Here are my reasons for Bachmann to make one....... The MMI ones sold well so you know their is market for them. The only ones made (the MMI's) are really $$$$$$ almost $600. It could be easily adapted to other roads locomotives(RGS,WP&YR, and EBT. It would get you buisness from those of us who don't wan't "critters" and other small locomotives.You already have the information to make it from the G scale one. If any-one else can think of reasons that I can't think of please post them to show support for this great locomotive!!!!!!!!!!
would rather have a srrl 24 why make something thats already available.
dont think a 24 is available from anyone at bachmann prices.
Yeah, I am with Ossy. Toooo many western roads out there, and most of them are already made.
Quote from: Dusten Barefoot on August 29, 2008, 08:26:30 PM
Yeah, I am with Ossy. Toooo many western roads out there, and most of them are already made.
Other than the 2-6-0 which ones from Bachmann?
If other people cover the field, why should Bachmann repeat existing products?
I doubt that Bachmann could produce a K27 and sell it for much less than the MMI models. It is a large locomotive that would be out of place on many layouts - this would limit sales. It is unlikely to cope with sharp curves - again this would limit sales. (You may not like small layouts with sharp curves but there are quite a few such ON30 layouts out there). MMI has already taken some of the market for a K27, again a limit to sales.
With likely sales limited by the above factors, and the loco large and thus relativley expensive to make, for Bachmann to make a profit prices would need to be higher than for a smaller loco, probably close to the MMI price.
Hamish
Quote from: Frisco on August 29, 2008, 08:57:56 PM
Quote from: Dusten Barefoot on August 29, 2008, 08:26:30 PM
Yeah, I am with Ossy. Toooo many western roads out there, and most of them are already made.
Other than the 2-6-0 which ones from Bachmann?
exactly...
and I remember the "it's too big" argument from large scale folks back in the 80's when the biggest loco around with the LGB Mogul...
now I don't really think an On30 K-27 should be on the front burner for Bachmann... but I'm glad to see they haven't given up on larger On30 locos and hope to see many more "big" On30 engines from Bachmann...
personally I think a Baldwin inside frame 2-8-0 would be good choice (maybe one that's prototype ran north of the Rio Grande river and west of the Mississippi ;D )...
Hi all!
Sure would love to see a K-27 so greatly done like Bachmann´s G-Scale Mudhen...
MMI´s have sold pretty well and still do. Prices have fallen down to 299 $ and I´m sure that the PSC/MMI people hadn´t expected that...
But the MMI engines all have some disadvantages in operating them and I´m sure: Bachman could do much better!!!! Not to blame the MMI folks, but... Or - Bach-man, take the Outside frame of the Consolidation and make something different: A DRGW C-21 or a C-25...
Beeing a D&RGW&RGS Modeller, I would love to see something "Western", BUT:
Ossy is right: And having a Maine Theme Module too, I definitely would love to see SR&RL No.24 to come from Bachman. The Forneys are little gems, please give some more Maine Stuff to the people out there...
Tom
I'd go for an inside frame 2-8-0 along the lines of the Pacific Coast RR Baldwins which I think were very similar to the D&RG's C-19. Some possibilities there, and a perfect match for some of the PCRR rolling stock we already have.
Thoughts?
Rick
Rick...those were the exact 2-8-0's I was thinking of ;)
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/mransr/messageboards/105-1.jpg)
Quote from: ossygobbin on August 29, 2008, 03:58:04 PM
would rather have a srrl 24 why make something thats already available.
dont think a 24 is available from anyone at bachmann prices.
There isn't a K-27 avalible at Bachmann prices etheir.
(There isn't a K-27 avalible at Bachmann prices etheir.)
and there probably wont be one either unless you pick up a MMI cheap
I say if backmann did a k-27 they should do the every early looking ones that way they are different then the MMI k-27. When the DRGW first had the k-27s built they look completely different. A lot of people do not realize they where built in 1903 and where then also rebuilt to what they look like now. some of the early ones had the oil headlights and slope back tenders. THen also then had regular tender.
