Although, I've been an N scaler for the past 25 years or so recently I have become intrigued with On30 models. In particular I am thinking about building a portable logging display layout. Has anyone comments/experience with the Bachman models and particularly motive power that they would like to share?
How does ,"They run soooooooo good" sound. I have 3 moguls,1 Porter,and several Bachmann powered critters.No Shay yet though. By the way has anybody noticed that MR insists on calling the Shay an On 2 1/2 locomotive,even though Bachmann has an add for thier On30 Shay in the mag? [ 15. March 2003, 20:25: Message edited by: Catt ]
I'll second Johnathan's view on the Bachmann 2-6-0's. I hope to get one of the Shays soon. It is a good looking beast and from all I've heard about them, they run as good as they look, if not better. Bachmann has log cars out to go with it, so start saving your pennies. Greg Elems
I'm glad to hear that the Bachmann On30 stuff runs well. I am about to move from PA (basement) to TX (no basement), and I have thought about using the On30 option as a reasonable cost way to do a narrow gauge layout. With one kid entering college and another 2 years behind, cost is a consideration. How do folks feel about the variety of offerings and likelihood that Bachmann will continue to make this line for some time? Does anyone have experience with the On30 track being advertised?
I showed my wife the Bacmann website and the Porter 040 and 042's. She used that dreaded "cute" word. Nonetheless I think that may be interpreted as approval should I move into a second scale. I think that an 1890 ish logging layout with Porters and those nifty log cars would make a nice display layout.
Don, That is the beauty of On30. You can use any HO track, hand lay, or buy On30. There are two On30 brands of track out there. Both are gauged for HO, but use O scale sized ties. One is a heavier looking tie, Peco, and the other is really light looking ties, Micro engineering. Peco makes switches. Any HO switch will work, and IIRC Micro engineering offers their On30 in code 100 and 83. Peco is code 100. I took a section of HO flex, Shinohara, and removed about 1/4 of the ties and spread them apart and buried it in dirt and it made good looking On30 track. That is the beauty of it, recycled HO track. Greg Elems
Interesting......IIRC, didn't Bachmann come out with an On30 starter set? I could see using Atlas nickel silver flex with ties re-arranged as mentioned above, as well as the Atlas turnouts. And besides perhaps a logging line, perhaps a mining road....... As Stephen Chapin said, "Imagine all the possibilities........"
Bachmann has several 0n30 sets,both freight and passenger.With the release of the Shay I would say that Bachmann is in 0n30 for the long haul even if Model Railroader calls it 0n2 1/2.
Yes, I would say Bachmann is in for the long haul. Their On30 line has been out at least 5 years now. Their next engine is supposed to be a little critter that is modelled after a small gas or diesel engine. Greg Elems
Hello everyone, As a new person to this site, I appreciate everyone's comments and ideas. It makes a new person feel welcome. Thanks. I have been fascinated by narrow gauge since my trip to Durango in 1982, but the brass narrow gauge locomotives will give any family person reason to think more than once. I see the On30 option as a good compromise if you are not an obsessive rivet counter. I am looking for trains which overall look nice and run well within the context of my layout. I am giving On30 some very serious consideration.
Welcome to the Board Don, and jump right in with crew. There is so much more to choose from now than even 20 years ago. On30 has the size that fits well with detailing. The track plans can be taken from HO layouts and almost work without any modification. Of course, the clearances will prevent that, but still a lot of railroading in small spaces. Greg Elems
The 2002 issue of Model Railroad Planning (from Kalmbach Publishing) has a nice article on a 4x8 On30 layout, using either Atlas track or the Peco HO track built with On30 in mind (better tie spacing). It would be a good starter layout to gauge your interest- the possibility of switching, or just letting 'em roll. Since it was published last year, you would have a hard time finding this issue, but prehaps Kalmbach may have back copies.
