Anyone here model On30 or two rail trolley/traction? I've seen both at some train shows and have some questions regarding each in O scale.
I have heard that Bachmann makes a nice On30 trolley. I haven't seen any in person. Have you seen them Chris? They are good runners I hear, from the On30 Yahoo list. They get kit bashed a lot too. Greg
Where is Paul Templar? He does On30. It's been a while since his last post. Hope he's well? Boxcab E50
Greg. No I didn't get a chance to see the On30 trolley, but I did get to see, in person, the other Bachmann equipment. The steamers and passsenger cars are beautiful. I didn't get to see them run though. I have mostly N and HO equipment and effectively no good place to set up something that I'd like. I've seen some modular trolley/traction layouts at Maryland train shows. I'm wondering if On30 and traction make a good mix. I like the size of O. I don't think I'd want to string catenary in any smaller scale. Are there any nice, smooth running models in O (two rail) or On30? (something similar to what Atlas and Kato have done in HO and N). I don't mind kit bashing, but I'm not good at tinkering with motors to make them operate more smoothly. My friend in Ohio has O two rail, but all of his motive power is brass. No way I can afford brass right now. Ultimately, I'd like to have some traction modules that I could take to train shows. It seems to make the most sense to do this in O or On30. Thanks Chris
Chris, Take a look at this: http://www.bowser-trains.com/oscale/trolleys/trolleys.htm At the bottom of the page they list a 2 rail set up. I would imagine it would be a simple matter of wheel and motor truck change out to make it a 2 rail DC/DCC set up. More than likely, the wheels will be more scale like rather than the tin-plate O27 wheels. Also, I have a couple of the Bachmann 2-6-0's and they are sweet runners. Putt trains sells a trolley that can be gauge to On30, and even though it is sold as S, it would work with the Bachmann. That being said, is without a side by side comparision. http://www.putttrains.com/Pages/welcome.html This should help you get started. Greg
I forgot to mention that there are several makers of 2-Rail O scale equipment that run very nice and would work on a traction layout. One being brass, but more than reasonable is RY Models. http://www.richyodermodels.com He has a variaty of models to choose from. They are in fact cheaper than most plastic offered of any value, i.e. Atlas O and Weaver. The last two do put out a good product, but they are bigger engines that you would find in a switch yard but not uncommon on a traction line. Then if you like kits, this may interest you. http://www.karlgarin.com check the 2 Doors Down American diesel kits for three kits of small engines. Greg [ 18. July 2004, 06:13: Message edited by: Greg Elems ]
Greg, Thanks for the information and sites. The brass is a lot more reasonable than I'd thought. I guess it pays not to be exposed to a brass O scale Hudson right off the bat . The GE-45 tonner looks awesome. I'm not sure I have the skills to tackle a brass locomotive kit yet. The 300HP EMD looks really nice. I think I'll take on a trolley conversion and then possibly step up to a traction boxcab or steeple cab if I can find one. I have to do some more research on a modular/portable traction layout, but I'll get started on a model soon. If I don't pursue the layout, at least I'll have a nice display model! Chris