(http://www.ngtrains.com/Pages/PSC/MMI/K27_inboard/k27_history_files/image002.jpg)
that is a pic when they where first built as Vulcain compounds.
then they changed to Stephenson valve gear(http://www.ngtrains.com/Pages/PSC/MMI/K27_inboard/k27_history_files/image006.jpg)
then finally they got to be rebuilt to what we know today as a k-27 and the ones MMI models. I say Bachman should do and earlier model of the k-27s so it can be cheeper and also different then MMI
I got the pics and that from this site that explains a little more about the history of then engines http://www.ngtrains.com/Pages/PSC/MMI/K27_inboard/k27_history.htm
I also like the idea of the 2-8-0 that someone posted but also maybe make them also look like the real early 1880s 2-8-0s
and i think if they did the early k-27 i bet some kitbasher can have a great deal of fun doing stuff to it so it fits their railroad.
Quote from: mmiller on August 30, 2008, 12:23:44 PM
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/mransr/messageboards/105-1.jpg)
This would not be my first choice but would be a good comprimise as it could be used as a D&RGW C class (also used on the RGS and C&S), the Pacific Coast Railway or a upscale logging oporation.
Quote from: Hamish K on August 29, 2008, 11:17:58 PM
It is a large locomotive that would be out of place on many layouts - this would limit sales. It is unlikely to cope with sharp curves - again this would limit sales. (You may not like small layouts with sharp curves but there are quite a few such ON30 layouts out there).
Hamish
Yes it is a large locomotive but there are a lot of people who don't mind this.I don't think it could do 18" curves but neither can the Forney and since MMI could make it do 26" the creative people at Bachmann could probaly make it do 22".Most of all I do like small railroads with sharp curves this is just not what I have chosen to model.I think the work the small layout croud does is verry nice but I feal that they have gotton more than their fare share of locomotives.
And - MMI never came out with the correct RGS 455 post-wreck which would be a cool item to have for all those RGS Modellers out there. Same with the only K-27 with a Doghouse: MMI never did the correct D&RGW 453...
I say: Have a look at Bachmann´s Fn3 Beauties.... That brings me to the point that I would get crazy if Bachman comes out one day with On30 K-27´s...
Do have 2 MMI Engines already, but I would get myself three more if...
Cheers, TOM
well then bachmann can make the correct versions of those engines and then also make the really old styles of the K-27s also.
Good Evening All,
One thing that always amazes me about the discussion about On30 modeling is how it seems as if equipment made should be able to do very tight radii. I guess if you are a true On30 modeler, then that is where your engine niche falls. But.....there are many of us out here using On30 as a cheap man's On3. That means we are not running a lot of critters and smaller engines.
While I would love to see what Bachmann could do with a K27, I would more so love to see them do an EBT 2-8-2. Even more so, though, would be to see an EBT 2-6-2.
Anyway, it is fun to speculate about future Bachmann projects and no matter which avenue you approach this subject on, there is always room for discussion and dreaming.
ON30 modellers are a very diverse lot. I see it as a series of niche markets'i.These include (in no particular order) those modelling small industrial layouts, those who like larger scales than HO but have limited space, freelance narrow gaugers who just want easy narrow gauge, "poor man's" ON3ers who model speicific 3 foot gauge railroads, those modelling the few american and larger number of overseas 30 inch gauge lines, "poor man's" ON2ers mainly modelling Maine, Christmas village enthusiasts who see ON30 as the ideal trains to go with their villages and the original ON30 types who love kit bashing HO models, and now also bash Bachmann ON30 products. There are probably many others as well. The ideal locomotive for Bachmann will appeal to as many of these groups as possible. (Probably no one locomotive will appeal to all.)
Large locomotives requiring large radius will rule out several of the above groups. On the other hand small locomotives may sometimes be bought by those more interested in larger locos for use as a switcher, for an industry, for light service or whatever. So a preference by Bachmann for smallish locomotives is understandable. This is not to say that some large locomotives may not sell quite well, just that the potential market is a bit limited. In the case of a K27, as another manufacturer has already made it, part of its potential market is already satisfied. That these K27s are currently available at highly discounted prices illustrates this. So scope for Bachmann to make a profit from one seems unlikely. (Note that this other manufacturer has a very different operation than Bachmann and makes much smaller runs of locomotives than Bachmann needs for a profit.)
Other large locomotives might sell well enough to be worthwhile for Bachmann, but would require strong support from those groups who could use it, i.e those with large curves modelling 3 foot gauge prototypes. I expect that Bachmann will wait and see how the 4-6-0 sells before making any other large locomotives - and remember that K series mikados, EBT 2-8-2 s and the like are quite a lot larger than the Bachmann 4-6-0.
Hamish
Quote from: Hamish K on September 02, 2008, 08:46:06 PM
On the other hand small locomotives may sometimes be bought by those more interested in larger locos for use as a switcher, for an industry, for light service or whatever. So a preference by Bachmann for smallish locomotives is understandable.
