Narrow Gauge Modeling Thread

[Chaz]

Peco couplers can be ordered here.

https://store.katousa.com/product/009-peco-couplers-009-narrow-gauge/

In addition, couplers for Skarloey, Rheneas, and Rusty are in Bachmann's parts store.  You'll need to buy both the couplers and coupler mounts which are sold separately.

[Coaltronn]

Chaz, grandpuff, and anyone else that has scratch built/modeled custom rolling stock/engines. what coupling do you use and where do you buy them from? really appreciate any feedback.

[Chaz]

The Peco ones are the ones I've used in the past.  Either/or should work for what you're looking for.

On a side note, Bill (grandpuff) passed away about three years ago and his thread confirming his passing was deleted once the forum server was down and was one of many threads lost during the shutdown.

[Coaltronn]

AWW,  that's horrible. he had great work! thanks for the response! time to see how these will work

[Chaz]

I've been a little bit behind on my posts on the forum and I apologize. Work and life have sort of taken a toll and getting ready for the holidays has been pretty stressful. But nonetheless, I wanted to do a post on Talyllyn and I wanted to do a review on it and while we are at it I figured since it's been almost a decade since his release, we can revisit Skarloey too and see how well it holds up.


2015 was a landmark year for Bachmann as well as the brand being the 70th anniversary of Thomas & Friends. Bachmann really went out with a bang that year by announcing the highly requested HO model of Oliver and revolutionized the hobby with the launch of Skarloey in OO9 scale. At the time, OO9 was a lot more of a niche market, with limited ready-to-run options, but Skarloey's release helped popularize it. The model sold out rapidly, with many waiting over a year after its first release to get one. Skarloey not only exceeded expectations but also opened the door for more enthusiasts to explore narrow-gauge modeling. Nearly a decade later, it still holds up remarkably well.


Skarloey captured the CGI series' dark red livery and detailed rivet patterns matching its real-life inspiration, Talyllyn. While some fans prefer the classic series' brighter red, the model remains universally appreciated. The face perfectly reflects the CGI design, adding to its charm. However, the lack of a separate handrail on the smokebox and the non-existent detail inside the cab make Skarloey seem a lot more plain compared to most of the engines that came after.  These flaws, however I think can be overlooked since it was Bachmann's first OO9 model in the range, and if Rheneas is anything to go off of, they improved on this rather drastically in comparison. Talyllyn also improved on adding more life to the cab interior that Skarloey started with, which we will talk about more in a minute. 


Performance-wise, Skarloey runs smoothly with excellent weight and traction on flat surfaces. It handles switches well, though it struggles on gradients with heavier loads. Adding powered rear wheels in future models like Peter Sam and their upcoming Sir Handel was a good call, so it's easy to give Bachmann the benefit of the doubt here too since this was their first attempt at a model like this. 


Overall, Skarloey remains one of Bachmann's standout products, and second best narrow gauge engine behind Peter Sam. While Sir Handel may surpass both of them, Skarloey's legacy as a game-changer for the Thomas range and OO9 modeling is undeniable and pretty incredible.


Now for Talyllyn:



The Talyllyn model shares many strengths with Skarloey but has notable differences. The front lamp and smokebox are standout improvements, with the red livery being applied beautifully on the model, particularly on the wheels. I also really like some of the additional painted details such as the gold on the wheels and even the black roof.

I want to make a quick edit. I need to apologize and thank a friend for pointing this out. Earlier, I mistakenly said that Skarloey's front windows were open while Talyllyn's were blocked. It turns out I was wrong—Skarloey's front windows have always been blocked and never opened. I initially thought mine were open, but after double-checking my model and seeing photos of others, I realized I was mistaken. Again, I apologize for any misinformation I may have shared earlier and will move forward from this.



Looking at Talyllyn's cab with a more correct perspective, the painted interior is a welcome addition and a genuine improvement over the original Skarloey model. It features more realistic cab colors, similar to those on the Rheneas model giving the model that extra little bit of life. These small details truly highlight how far Bachmann has come since the initial release nearly a decade ago.


Performance wise, it mirrors that of Skarloey to a t.  It runs very smoothly, can haul a decent amount of rolling stock and looks incredible running on any OO9 layout.  It is honestly so incredible to see a ready-to-run model of Talyllyn being available after seeing Skarloey released after so many years.  Many fans are happy with Talyllyn, and rightfully so. Whether you model the Talyllyn Railway, Skarloey Railway, or narrow gauge in general, this model is a welcome addition to any collection.


Thank you, Bachmann, for continuing to expand the narrow gauge line and introducing OO9 models beyond Thomas & Friends. While I appreciate this model on its own, I'm curious to see if Bachmann will explore other Talyllyn Railway repaints down the road. I could see Sir Haydn coming next if the Sir Handel engineering sample is anything to go off of.

As for me, my next review will be an exciting one: N scale Gordon. I can't wait to share my thoughts on that one soon. After that, I'll review Henrietta once Hannah comes out, STH's car when the figures come out, and hopefully N scale Emily and her coaches—though those may come later due to budget constraints, as N scale isn't my primary focus.

Have any of you picked up Talyllyn? What are your thoughts on the model? Does Skarloey still hold up after all these years? Let me know! In the meantime, I'll prepare for my next review of a certain big (and small) express engine that's almost as special to me as Skarloey.

[JacobSK]

Great review as always, Chaz! Always enjoy seeing your pictures as well.

I still feel...and cannot believe we're almost ten years out, Skarloey still holds up. I got mine in 2021, and I'll never get over how great and surreal is to have him. He paved the way for OO9 modeling and for the better. Each model, I feel, got better following him...with the exception of Rusty, but that's just me. Took something good and made it better.

Onto Talyllyn. I have no immediate plans to pick the model up at this time. Your review definitely help get my expectations in check. As far as the front portals go, it is disappointing, but if one is handy with customizing, I'm sure they could open them up and bring some life to the model. From what I've been told, apparently waves of Skarloey following Peter Sam had the back trailing wheels powered. Does your Talyllyn model have powered trailing wheels?

Either way, your review was indeed informative and will hopefully help board members decide if they want to add this model to their collections. I know it's been selling out fast here and in the UK and rightfully so. Seems like a fun model indeed.

Can't wait for your review on N Gordon, either. I got my package from TrainWorld, but am waiting to...erm...christen it at Christmas.

[Chaz]

The trailing wheels on Talyllyn are not powered just like Skarloey.

[Chaz]

Sorry for the double post but I want to thank a friend for pointing this out. Earlier, I mistakenly said that Skarloey's front windows were open while Talyllyn's were blocked. It turns out I was wrong—Skarloey's front windows have always been blocked since it's initial release and remained that way since and the Talyllyn model offered a visual improvement over this area over the Skarloey model as I noted in my review. Again, I apologize for any misinformation I may have shared earlier and I'll take the L on that one. The review has been updated with more factually correct information.