Your Lionel ZW definitely puts out AC power. That was the standard for all 3 rail trains when it was made.

As to the power requirements for the Williams by Bachmann, I would suggest you ask on that specific forum below.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

0n30 denotes both a scale (American 0-Scale which is 1:48 proportion) and a prototype track gauge (30"). It happens that H0 gauge track (which is 0.649" between the rails) scales out to ~30" (actually 31.17") in (1:48) 0-Scale.The vehicles and accessories that are applicable are American 0-Scale, again, 1:48 proportion. It is happenstance that the gauge of H0 track is very close to a prototype gauge of 30" in 1:48 scale.

0n30 is not 'S-Scale,' nor even close to S-Scale which is 1:64 proportion. Using S-Scale buildings, figures and accessories with 0-Scale (including 0n30) trains results in a hodgepodge of scales mixed together. Kind of like deciding that N-Scale buildings can be used with H0 or H0n3 trains in order to save space. Consider that the prototype 3' gauge railroads were still 1:1 scale. They didn't have smaller buildings nor smaller people using them!

Consider that a model of a 6' tall man in 0-Scale is 1 1/2" tall. The same 6' tall man reduced to S-Scale is only 1 1/8" tall. That is 25% smaller! Unless your RR is populated only with 'little people,' the 0-Scale figures won't be able to get through the doorways of the S-Scale buildings.

0-Scale buildings, vehicles and accessories used for 0n30 are readily available. I am building a (fantasy) U.S. Naval installation where some PBY and PBY-5 aircraft are based. The aircraft, personnel, buildings and support equipment are all 1:48 (0) scale. My Navy installation is served by a branch of a 30" (0n30) gauge railroad. Similar to the 36" (narrow) gauge RR that served the Pearl Harbor U.S. Navy base in the late 1930's into the 1940's.

As to why 0n30: It gives us the opportunity to use H0 gauge track and mechanisms to model in the larger 1:48 scale. This cuts the costs of locomotives, rolling stock and track while enabling the use of larger buildings and accessories for those of us who want to get into something larger than H0 Scale.

BTW, one of the items that defines the narrow gauge RRing look is the size, length and spacing of the ties. IMO, using H0 standard gauge track and covering it up with ballast to camouflage the fact that the ties are too small, the tie spacing too close, and the tie length too short takes away from the narrow gauge effect. I use Micro Engineering 0n30 track, which gives me the desired narrow gauge look.

None of the above is meant to denigrate nor take away from anyone's modeling efforts. Just my personal take on the reasons for 0n30.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Off the OP's topic, but I especially like the boxcab in Carsten's 2013 0n30 Annual. It's built on a Bachmann H0 45 ton chassis using a sheet of Evergreen styrene, some Grandt Line & Precision Scale parts, and a few bits of wire. The eight wheel pickup should ensure excellent performance!

Mine will be the base switcher for a U.S. Navy installation where some (actually 2) PBY aircraft are stationed. I really like the totally business-like design along with the 40s / 50s look. Perfect for a government owned locomotive!

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Do you know that the 3-rail engines are powered by AC?

That means you would have to change the motors to DC in order to use DCC. Possibly doable, but it is a major hurdle to conversion to DCC.

Just a first thought, but if you do the AC to DC motor conversion, why not also rebuild the locomotives to run on 2-rail power and eliminate the toy-like third rail?

For what it's worth, some manufacturer's locomotives are available in either 3-rail (AC) and 2-rail (DC) configurations.

Not trying to be an obstructionist or nay-sayer, as I too have an interest in combining 0n30 & 0-scale standard gauge equipment as an interchange on my developing layout.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Here is my answer from the other (paint) thread where you asked the same question:

The simple answers are "Yes" and "No."

Bachmann large scale trains, like LGB large scale trains, run on DC (Direct Current) and require a power supply that puts out DC. A "transformer" puts out AC (Alternating Current) that will destroy the motor.

Since you asked about LGB power, I assume you have a variable DC power supply rather than a transformer, as that is what LGB uses. That will work fine.

Note that I am totally ignoring DCC (Digital Command Control) which is a different power and control system that is rapidly becoming the standard method of running model trains.

As an aside, you really should start a new thread to ask a new question. Putting your track compatibility and electrical power question at the end of a thread about paint will not get the best responses.

Aa another aside, it is best practice to post a question only in one place.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Quote from: knightLee on February 09, 2013, 12:28:00 PM
can I run bachmann Trains on LGB brass track and do I need any special transformer to run them on LGB track.
Thanks

The simple answers are "Yes" and "No."

Bachmann large scale trains, like LGB large scale trains, run on DC (Direct Current) and require a power supply that puts out DC. A "transformer" puts out AC (Alternating Current) that will destroy the motor.

Since you asked about LGB power, I assume you have a variable DC power supply rather than a transformer, as that is what LGB uses. That will work fine.

Note that I am totally ignoring DCC (Digital Command Control) which is a different power and control system that is rapidly becoming the standard method of running model trains.

As an aside, you really should start a new thread to ask a new question. Putting your track compatibility and electrical power question at the end of a thread about paint will not get the best responses.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

I'm not ceratain, but think the prototype cars were from the early 1900s.