True but if the people who model large locomotives only have switchers and no mainline locomotives then they don't have much of a railroad.
I say forget it, MMI has already done at least 3 runs of K-27 engines both inboard and outboard piston types. For those of you pining for a small 2-8-0, BLI already did a 2-8-0, and MMI has done a C-19 2-8-0 and has promised further runs of c-18 and c-17 engines, so Bachmann is not likely going do re-invent the wheel. This is not HO where multiple manufacturers make F-7 and F-9 engines. Bachmann would be far better off to make a heisler, the 2-6-6-2 articulated that it announced in 1:20.3 in On30, and different versions of its ten-wheelers. Sorry to be a killjoy, but K-27s, and 2-8-0's already exist.
Good Morning All,
Speaking of the MMI K27, if anyone has one out there, I found the coal load from the Bachmann 2 bay hopper makes a perfect coal load for the tender. Cut off about 1.5 inches of the load, angle cut the bottom at one end to meet the slope sheet of the tender, cover with coal from Woodland Scenics, etc and there you have it and removeable also.
Bob
I think a Bachmann K-27 is a good idea, if they can produce it at a considerably lower price than the MMI. But I think it would be more profitable for Bachmann if they waited for at least a couple of years, so that the market isn't full of MMI locos. And I do agree that there are other On30 candidates that would be better in the short-term. The oft-mentioned Heisler, something articulated, maybe a loco from Hawaii would be excellent choices.
Bachmann, I would personally pefer a Mason Bogie, but if you made a Puffing Billy it would sell! thats one neat locomotive! classic lines, is a tank engine for the guys with limited space, just a beautiful little engine!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Royce Wilson
Am I the only one intrested in the puffing billy? :o
Royce Wilson
I agree that they should maby waite a couple of years but if they started now then it would be ready by then.
I forgot the Mason Bogie -- I know I would be interested in that. There would be some great paint scheme possibilities, and I'm guessing the pivoting drive wheels would allow for tight curves. I'm guessing that would also be an engineering challenge, but Bachmann should know how to handle that. And I also like the Puffing Billy, or an Americanized version of the same.
Quote from: Royce Wilson on September 05, 2008, 01:18:41 PM
Am I the only one intrested in the puffing billy?
No Royce, others are. Look at this thread:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,6254.0.html
Mark
Quote from: finderskeepers on September 04, 2008, 08:29:07 AM
I say forget it, MMI has already done at least 3 runs of K-27 engines both inboard and outboard piston types. For those of you pining for a small 2-8-0, BLI already did a 2-8-0, and MMI has done a C-19 2-8-0 and has promised further runs of c-18 and c-17 engines, so Bachmann is not likely going do re-invent the wheel. This is not HO where multiple manufacturers make F-7 and F-9 engines. Bachmann would be far better off to make a heisler, the 2-6-6-2 articulated that it announced in 1:20.3 in On30, and different versions of its ten-wheelers. Sorry to be a killjoy, but K-27s, and 2-8-0's already exist.
But none of those locos are available from their manufacturers on a regular basis. MMI has released a K-27 a K-28, another K-27, a C-19, and most recently a K-36. Their announced engines will take several years to work through, and the K-27 is not on that list. Broadway is all limited run, and while there are some still in the channel, availability is spotty.
Bachmann's K-27 would no doubt be cheaper than MMI's, as the level of detail will not be as high. The MMI locos are basically brass locos made out of die-cast metal instead of brass. Broadway's commitment to On30 is weak at best.
I do agree that a K-27 shouldn't be their first priority for larger steam, but it should be in the pipeline.
I'd like to see the Bladwin USATC S118 2-8-2's used on the White Pass. Specifically I would like to see a configuration with the postwar White Pass Modifications. For those who do not know what I am talking about, take a look at these photos.
Tweetsie Railroad #190
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_zLrRmvB3WOg/RuYH-_spW8I/AAAAAAAAAJM/z3lJONcZZUQ/100_0237.JPG
Dollywood #192
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/2099587822_b66e731883.jpg?v=0
A model of #190 and #192 in their respective tourist schemes, as seen in the above photos, would be great as well.
