Empire Builder Set few questions

[l-y-k]

Hello guys!


I've just ordered a Empire Builder set and should arrive by Saturday.

I've scaled down due to space so this will be my base set I guess...


the questions I have are;

Is the basic 24" width of the curve tracks the smallest Bachmann offer I'd like to make a more shallow curve so the train isn't cornering sharply...

Does anyone have a close up image of the locomotive, can the cab be lighted. and is the front lamp of the locomotive an LED?

with the EZ track, What would I need to do a nice figure of 8 layout with the current track provided, with a larger oval on the outside of it?

Any one else bought this set with some good photos of it on your layout you'd like to share?

I feel like a kid again ordering a new set! I had stopped with my hobby since going to uni but I'd like to get back into one of my favourite hobbies ready for winter when its dark and rainy in the evenings

I've read good and bad reviews on the locomotive supplied but it looks great and I have never had a problem with any previous Bachmann product.


I'll post some photos up when I get the set on Saturday hopefully!


Many thanks for your help.


Leon

[mhampton]

In their EZ line, Bachmann offers 11.25", 12.5", 17.5", and 19" radius curves.  The set you ordered comes with the 11.25" radius.

[l-y-k]

Thanks, how many pieces of the 19" radius do you need to create a semi circle of track?

[James in FL]

Hi l-y-k,

First question -
The 11.25r curves are the smallest B'mann offers currently. This is what came with your set.
As already mentioned 12.5r, 17.5r, and 19r are currently available.

Second question -
"Can the cab be lighted?" ... I would say so... almost anything is possible.
"and is the front lamp of the locomotive an LED?" ... the front light is a bulb, as far as I know, this loco has not yet been released as DCC ready or equipped.

Third question –
You will need to acquire more track pieces to make a figure 8 including more curve sections and assorted straight sections. The outside oval can be adjusted accordingly once you determine which degree crossing you want to use on the 8.
Your crossings can be 30°, 45°, 60° or 90°.

That said;
An 11.25r is tight on the 4-8-4 but can be used if you so desire, I would open it up if at all possible.

Thanks to Mr. Joe Satnik, I have the trig formulas to figure all the different possible combinations for both crossings and curves.

Tell me what radius curves you will be using, and which degree crossing, and I will post the equation if needed.
Trigonometry you gotta love it...

Good Luck

[l-y-k]

Hey James Thanks so much!

the table top I want to use as my layout board will be an IKEA 59"(150cm) x 29.5" (75cm)

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/70162490#/90071168/

the top is pretty good value.

I'm hoping this is big enough to create an interesting off set figure of 8 and an outer oval of track for the 4-8-4 i guess 12.5 for the outer edge for the curves?

But for my starter I'd like just a simple over and under figure of 8 with the 11.5 with a 12.5 on the outside as an oval.
(I think a 90 crossing will be the only one I can use for that size of board? or can I get a slightly longer run?


Or could I fit any of the wider radius's? and what does the 11.5/12.5/17.5r etc mean? how are they measured?


I look forward to your reply!


Thanks again,


Leon

[mhampton]

Or could I fit any of the wider radius's? and what does the 11.5/12.5/17.5r etc mean? how are they measured?

The radius measurement is from the middle of the circle to the center line of the track forming the circle.  Thus, the 12.5" radius track will form a 25" circle center to center.  You will need to add at least another inch (probably more) on either side to assure support of the outside rail and to have a little space in case of derailment, so your 25" diameter circle will need at least a 27" wide table.

[Albert in N]

Remember that an N locomotive is often damaged if it drops onto the floor.  For that reason, my layout butts against two interior walls.  I use a finished trim board nailed onto the layout to protect the two exposed sides.  Should I have a derailment, nothing falls off the layout.  So far, I have not had any derailment problems, but better safe than sorry.  Be aware that figure 8 layouts are fun, but sometimes locomotives stall on the crossing.  Your large steamer should be OK.  I had no problem with my Bachmann 2-6-2 prairie or 4-8-4 northern, but the 4-4-0 American (from Prairie Flyer set) often stalled on the crossing at slow speeds.  Now I have a dogbone layout with an outer loop plus passing sidings.  The dogbone idea came from the box on a Bachmann Highballer diesel set.

[l-y-k]

Thanks buddy,


I can't wait to get my new loco!

I've ordered some track, a couple more box cars... I've been looking on a few links thanks to mhampton which are on his website, I'm going to have an over and under figure of 8 with some sort of iron trestle bridge with a slightly larger radius outer line.

I'll take your edging into consideration though as I don't want to damage anything!


I cant wait to start modeling, creating the land scape and buildings...I fancy having a nice night life section of the layout as well... we will see! It's a shame the Bachmann website hasn't got a blog section...or does it?

Thanks,

Leon

[l-y-k]

Well I picked my set up today on my lunch break had a quick look at the loco...I had forgotton how small n scale was!! Looking forward to going home and setting it up

Photos to follow later

[l-y-k]

Heres my new set...


Few pics below to show you guys just incase some of you are interested in the set. It seems to run ok... it works best after the 30mark on the controller. the cars are pretty nice to be fair considering their from a set...

I did order some more track and cars, but their not being delivered til next week so I'm a little restrained with what I can do,

I'll be getting my bord tomorrow. But for now I'm using my dining table!


Let me know what you guys think...

[Albert in N]

That is a nice looking set!  I like the blackened locomotive wheels and lower profile driver wheel flanges on the new 4-8-4 northern.  My older Santa Fe 4-8-4 has shiny silver wheels with deep flanges that sometimes tip a little when going over Kato Unitrack #4 turnouts (number 6 turnouts are OK).  It derailed on my earlier E-Z track layout turnouts.  Looks like Bachmann made some good improvements.  Although I am mostly a diesel guy, I recommend the little Bachmann 2-6-2 prairie should you later want another Bachmann Standard steamer.  My prairie is a lot of fun to run and is one of my smoothest locomotives.  Although my DC layout is small, I own at least 20 N scale locomotives of various manufacturers.  The main thing is to have fun!

[l-y-k]

Thanks Albert, I've just got myself another set on the way...haha... its the Explorer set, I do believe that the 4-8-4 & f9's were used before the 1950's?


I hope to get my layout sorted from next week...


I will keep an eye out for more steam loco's though I've ran it in nicely and seems to stay on the strack no problem, the 11.5 radius is a little tight, I tested it on a snakey "s" style bend and it didn't like it one but due to the overhangs and the tender link.

I'll post some more pics up in the near future.... heres one of it in a dark shot...on the floor I know but it will be on a board soon enough!

[Brentski]

Nice going Beautiful tabletop!    I just got mine running today - I need to disassemble it due to my kids,but it was a lot of fun for the family - my Father in law came over and we ran it together. An atlas GP9 ran very smoothly on it also.

[l-y-k]

You bought the same set hey? I'm pretty impressed with this loco, I'm sorry for the guys who have had bad experience with the loco...but touch wood nothing will go wrong!!!

I'm going to get get my caboose lighted too

As far as I know it's possible to get an LED in the front of the 4-8-4 and light up the cabin but does this affect the Bachmann's life time warranty?

Thanks


Leon

[ACY]

As far as I know it's possible to get an LED in the front of the 4-8-4 and light up the cabin but does this affect the Bachmann's life time warranty?

Making modifications to the locomotive can void the warranty, this may be something that could, but I would call (not email) Bachmann and ask.