For some classic American style frontier railroading, check out my pix from the Esquel branch in Argentina at https://www.flickr.com/photos/104438411@N02/
  Actually 29.5" gauge, it runs only for charter service and uses Baldwins and Henschels on the very scenic line.  The october trip was masterfully arranged by Bern Seiler of Farrail Tours.  Enjoy,  Dave McLeod

Several times before I have urged Bachmann to get more use from all their engineering by offering new locos using different boilers on their existing mechanisms.  Recent posts have asked for a wagon top 2-6-0.  I have converted the Bachmann mogul by using an old Spartan Series On3 boiler.  It took a LOT of grinding of the weights, but Bachmann could offer the same simply by making smaller weights around the motor and popping on a new boiler.  Presto, a different offering with the minimum of engineering expense.  Similarly, the Forney could be made as an 0-4-4 by simply shortening the frame and tank.  If they ever get around to building the much requested SR&RL prairie, the running gear could be used to market a mogul, 0-6-2, or 0-6-0, all in both tender or saddletank.
   This would seem to offer the synergy of a much wider line at very minimal additional manufacturing cost. 
View my conversions of the Forney and Mogul at
http://www.tradewindsvt.com/gallery/main.php/main.php?g2_itemId=1858

Hi,  Has anyone broken up the running gear of the 2-6-6-2 to make a six coupled engine ?   I am considering it, and if someone can give me  driver size,  and height of motor from boiler bottom as well as width, I would be most appreciative.  Also how is the mechanism laid out, one motor or two ?  Thanks,  Dave

Having always loved the Maine 2 foot 0-4-4s, I took a shot at converting the forney into one.  Check out the link for photos of my effort. 
   This could be an easy way for Bachmann to add another engine to it's roster with only minor engineering work.  The frame was chopped in half between the motor and the circuit boards, and the pilot deck was shortened.  The tank was also cut back, and that was it, other than the  backdating.  The only concession was having to trim off the brakeshoes from the trailing truck for clearance.  The 2-4-4 has trouble coupling due to it's length, and this shorter loco alleviates this issue to a great extent.  Just waiting for custom decals to arrive so I can weather her.
http://www.tradewindsvt.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=1858

Greetings,  Has anyone tried to break up  the 2-6-6-2 power train to make a mechanism for a six coupled loco such as a 2-6-0 or 2-6-2 ? 

Greetings Bachmann,  Ever thought of having a photo gallery on the website for customers to post pix of what they are doing with your wonderful products ?   Also, I'm elated about the On30 underframes, now what about tenders being sold separately ?  Thanx, Dave