However, being the well-rounded person I am, I would like to see Bachmann make some British )n30 products, such as locomotives from the Talyllyn Railway, the Ffestiniong Railway, or any of the other several british narrow gauge engines.
ngsouth
Folks,
beeing a DRGW&RGS Modeller, I would be enthusiastic if Bachman comes out with a K-27. The MMI Engines will be all gone from the shelves in a while and it will take, as drgw268 said, a while before MMI will be back to the K-27 (Keep in mind, they are just out with the K-36, next a K-37, the West Side Shays, the Sumpter Valley mallets, the C-17, C-18, C-21,C-25 and then probably back again to the K-27...
Same with BLI: The C-16 was a good seller, but they don´t have something for the On30 folk in the pipeline yet. Spoke to them: Nothing!
So, there´s room for you Bachmann guys to give us something DRGW or RGS: Why not concentrate on a correct RGS 455 post-wreck or the beautiful RGS No.74 - would fit in her C&S Version to the ol No. 22 you have in your program...!!!
Regards. Tom
Quote from: NarrowGSouth on September 06, 2008, 03:03:15 PM
I'd like to see the Bladwin USATC S118 2-8-2's used on the White Pass. Specifically I would like to see a configuration with the postwar White Pass Modifications. For those who do not know what I am talking about, take a look at these photos.
Tweetsie Railroad #190
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_zLrRmvB3WOg/RuYH-_spW8I/AAAAAAAAAJM/z3lJONcZZUQ/100_0237.JPG
Dollywood #192
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/2099587822_b66e731883.jpg?v=0
A model of #190 and #192 in their respective tourist schemes, as seen in the above photos, would be great as well.
However, being the well-rounded person I am, I would like to see Bachmann make some British )n30 products, such as locomotives from the Talyllyn Railway, the Ffestiniong Railway, or any of the other several british narrow gauge engines.
ngsouth
I agree with all of it! #190 would go well with #12. Also im sure there are alot of White Pass modelers out there.
Also, some europian On30 stock would also be a good idea. As I have always wanted to model the Ffestiniog Railway as I have been there all my life. So maybe a talk with Bachmann Branchlines could go down well. ;)
I Have had my fill of the critters and tweetsie locos on the market that Personally I dont need! I grant you they ARE nice but no thanks. I would purchase a Bachmann K 27 if were available The last Bachmann Loco I have purchased was the 2-8-0. We need some BIG :o Motive power You betcha! Lets have a K 27 that is affordable that can muster a 22" like the 2-8-0, Add a trailing truck and a Mikado broiler? that shouldn't be hard with the 2-8-0 mechanism You produce already? ;D ;) PLEASE Mr Bachmann?
br549 is right:
I can recall there were Modellers out there which builded a K-27 in Fn3 on your Consolidation´s frame by adding a training truck etc. Would say, this could work in On30 too!!! Just that easy. Would be a good runner as always your Engines are...
Tom ;) ;) ;)
K27s are considerably larger than the Bachmann 2-8-0. For a start drivers are 40 inch on the K27, 36 inch on the prototype for the 2-8-0, with rest roughly in proportion. The conversions mentioned by Tomcat converted a 1:20.3 scale 2-8-0 to a 1:22.5 scale K 27. A similar conversion of an ON30 2-8-0 would result in a 1:53 scale K27.
Hamish
Why not just update the mogul? this engines has good lines and has been a good seller.
shortened the smoke box and add the Cooke flange domes,wood cab and the correct stack,either the U.P. pancake or the South Park congdon. what a beautiful engine!!!
need more power do like the South Park run double and triple headers! ::)
Royce Wilson
Why not just go to MMI and get ya'll one, from what I understand they are more durable due to the dicast they are made out of. Other than the sound, sounding like crap, just replace the sound system. If Bachmann were to make a k-27, they would most likely elemenate the MMI business. But those are just my thoughts. Personally that heisler is the next engine that needs to be made for the loggers. A lot of main line engines have been made recently, and not a new thing for the minners, loggers, or gear heads out there ;D. We also need some more rolling stock.
Rock On!
Dusten
Sure thing, I'll buy an MMI but then all of the $$$ I spend on Bachmann products cease to filter their way the Bachmann corp.
If I have to spend that much on an MMI K27 It better have some excellent sound coming out of it and not have to cannibalize the thing after spending that blasted much on it only to spend another $120 + :( Personally I would betcha all $20 Bachmann will never produce the K class loco's simply due to MMI's model .
Affordable and reasonably close is acceptable. ;)
Im pretty sure that Bachmann is cooking one up for ya'll. It took a good 3 years for the ET&WNC 4-6-0 was made.
Rock On!
