Big Hauler 4-6-0 and coaches - Baltimore and Ohio / Blue Comet

[Dieseldonkey]

Hi,
I have a B & O 4-6-0 which I think has a 5th generation chassis fitted. I'm trying to source both B and O and Blue Comet coaches to go with the loco. Can you tell me when these where produced and if they are still available new. Did they only come as a part of a set? Also were they exported to the UK or only made available in the USA.

I've found some second hand coaches on e bay but they seem quite rare.

Thanks for your help

Dieseldonkey

[Loco Bill]

I cannot answer your question about the Blue Comet & Royal Blue being exported to the UK as I have no info on that. 

The Blue Comet Set and extra cars came out in 1997 and remained in the catalog until 1999.  I have seen the loco #833 in the version 3  & 4 Chassis but never the version 5.  This is a beautiful set!! Prices noted were the original MSRP


90028   CNJ      Set, Blue Comet             1997   $300.00
91286   CNJ   833   4-6-0, Central of New Jersey         Set 90028   1997   $240.00
97186   CNJ   Halley   Combine, Central of Ney Jersey         Set 90028   1997   $65.00
97286   CNJ   Westphal   Coach, Central of New Jersey            1997   $70.00
97386   CNJ   Temple   Observation, Central of New Jersey         Set 90028   1997   $65.00
97486   CNJ   Barnard   Baggage, Central of New Jersey            1997   $55.00


This set was in the catalog from 1989 to 1995 and again in 1997 and 1998 and again in 2001 and 2002.  It is a beautiful set based on the turn of the century first class service between New York and Washington by the B&O RR.  It was in the catalog for 11 years second only to the circus set The Ringmaster.   The major problem for Ebay or mail order buyers of this set is related to the long production run.   The locomotive in this set had a Version 2 chassis, in later years it had Version 3, 4, and 5 chassis depending on what year it was made.  Ebay or mail order sellers might get more if they identified the chassis version especially Version 5.  If the seller will not answer your questions then it is best to pass and wait for another seller.   This set is so common that you will not have a problem finding another set.  It is definitely not collectable at this point.  The original MSRP was $340.00 and the discount mail order hobby shop price was $145.00.   This set sells regularly on Ebay for $75.00 to 130.00.   Do not pay top dollar for this set unless it has the version 5 chassis from the 2001 or 2002 model runs of this set.  Version 5 Chassis are easily identified by checkin the bottom plate of the loco and checkin to see if ther is a removable lubrication port near the rear drivers.  Here is the Royal Blue listings and some other B& O items as well.
  90016   B&O   Set   1989   ^ Set   The Royal Blue   P         $340.00    
91243   B&O   1332   1989   ~ Loco   4-6-0, B&O Royal Blue   P         $140.00    Set 90016 and seperately
93512   B&O   1525   1989   Flat Car   w/logs, B&O   P   L       $35.00    Also in Set 90012
93612   B&O   1525   1989   Flat Car   B&O   P      with stakes   $30.00    Also in Set 90100
93712   B&O   235   1989   Gondola   Baltimore & Ohio   P         $30.00    
95612   B&O   1525   1998   Flat Car   20 ft, Baltimore & Ohio   P          $49.00    
97143   NYPB&W   1063   1989   P Combine   The Royal Blue   B&O   P      Battery Lights   $55.00    Set 90016 & Seperately
97243   NYPB&W   1051   1989   P-Coach   The Royal Blue   B&O   p      Battery Lights   $55.00    
97343   NYPB&W   1059   1989   P-Obs   The Royal Blue   B&O   P      Battery Lights   $65.00    Set 90016 & Seperately
97443   NYPB&W   820   1992   P Baggage   The Royal Blue   B&O   P      Not Lighted   $55.00    


Good luck and enjoy your trains!!

[Sleeping Bear]

  I hereby and hence forth elect and vote for Loco bill to be the"OFFICAL" Bachmann historian, at least for the formum. He provides more factual info on Bachmann trains that has helped more or rather most of us.... what do you say guy's???  Mr Bach-Man???...............S.B.

[Dieseldonkey]

Yes, thanks very much Loco Bill. First class info and very helpful. The B & O loco I've sourced is indeed a version 5. Haven't seen matching coaches on UK ebay or dealers but have sourced some from Florida on US ebay.  I've also won a Blue Comet set on UK ebay, so waiting in anticipation for that.

Thanks again.

Dieseldonkey

[Loco Bill]

Glad you got the Blue Comet Set. Even tho it does not have the version 5 chassis it is one of the greatest looking sets Bachmann ever did.  If you have the good fortune to get the extra cars, it makes a fabulous train. 

I know of a fellow who converted the loco to a version 5 chassis by swapping the shells.  He also had the baggage, combine, two coaches and the observation.  It was quite a sight to see!!!

It my earlier comments on Ebay, I was refering to the US site,  I have no knowledge of the frequency things come up on the UK site. 

Again Best of luck!!

Sleeping Bear, Thanks for your vote!!

[Sleeping Bear]

 Check ebay again man ...Royal blue set for $100 and a full baggage a little further down........S.B.