I've been looking around and can't find any information as to when these engines will be released. I see them in the 2015 Catalog. Can someone shed some light on this? Will we be able to pre-order anywhere?

Specifically, I want the Southern #4501 - Item# 54403

Thanks in advance.

I am going to re-letter and re-painta Bachmann 2-8-0 Connie loco and tender, to a preferred specific favorite engine. I know how to remove the current lettering. What I don't know is what are the proper decals to purchase, or what brand/where to purchase them? This is my first time doing this and the ones I have found at my local hobby store are not the exact right size. The letters for the cab are too big, and the letters they have for the tender are too small. Also, the gold letters are too gold.. and not yellow enough to match the pictures below. BTW - the images below are of the engine I will be re-lettering the loco to.

Thanks for any tips you guys can give.
Chuck

I am going to be acquiring a Bachmann 2-8-0 Connie soon (#51311 - DCC/no sound) and am considering going with the Digitrax SDH164D sound decoder option. I know I can purchase this item and an additional harness with 8-pin plug so that it is "plug and play" with the Bachmann board.

I know that the Digitrax decoder is generic and has both steam and diesel sounds. I have a standard Bachmann EZ Command system, and no programming system. My concern is that if I go with this decoder, how do I set it to steam or diesel? I have looked and looked on Digitrax's site for this info but can't find it. Their function type manual and installation manual lists NOTHING at all about sounds.. but everything you ever want to know about lights.

Anyway, just thought I might get some insight here. I know I should probably just go with the Tsunami TSU-1000 Medium Steam, but I'm trying to go with a more economical approach with this engine.. so I can justify another purchase.  

Thanks in advance for any advice given.

**EDIT** Upon further inspection I have found that this decoder seems to come set to factory default to operate with the steam sounds. My question still stands, if I were to want to change the sound scheme to diesel, would this be possible without some form of programming system? If not, what would I need to get (and I'm sure that is a broad question).

Just thought I'd share the results of my very first sound install. Really, it's my first install of anything at all of this type of thing. I haven't even done a DCC install on a DC loco yet (though that's coming down the road).

Anyway, much thanks to Jonathan for his thread which was the only reason this was a success for me. I would really love to see more threads like that showing installs with pictures/videos and descriptions of the steps for different types of locos. I can't begin to describe how much help they are to the beginner and inexperienced modeler.

Anyway, here is a video I shot shortly after the install. Nothing fancy or prototypical.. just some fun, enjoy:

http://vimeo.com/38481117

I've got a problem with a locomotive I got from Bachmann earlier this year and I'd like some opinions as to what some of you experienced modelers might think the problem could be. Before you tell me to contact or send it to the service department, I am. In fact, that's where the engine came from. But, before I send it back there I would like to know what could be causing the issue.

The loco in question is in the thread title and the issue is that it runs fine in a straight line and around curves turning to the right. But, if I try and run it on any curves where the engine turns to the left, the front set of drive wheels get bound up. They somehow come up out of the groove they sit in and get stuck and the engine stops. It seems that is the only drive wheel set that does it, and of course that set of wheels doesn't have the drive gears going to it.

I actually got this loco from the Bachmann service department as a replacement engine for an older (much older) Class J I sent in for repair for THE EXACT same issue. This one a new engine that is DCC equipped, the other is a very old analog engine. I paid the shipping and replacement costs that Bachmann charges for this engine, and now will have to pay new shipping charges to send this engine back to them. My issue now is that I can not locate my receipt they sent back with the engine (the pink (right?) copy they send in the box), I think my wife tossed it out. But, that's my problem for not keeping up with my receipts properly, and I'm not bad talking Bachmann's service department. I've had nothing but positive experiences with them every time I have dealt with them. It is a crazy coincidence though that this loco has the same problem the one I sent in for repair originally did though. I noticed it the day we got it and my son and I put it on the track to run it. But, I was frustrated and we realized it would at least run while turning to the right and my layout is setup so that it can run in that configuration. So, it only gets run every now and then.

Man, sorry to ramble.    Anyway, just been meaning to post on here for thoughts as to what the potential issue could be and if it might even be an issue I could fix on my own.

Thanks.
Chuck

I have two new engines and know that the minimum recommended radius for each is 22".

(Engines)
2-8-4 Berkshire Steam Loco
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=1955

N&W Class J - but with no sound decoder, just DCC
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=1889

What I would like to know is if the engines are run on 18" radius turns will it damage them? I know the answer is really going to be, "Yes, they must be run on 22" at a minimum"... but my currently built layout has no 22" turns, only 18". I have a 5 year old who doesn't quite grasp why we can't run them on there and thought about "occasionally" running them there for him to watch, but I don't want to break anything either. FYI - I do have some 22" EZ-track "loose" and have been setting it up on the floor for him to watch and run (you know, face planted to the floor, butt up in the air all the while making his own train sounds  )

Another question is this: I eventually want to get a sound decoder for each of these engines and have no idea what I should get. Obviously I would like them to be as close to prototypical for each engine as possible, but I really just don't know where to start.