Dusten
Quote from: Hamish K on September 07, 2008, 05:41:23 AM
K27s are considerably larger than the Bachmann 2-8-0. For a start drivers are 40 inch on the K27, 36 inch on the prototype for the 2-8-0, with rest roughly in proportion. The conversions mentioned by Tomcat converted a 1:20.3 scale 2-8-0 to a 1:22.5 scale K 27. A similar conversion of an ON30 2-8-0 would result in a 1:53 scale K27.
3ft gauge in on30 is not to scale. I bet most people would not mind if it is a little off.
Where do I sign up for one! ;D
here is an hon3 model of an early k-27,
(https://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/images/catalog/BC88345.jpg)
and with out the plow
(https://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/images/catalog/BC91295.jpg)
and if bachman did do the more modern look of the k-27s, one reason y bman could do engines any other company makes is that bachman's are easier to kit bash then MMI
that gives people a chance to make new engines
and not have to tare up the metal ones of MMI
From what I have read in a recent magazine article I wont be getting my heart set on MR B producing a K 27 30" narrow gauge loco "just a little off" from the prototype.
Besides already being produced by MMI.
I have seriously considered jumping scales to Hon 3 for a Blackstone K class and dumping my 0n30.
Nice brass model Chatz473!
Quote from: br549 on September 10, 2008, 06:41:10 PM
I have seriously considered jumping scales to Hon 3 for a Blackstone K class and dumping my 0n30.
I have thought about this to but I really like the ON30 size.
Me too. The 0n30 size is easy on the eyes for us older modelers.
Besides my wife would :o >:( me if she over heard me mention jumping scales... ;D
Same with me:
The Blackstone Models are wonderful little things, and the sound really blasts you away, much more that I had expected from such a tiny engine... But I love the size and weight of On30, this is a bit more like the real thing, every step you go into the bigger scales brings you closer to the real Railroad...
Beeing a Railroader in profession here in Germany, I do have a Fn3 Bachmann Shay here on the shelf, just to look at and enjoy... If one asked me, I would desparately want to have a Bachmann Fn3 K-27 here too. This is a beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well done Bachmann.
Now we may deserve a smaller K-27 too, don´t we??? :P :P :P
Tom ;)
(Well done Bachmann.
Now we may deserve a smaller K-27 too, don´t we???)
god guys give it a rest bachman wont make this in on30.
its available elsewhere.
Your right Bachmann will only produce the off beat seldom seen .
Quote from: br549 on September 13, 2008, 01:05:37 PM
Your right Bachmann will only produce the off beat seldom seen .
Yep. 0-2-0's pulling 10 foot boxcars around a 12 inch curve seems to be what people want from On30.
hon3 is sounding better every minute.
See this link for more people wanting it. http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=22308 .
last time i looked bachman dont make 0-2-0's and 10 foot boxcars.
also not everybody is into C&S and D&RG.
My modeling Brother, I think the they are referring to Porters & ore cars as far as all of the C&S and DRG goes I cant find squat for the stuff in my region. I see more "back east" RR here in the Midwest. I aint letting up till they make one or they boot me off of here. ;)
Quote from: ossygobbin on September 14, 2008, 04:19:32 AM
last time i looked bachman dont make 0-2-0's and 10 foot boxcars.
also not everybody is into C&S and D&RG.
Thanks Frisco ;D ;)
Good Morning All,
Well, having followed this thread for several days now, and actually contributing earlier, let me wade in again.
One comment that has been made more than once is the one regarding Bachmann doing an engine already done by someone else. So what? How many versions of the GPs and F units are on the market and continue to be added to all the time? A manufacturer has to decided on doing a model based on assumed sales.
Another thought brought up is the one of the size of equipment in On30. Right now, from things I read on the internet and in magazines, this scale offers more variety to satisfy customers than any other scale.
It is fun for me to listen to all of your input and continue to dream. Keep it up. Remember, Dusten never got off his horse for a 4-6-0 and you see what happened there.
Keep it up, this is fun!!
How true, The squeaky wheel gets the grease ;)
Or the flange... how ever you may want to use it in the railroading business ;D
Blackstone Models announces C-19's in HON3 along with a long caboose. See this link, http://www.i-sng.com/HOn3/hon3.html .
Thanks Frisco - ´d say AMEN....
It´s not about a model already produced by others - as ebtbob already stated fully correctly about all those Diesels out there on the Market, it´s more that we would expect all these things not be built by MMI - all the correct versions available.
