It does look great. The T&G loco is exactly what I'm going for.

I thought they were the best Bachmann had offered, so I'm confused as to why they were discontinued in the first place.
Travis

Is there any chance you can bring back the 4-6-0 with the high boiler and larger drivers? I always thought that was a great looking locomotive. Offering it with DCC and sound would be a plus as well.

I've often wondered how if would look with a shortened oil Vanderbilt tender. Hope to see the return of both soon.

Thanks,
Travis

Thanks for reintroducing the 4-6-0 (52" drivers) with sound, do you have any plans to produce the 63" 4-6-0 locos with sound as well? Also, is there any way to purchase separate tenders? I may want a low flair side tender with the 63" driver loco.

Thanks,
Travis

My local hobby shop is closing after 40 years and during my last visit, the topic of scale came up. The owner told me the demand for On30 has been declining for the past few years. That made me think, when was the last time Bachmann came out with a new On30 locomotive? I'm not talking about a sound version, I'm referring to a completely new loco. Seems like it's been several years. Does anyone have information on any new equipment that might hit the market in the next year or two?

Thanks,
Travis

I agree with Mike. My vote would be for this 2-8-0 that operated on the Death Valley Railroad.

http://www.virtualtransportationmuseum.com/gallery2/v/mining/nonmetalic/borax/HOLG-10.jpg.html

Travis Handschug
Tempe AZ.

No doubt about it, the SPNG #8, #9 and #18. I love those whaleback tenders.

Travis in Tempe

Will the new Alco 2-6-0 have a separate oil bunker like the On30 models? When will this model be available?

Travis Handschug
Tempe, AZ.

Then Bachmann could follow the DVRR 2-8-0 with the DVRR Brill Car.

http://www.lawsmuseum.org/exhibits.htm

I would think that would be a popular choice as well. The DVRR had some really cool little ore cars that would be perfect for On30 but I can find a photo of them on line.

Travis in Mesa

I like to see Bachmann produce one of the Death Valley Railroad 2-8-0's.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DeathValleyRREngine.jpg

It might be a little big as well but It would fit nicely with the OF 2-8-0 and the 4-6-0.

Travis in Mesa

Here's a link to the tender photos in case you haven't seen it yet.

http://www.backwoodsminiatures.com/0n3kits.htm

Travis in Mesa

Does anyone have a photo of the Bachmann 2-6-0 with the new Backwoods Miniatures whaleback tender? I'll bet they are a good match but I'd like to see it before I buy.

Thanks,
Travis in Mesa

Wow, we do like the same stuff. Here the only plan I have one line.

http://macrodyn.com/ldsig/wiki/index.php?title=Mojave_desert_mining_railroad_-_On30_-_Travis_Handschug

I can send more if you give me your email address. One idea I have is to model an On3 common carrier that connects to an On30 mining tram. I'd like to build it as a mushroom plan with the stamp mill acting as the interchange point and being the only scene occupying both levels.

I've drawn over 20 track plans in AutoCAD; all are based on common carrier or mining operations in Nevada, Death Valley or the Eastern Sierras. Needless to say, my favorite books are Railroads of Nevada and Eastern California Vol. 1 & 2 by David Myrick.


Travis in Mesa

Nevin,

First off, did you have an article in the Gazette back in 1983 for a Sn3 SPNG layout of Laws?

If so, I think we are interested in the same type of railroading. I'm also a big fan of the Southern Pacific Narrow Gauge and the Owens Valley. I had the Sunset On3 #9 and #18 locomotives but sold them because I couldn't see having so much money tied up into two models. Besides, as much as I like the prototype, I didn't want to get tied down building prototypical models. Modeling a freelanced railroad that connects with the SP give me the best of both worlds. I can model as much of the SPNG as I want as well as incorporate other favorite railroad designs. I have been struggling with the gauge issue but I think On30 is the way to go. There is plenty to model without modeling the SPNG. This freedom still allows me to build SP equipment and put them on On30 trucks. My structures will have definite "Laws" appearance as well.

Now to the layout which in still in the design phase. Knowing how much the residences of Bishop wanted a rail connection of their own back in 1910; I decided to give them one and created the Bishop Creek and Sierra railroad. My BC&S RR connects to the SPNG just south of Laws and will run into Bishop and up to a lumber mill in Mammoth Lakes. This will allow me to model the high desert as well as the Eastern Sierra forest region.

As far as your questions as concerned. I recommend at least 30" curves if you have the room. These are big locomotives and will operate on 22" curves but they might not look their best. The 4-6-0 will fit on a 12" turntable but overhang at both ends because it's about 13" long.

I'd like to send you some track plans I've been working as well as a couple of track photos. I've been experimenting with handlaying On3 and On30 track on HO cork roadbed on foam. It seems to work pretty well. My email address is:

azflyer2001@cox.net

Good luck with the switch,

Travis in Mesa

Any word on the dome situation yet? Is each locomotive supplied with both round and fluted domes?

Travis in Mesa