Another method might be to use a battery system like Rapido trains. Battery life is only 6 Hrs I understand, but I don't run my trains in night time mode that much. I'm wondering if you could retro fit their lighting into a Bachmann Amtrak car successfully. I think they sell the light kits separately.

Best solution would be for Bachmann to update their cars like the HO heavyweights. I remember the first versions had very poor rolling qualities despite proper axle lubrication.

In_eden,

I may be starting false rumour, but I thought I heard someone was planning to make the C&O Allegheny. I don't know who though. I hope I'm correct.

I'd like to add the PRR M1 to your great list of loco's. I would love to have in N scale.  Bachmann makes the heavy Mountain already. So, why not?

One thing is certain. All the loco's in your list are popular and sell well in the larger scales. There is no reason for them not to do the same in N. Particularly the K4.

The toy show is happing soon. Maybe we'll get lucky this year and we'll get that elusive K-4 from someone. It's about for some new steam in N scale. The cab forward is out I believe and I'm thrilled about Fox Valley's 1935 Hiawatha coming in July. The K-4 can't be too far away. There are too-o-o many of us out there wantin' it.

I agree with Franz T. The poster is definately refering to an Aerial Tramway since he's talking about a mountain cable system with 2 to 16 cars. Brawa is the only manufacture I know of who produces one in "N" scale. Check out TEE USA or Reynauld's euro imports.

epee79363,

I operate the new Bachmann J successfully on Kato track with a minium radius of 348mm (13.75").

Dave

Gotta add my two cents in here again too. Put me down for a couple of K4's! Plus, if Bachmann wouldn't mind, a L1 Mikado too. The boiler can be used for both. That's what the Pennsy intended...Two loco's for the price of the tooling for the boiler of one! Sounds like a good deal to me.

My question is....Why would you want to?

P.S. Pannierboy,

Note: While it seems as if Hattons has a perpetual inventory, it's always good to know if your item is in stock or for pre-order.

Dave

Hello Panniertankboy,

I collect Grahan Farish and deal with Hatton's in Liverpool. Here'a a link to their GF starter set page. Shipping is quick and cheap. Sometimes quicker than US considering. One week to Ohio more or less.

http://www.ehattons.com/stocklist/prodlist.aspx?ManID=26&PrTyID=10&ScID=2

I can "Recommend"  this non Ebay dealer.

Dave

Hello Bobz,

Re: 60' aluminum Santa Fe red strip passenger cars.
Lionel produced them in early 1960's. MTH produced a set in the mid 1990's.
I vaguely remember, and I probably wrong, that Weaver Models offered a 5 car set too. Currently, I know of only Williams by Bachmann who offer these cars in the red strip version. I don't own any of the alumium cars myself, but do have the madisons, and 2400 series cars. They are well made and are built to operate. I would think the aluminium cars will be the same. Good choice.

Best regards,
Dave

Thank you Bachmann. You've made my day! I look forward to seeing them. I will plan to convert my Graham Farish to these new couplers. I have a hunch the conversions will be fairly simple.
Best Regards,
Dave Powell

It sounds as if you have a Bachmann starter set. Maybe a diesel loco, a few cars, caboose, track, and transformer. If it's in good shape, Maybe your sons might like to set it up and run it. Add a few more cars and track. Build a layout.

If your looking at it as a possible valuable collectible. Store it away for 50 yrs and it will probably be a valued collectable. Otherwise, sell or give it to someone who would like have a nice train set. Maybe the Bachmann can identify and give you an exact discription.

Guess anyone's guess would be a good one. I'm wondering if the old UA Amtrak TurboTrain might get a rework and update someday. Rapido Model's is a winner. Now MTH has announced one for their Premier Line in three road names. I'd be certain to purchase a couple of  Bachmann "N" scale Turbo's if their detail is as good as the Acela's.

I'm hopefull Bachmann is working on a much needed heavy pacific too. (K4 anyone?)

I feel that more likely candidate's would be the obscure prototypes. Loco's that may have low quanity production runs. PRR S1 6-8-6 for example. Only one was made, but there are literally thousands of models (I'd buy an "N" scale one. ) Maybe Bachmann might consider a line of proposed prototypes that were never built. Like the American Coal Exchange ACE2000 or how about a Bayer-Garrett in Norfolk and Western? 

Hello Bob,

I model British. I haven't tried models11.com. I'll need to look into it.
I've been buying Graham Farish, Peco, and Dapol from Hatton's in Liverpool,Merseyside, UK. They have a user friendly web site.
http://www.ehattons.com
They're Helpful, knowlegeable, and reliable. Shipping from UK is extremely reasonable and quick. I currently have the second series of G.F. Mk1 Pullmans on back order. I can highly recommend them.

Dave in Ohio

It's been done. Arnold Rapido of German made a Bavarian S3/6 4-6-2 with a smoke unit. Ibertrain (Spanish) also produce a diminutive tank locomotive. There may have been others. These two were produced more than twenty years ago. I've seen the loco's, but have not seen them in action, so I can not comment on their operation. The smoke units looked very much like those manufactured by Seuthe. It would indeed be interesting to see someone produce one using today's technology. I'd like to see illuminated marker/classification lights on 'N' scale steamloco's too... (Gaham Farish, are you listening? Lighted Head code lamps anyone?)