Take a look at Sierra Valley Enterprises detailing kits for these models:

http://www.sierravalleyenterprises.com/bach_ore_cars.html

The kits include metal wheelsets along with a choice of couplers and several replacement and added detail parts that really improve both the appearance and operation of the cars.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

I can not imagine anyone thinking that a large standard gauge locomotive like the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company #4 / Sierra Railroad #38 Mallet would be a candidate for modeling in 0n30. Even less chance that any company would try to build and sell it.

I do agree with Kevin as to size, although I am in the 'railroad equipment came in a wide variety of sizes (Not Scales!)' camp. I think the tendency to think all equipment should be the same 'size' (usually meaning height) is due to looking at modern day railroads where all the equipment is built to a semi-common standard loading gauge (meaning width & height).

I've seen several large scale model railroads where the builder has combined models from 1:32, 1:29, 1:24 and / or 1:20 scales to get the cars to look the same size in a train. One I know of runs a 1:20 scale B'mann 4-4-0 with some Aristo old-time shorty passenger cars claiming that the available 1:20 scale passenger cars are just "too tall." I showed him a pix of the prototype Eureka pulling a car or two and he was totally surprised at the fact that the car towers over the Eureka. He even suggested that the photo was somehow doctored or distorted!

Happy RRing,

Jerry

I too would like to see a somewhat more modern and larger 3 truck Shay. It would be a good follow on to operate with the earlier equipment that belongs to a successful logging, mining or construction company.

My little 2 truck Say is currently relegated to service on a road building project being done by a local construction company, but the management would certainly purchase a larger machine if it was available. They will need at least two or three to move workers, materials & equipment to construct the new dam & water project they have bid on!

Happy RRing,

Jerry

You don't need to go to Canada to find a prototype for SG to NG car interchange. It existed at Mt. Union on the East Broad Top Railroad. A large timber structure was used to lift a car, one end at a time, and the trucks were replaced. I am not an EBT expert, but from what I have read, it was a fascinating operation.

See:

http://railfan.com/archive/rf_archive_winter75_ebt.php

for more information. Lots of other results on Google.

As to narrow gauge / standard trackage common trackage, I have put a couple of feet of 0n30 gauged rail on some 0 gauge track. As suggested above, it does look like 3 rail. I am not certain I will continue with that effort.

Otherwise, my 0 SG will be on one side of a freight transfer platform / freight house structure and the 0n30 will be on the other side. I also plan a large overhead lift structure for moving heavy stuff between two (different gauge) parallel tracks.

Happy (Dual Gauged) RRing,

Jerry

Block control allows the operation of more than one motive power unit (and its train) on a single track, with the speed and direction controlled by the varying the DC voltage on the track. An engine in one block can be controlled independent of engines in adjacent blocks. The most common arrangements use at least three blocks so the trains can keep moving as they go from one block to another. Larger layouts use many blocks to allow the independent operation of several trains.

DCC is very different. All track is connected to the same constant power source. The power source is a version of AC, with command signals impressed on that power. Speed and direction control is provided by a controller in the engine. The on-board controller has a specific address, and only responds to commands that are sent to that address. That means each motive power unit will operate independent of other units, even those directly on the same track. This capability allows for much more prototypical operation, and also supports the independent operation of all manner of items like turnouts and accessories without the need for individual block or electrical wiring.

See:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Command_Control

for a much more detailed explanation.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

My stock answer to the 'time frame' or era question is: Some time before today!

In actual fact, I do run trains that could have been, rather than modern large motive power pulling 1890s coaches. But then again, strange things happen . . .


And, It is my RR!!

Happy (Historically Questionable) RRing,

Jerry

Quote from: Dynamike on December 17, 2012, 03:08:38 AM
I got tired of switching the battery on and off on my North Pole Express combine , so I converted mine to be powered off the track rails.

<snip>

It is suprising how bright the lights are , I wish the engine light was so bright.

Michael Morris

Michael:

A nice conversion, and your instructions are very clear.

One potential problem: I believe the reason your lights are now so bright is that they are running on a higher voltage: The original battery was 9 volts. Track power can be significantly higher (as much as 12 to 14 volts or higher), dependent on the power supply and the speed of the train. This means a significantly shortened life for the bulbs.

One solution to that is to add an inexpensive voltage regulator with the output set for 9 volts. The circuitry is slightly complicated by the requirement that the regulator be able to accommodate polarity reversal.

The simplest solution is to replace the 9 volt bulbs with some rated for 12 to 15 volts, but those bulbs, with a physical configuration that matches the factory bulbs might be difficult to find.

Note that LEDs will also require a resistor to limit the current to the rating of the LED. Again, a voltage regulator (set to the voltage the LED can tolerate) can be used to provide a simple version of (almost) constant brightness.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Just looked at the Pacific Flyer set description in the on-line catalog, and I don't see any mention of it being equipped with a smoke unit. I would assume B'mann would advertise that feature if it was included.

BTW, dumping smoke fluid down the stack of a model that is not smoke equipped is a really bad idea.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Paul:

Welcome to a hobby that has been a lifetime passion for me and many others!

Here is a link to the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) Introduction to Model Railroading:

http://www.nmra.org/beginner/

It is totally free. You do not have to be a member, register or sign up to access any NMRA information. And, NO advertising! Just a lot of information on many aspects of the hobby. Be sure to follow the sub-links to see all that is offered.

Happy RRing,

Jerry