Thanks in advance.

OK, I have a bit of an odd desire that I have wanted to do for several years and think I have finally got an idea on how to make it work. I'd love some input from you folks as to how to pull this off.

I have an artificial Christmas tree, around the 6 foot height I think. I have been wanting to add an N Scale train to the tree each year, not under the tree, but actually going around and up the tree to the top. Think of it as like a spiral going up from the lower branches all the way to the top, but out toward the outer edges of the branches. Picture it?

My question is... how can I make this a reality?

I assume the basics need to be a point to point reversing system. I'm sure I can make that happen fairly easy and think I know where to get the items to make that happen. I'm curious as to how to construct the ledge that the track needs to attach to AND how to attach that to the tree. My thought is to build the ledge out of thin balsa wood, which would have flex track attached to it. Then have wooden arms coming off the ledge wood to somehow attach to the tree center. That leaves a question of how to build it so it can easily be put up and taken down, and stored.

Anyway, it sounds like a fun and challenging project. Any thoughts? -- Also, do you guys think there are any setups like this out there and info on the internet? I did some google searches before posting here.. but had no luck.

OK.. kind of off topic... sort of. But, i figured if there were folks who might be able to help me it would be here. Anyway, my son is dressing up in a Thomas the Tank Engine costume for Halloween. He wants me to dress up as a Conductor, Engineer.. but preferably Sir Topam Hat. I have done searches far and wide for costumes.. but no luck. I can find American style Engineer costumes, but that's not what I want because it's not correct. ANY ideas, suggestions, thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Chuck

I was wondering if anyone could give even a rough value of the Bachmann Canonball Express set (roughly 1996?). I guess a price for new in box, unopened. I might be interested in purchasing one I see for sale on my local Craigslist. The guy originally asked $35. Now he's saying he wants to up the price to $50 because it's considered a collectible. I'm not interested in paying more than $35 regardless. I was just curious as to what it might be worth. My Google searches are coming back inconsistent in price ranges.

Thanks in advance.

I appreciate all the help and input in my other thread asking for help and guidance concerning the "Sodor Island" layout The Bach-mann constructed. I want to re-create this layout as best I can and think I have a good plan now and have gotten started. Some asked for updates on the progress, so I created a Picasa Photo Album for this purpose. I'll track my progress much like The Bach-mann did (though I'm sure mine won't turn out as nice as his  ) Right now there's not too much in the way of progress, other than I finally got a track plan that appears to be as close to what he has as I can tell. I have nearly all the track purchased for the lower level, except the LH turnouts (why does all this have to be so expensive?  ) Once I finish the track purchases it will start to take more shape. I will post back with updates as they come.

http://picasaweb.google.com/NAPA15/HOThomasSodorIslandLayout#

Hi all,

I've got a large scale set I bought maybe 6 or 7 years ago (something like that). I don't have the original box any longer but need help identifying this as a Bachmann set, or not. I think it is, but can not find anything about this exact set doing a Google search. My question is, is it a Bachmann set? I think it is. It's got Virginia & Truckee livery.

Pictures below.

Hello,

My name is Chuck. This is my first post here in this community. I have a few questions and was hoping for some help for a beginner.

I plan on creating a 4'x8' layout based as close as I can on the Sodor Island layout MR Bach-Man created (in the Photo Gallery). I downloaded the Atlas Track planner software from their site as I saw here that it can be used to layout a representation for/of Easy-Track. Anyway, I have attached 3 files for that program of my layout and I need someone who is willing to look at them and give direction/advice. The lower level in incomplete on the inner circle, as I have no idea how to make it connect. I've tried re-configuring it, but just can't get it. I'm not even sure I have either the outer or inner sections correct. Please tell me if you think the middle and upper layouts look correct based off of that Sodor Island layout, as mine seems to be a bit bigger in proportion than what I see in his photo gallery.

This layout is very important to me because I need to come as close as I can to knowing exactly what track I need before I order it, but money is a big issue.

Is there an easy way to tell how much risers I will need to purchase as well? What about powering the track. I see the powered re-railer wires hanging down, and then the track soldered later on. Is that layout powered directly using those re-railer power wires, or have you created your own by soldering the power directly to the track somewhere?

One more thing, that big/thick piece of blue foam on the very bottom layer, where can that be purchased and what exactly is it (so I know what to ask for)? And those white foam panels, what are they and where can I purchase them?

I'm sure I have more questions, but I'm really just trying to get going with the basics first and take it slow. Please be patient with my questions. This is a layout I'm doing for my son and daughter to enjoy.. and build with them.

Thanks,
Chuck

**NOTE: For some reason the forum will not allow me to attach my files. They're small enough, but it says the upload folder is full. I've tried several times. Happy to email the files to anyone willing to look at them/give advice.**