Well, neither answer is correct.  The difference between On30 (0.65") and On3 (0.75") is 0.10", which is equal to 4.8 inches in 1/48 scale.  On30 gauge is actually 31.2 inches in 1/48 scale.

Cheers, Ken

Chuff_n_puff's story is extremely unbelievable to me.  It is beyond belief that scientists and engineers with the intelligence and technology to build a nuclear-powered locomotive would "realize that it was too big to go through tunnels and too long for any curves" only after it was completely designed and constructed.

As a registered professional engineer with years of experience designing foundations for structures on permafrost, I can assure you that the locomotive would not be able to melt through the permafrost to the center of the earth.

Cheers, Ken

I returned my On30 shay for repair on January 13, 2007.  I did not get a reply from them until February 22, six weeks later.  At that time, they said there was at least a six week backlog, which will add up to at least 12 weeks before I get anything back, if all goes well.

Cheers, Ken

I finally received a message from Service that they had received my shay on February 2, andthat there was a 6 week backlog from that date.  Thanks Mr. Bach-man for your help.

Cheers, Ken

Rich, I'm afraid you're right. 

On Saturday, January 13, 2007, I returned my On30 shay to the Bachmann service department for servicing (it wouldn't run at all forward), in accordance with their written warranty instructions.  I have not received a response from them since, despite repeated email requests.  I can't even get a confirmation that they received it.  I hate to use this forum for such a negative topic, but I'm not sure what else to do.

Mr. Bach-man, can you help me?

Cheers, Ken

Hi, Jim,

I agree.  My question was rhetorical - I just wanted to get the subject on the table for clarity.  In addition to your excellent analysis, I offered my own here:

ttp://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,304.msg2680.html

Both your method and mine work in any scale.  Incidently, I am also interested in the (other) string theory.

Cheers, Ken

Hi, Stewart,

The "40' Box Car Method" of what?

Cheers, Ken

Hi, Harold,

Another great article!  Keep up the good work.  I've experimented with the Accumate couplers and I agree that they couple and uncouple better than the Kadee clones.  I also agree that the Accumates are close to proper size for most NG couplers, which are the 3/4MCB types with a knuckle height of 6-1-3/4", and which is most appropriate for most of the Bachmann On30 prototypes. 

However, the D&RG narrow gauge used the Type D coupler, which was standard for standard gauge prior to 1932.  The Type D coupler has a 9" knuckle height, which is most closely replicated by the Kadee On3 (S) coupler.  I use both the On3 and HO couplers interchangeably and they interface well for me.  I also use the On3 couplers for any standard gauge models, which is accurate for the earlier 20th-century prototypes.  All of this is well documented by Bruce Metcaff.  Like you I hand uncouple and I clip off the wires to look more realistic.

Cheers, Ken

In addition to all of the excellent analyses above, here's another way to keep it simple.  88 feet per second for 60 MPH works in any scale if you use scale feet.  Therefore, take a scale rule (a good thing to have anyway if you don't want to be constantly calculating) and measure 88 feet along the right of way.  Then a train crossing that distance will be going a scale 60 MPH.

Cheers, Ken

Hi, Harold,

Nice work.  Keep it up.  I share your dislike for the clunky tender which doesn't match the classic original C-16 lines, and I've been planning on doing the same thing to my C-16.  I have an extra Bachmann tender waiting.  I appreciate the instructions on how you did yours.  Thanks.

Cheers, Ken