight
------------------------------------------
Tsunami Light Steam, TSU-1000, P/N 826101 (?)
Colorado & Southern 2-8-0 #74 (Road Mix)
Colorado & Southern 2-8-0 #74 (Yard Mix)
Baldwin Consolodation
Heisler
Westside Shay #14
Peanut
D&RGW single-chime
Reading 6-chime
------------------------------------------
Tsunami DRGW K-Class
K-27 #463
K-36 #487
K-36 #488
K-36 #489
K-36 #489 (with broken chime)
K-37 #497
------------------------------------------
Tsunami DRGW C-Class
C-19 #340 (Road Mix)
C-19 #340 (Yard Mix)
D&RGW single-chime
Westside Shay #14
Peanut
------------------------------------------
Tsunami Bachmann OEM
USRA 6-chime
Baltimore & Ohio 3-chime
Colorado & Southern #801 "Mikado" 2-8-2
------------------------------------------
Micro Tsunami Light Logging, TSU-750, P/N 826820
Westside Logging Co. Shay #12
Westside Logging Co. Shay #14
Heisler
Peanut
D&RGW Single Chime
------------------------------------------
Tsunami SP Cab Forward, TSU-1000, P/N 826105
SP 6-chime
Southern Pacific #4449 (Whistle) "Northern" 4-8-4
Southern Pacific #4449 (Air Horn) "Northern" 4-8-4
Frisco #1522
N&W #1218
USRA 6-chime
Just something to think about. Some people just want to have decent sound.
Rich
The sound I really like is that wailing whistle that sorta fades off at the end, like the D&S videos I saw on Youtube. The little constant pitch "toot toots" don't impress me much. I'll try to find the link to one of my favorite videos and post it here, I think it is of #482.
Bob
My IHC Mogul with LokSound runs and sounds as good as anything I have. It turns heads. Too bad IHC doesn't get the respect it deserves.
Glad to hear good comments on the IHC Mogul, I have been considering getting one. It doesn't have all the right details for my era, but I can live with that. I haven't decided yet, so could use any additional encouraging comments you may have about it.
One question: I assume the LokSound just plugged in. Did the decoder require any programming? I only have the EZ Command which won't program CVs. I am considering getting an NCE Power Cab just for programming. Can you give a brief tutorial for installing/ setting it up?
Thanks
Bob