We got to dream on - hey: Its a hobby, its gotta be fun...
Well spoken bob and frisco and and and... Thanks folks !!! :D :D :D
Tom ;) ;) ;)
I love the size for on30 but it is tempting because all those other scales have the models that I want. I just hope that ON30 one day has all those models too.
Quote from: ebtbob on September 14, 2008, 10:29:59 AM
Good Morning All,
One comment that has been made more than once is the one regarding Bachmann doing an engine already done by someone else. So what? How many versions of the GPs and F units are on the market and continue to be added to all the time? A manufacturer has to decided on doing a model based on assumed sales.
I hate to say it but this isn't quite the same in ON30 as it is in the other sales because there are less modelers in ON30 than HO N and O standard. One way they may be able to raise the sales is to offer it in ON3 also.
I have been checking into the MMI K28 in 0n30. from what I have seen I will be throwing in the towel asking B-mann to produce one.
Yes you bet your sweet potatoes I will pay the price to own one and ease the hissy fits of other members here that take offense to our asking and make nasty remarks .
I would rather Bachmann get my $$$
.
Been searching for the lustrous K27, they are :o :'( SOLD OUT on limited production and none found anywhere except on "greed bay" back to pestering Mr B
That´s the point - A Bachmann K-27 would be always available, would be perfectly constructed and built + a fun to operate. This would actually pay back to the owner
and to us...
Kind regards, Tom ;)
As I recall, Bachmann began producing properly sized large-scale rolling stock before producing the K-27. I have a MMI K-28; the Bachmann rolling stock looks very small and out-of-place behind it. I also can't run the K-28 on my railroad due to having only 22" curves.
I don't see Bachmann producing a product that is not compatible with Bachmann's other products. The main advantage of Bachmann's On30 products is the ability to have O Scale in a relatively small space. The K-27, K-28 and K-36 are really aimed at On3 people with more space. (Same with San Juan rolling stock.) Making these products available in On30 was an afterthought to increase sales.
I think Bachmann should stick to making products that fit with their base market. Even producing locos that require 22" curves was difficult for many of us. I was lucky to have enough space to convert from 18" to 22".
By the way, where is the sound version of last year's 4-4-0 that was supposed to follow a year later?
-James Thomas
Quote from: James Thomas on October 02, 2008, 02:36:33 PM
I don't see Bachmann producing a product that is not compatible with Bachmann's other products. The main advantage of Bachmann's On30 products is the ability to have O Scale in a relatively small space. The K-27, K-28 and K-36 are really aimed at On3 people with more space. (Same with San Juan rolling stock.) Making these products available in On30 was an afterthought to increase sales.
By the way, where is the sound version of last year's 4-4-0 that was supposed to follow a year later?
-James Thomas
While it may not be compatible with their products there are lots of companys that do make rolling stock for it. Also it does not seem imposible to me that they would come out with freight cars Colorado style. As for the 4-4-0 with sound I would think it will etheir come out right before Christmas of else in the 2009 catalog.
I once had a O scale 1880's era layout that I enjoyed very much. it was a shelf layout with a lot of switching...learned how to lay stub switchs very well!
Once knew a fella that had a O scale bigboy on a mantle, he just ran it back and forth. but he enjoyed that locomotive probably as much as some of you guys with basement size layouts. you can argue space till the cows come home. besides if large scale guys build indoor layouts then there you go. ;)
Royce Wilson
Could you please explaine the what a stub switch is. Thanks
a stub switch is where both rails move
(http://gold.mylargescale.com/Scottychaos/On2layout/Phillipsyard.jpg)
Thank you. What was the point of using this type of switch?
When you have limited metal working tools and machining the points is not something that you can do in house, the other problem was that an iron rail that had been ground to a point could not support the weight of a train, it was not till that steel rail came into being that the strength was there for a point type switch. A stub switch can be built with one casting, the frog and a switch stand by the railroad with rail that they already have The stub switch was used mostly before 1900 and hung on in a few places much longer than that. The Colorado Narrow Gauges and the White Pass liked them because snow would not pack snow in between the point rail and the stock rail like a regular point switch will, so they were easier to keep maintained in the winter. The major problem with them was if you ran through the switch the wrong way the switch was set for the other track you were on the ground and had a mess to clean up.
Before the frog was invented they used to use something that looked like a staple that fitted in to sockets that lifted the diverging track over the main track. Like any thing else there was a lot of inventing and patents taken out on some good ideas and a whole lot of bad ideas.
Andre :)