I finally got my 2008 On30 Annual. Nice.

There are projects for every level of skill. The best one (actually 2) Is a 4-6-0 conversion using a Thomas HO 4-6-0 frame and mechanism for power. Very slick. I'm getting another 2-6-0 for the necessary boiler and cab parts. The article is on page 75 of the annual.

On page 44 or so is a nice modification of the 2-6-0 by Jim Wlkes, simple but the results are very nice.

I'm not waiting for the 4-6-0 to be made by Bachmann as they already make the components to build either a nice F&CC or RGS/SP/NCO/PC 4-6-0.
Dusten, you'd better learn how to kit bash as that's the only way you'll get an On30 4-6-0 anytime soon. This is an easy kit bash.

Harriamn Pacifics would be fine here. I still like the B&M as it has a look in keeping wtih the Lima Superpower heritage.

In the case of the most appealing, the USRA heavy Pacific covers a lot of territory as it was adapted by many lines.

NW Steam.

I understand you wanting a N&W 4-8-0. I have a brass SP and a scratch-built 4-8-0. While nice, they do not like 24 inch radius curves and have a long rigid wheelbase.  The Pacific is on my list.

I rode behind the N&W 4-8-0 at Stasburg last summer. Great ride. There have been some in brass, so I'd look there. Bachmann will probably build future models in a more general wheel configuration.

Ropger, And a Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you and all the Bachmann listers!!!!!

Jim Pasha
japasha@aol.com

Put the locomotives next to each other and study the detail. It should be obvious that the Bachmann is the better detailed locomotive. The Bachmann is cheaper and has no noisemaker. Go for the detail and add whatever noisemaker you want.

The Roundhouse is based on an earlier 2-6-0 model that was very spartan in detail and just an okay runner.

Andre,

That's a nice shot of an SP P4 (originally P1) on the original Transcontinental line through Altamont Pass. Grew up nearby. My vote on the SP would be a later Pacific. This one was built in 1906. As rebuilt in the picture it lasted into the 50s. so it could be set in pretty modern times with early Diesels

The Bachmann USRA 0-6-0 runs fine. It can be made into a small Prarie resembling many built for the logging industry.

The Brass locomotives will start at $250 and go up depending on condition. The best ones are PFM-United models frm the late 60s and eary 70s. Unfortunately, the Bachmann will out pull it.

Pacifics are handsome engines due to their proportions. While there were larger engines Pacifics were well thought of and liked by the crews. They fit branch line operations well after being bumped down from better assignments by newer locomotives though the SP commuter pool really used these engines all the way until the extreme end on steam.

WHile I like the Lima-built B&M Pacifics, the USRA based locomotives make a lot of sense.

This isn't a Bachmann locomotive but International Models has a GE 25 ton kit with a SPUD-type power truck available. Very nice. I took two of those and built a nice replica of a 45-ton GE two truck diesel. Pictures are available to anyone inquiring.

Jim Pasha
japasha@aol.com

First, Harold's layout is very nice, capturing the California countryside very well. I appreciate his sharing what he's doing with his 4-4-0

Second, on the subject of stacks, I would like Bachmann to make a nice "Bear Trap" stack to go with the Colorado and Southern 2-6-0. I have some brass pieces I have used but the little buggers look really narrow gauge when the Bear trap is added as on the prototype. Just my wish for Christmas.

Excellent idea SHeldon.  Don't forget the On30 group and their need for freight trucks.

Bob,

Almost all three rail iscompatible for mixing and matching rolling stock of an American prototype. The Williams section of the site is for those inquiries.

The track can be by manufacturer. Lionel makes Fastrack, MTH has Real track. Atlas has their own version. Those do not mate with other than their own type.  Any of the tubular track should interchange  and mate.

Hmmmm. I think I would go to a more expensive DC set for now. When you son is a few years older, then do the DCC stuff if he is still interesed. While there are a lot of people who whink it  is a simple system, DCC is not. Have you son learn about normal DC wiring before going on. Get him a book on the basics of model train DC, like the one ATLAs has, and sit down and read it with him so he gets an understanding of the basic of electricity on model trains. As he becomes more familiar, the DCC system will be much easier. If the train is too complex and doesn't run, he will abandon it.

Siphons were in use during the civil war as many tanks were destroyed in the fighting.  The siphon is a logging or shortline operation for obvious reasons. So if you had a small railroad in the 1880s a siphon could be used.

Richard,

The D&RGW narrow gauge had a number of steam orpeated pumps along the narrow gauge to pump water from nearby rivbers and creeks. They also had wells with the same kind of pump thaough the pump head was different. Some spots used  gravity to fill the tanks depending on year around flow levels. Siphons were very common on logging roads when out in the woods. One of the pictures used some years ago by Bachmann showed a shay dipping into a creek for a load up. That means a length of hose and a steam operated pump on the deck of the tender or locomotive with the required piping.

After the 1920s electric pumps were used in place of the steam units. Shortline and Narrow Gauge Gazette had a few articles on a Rio Grande pump house and plumbing to the tank. The usual reason to change was that the steam pump needed someone to man it 24/7. The tanks usually had an enclosed area, sometimes the entire tank to prevent the fill pipes from freezing. The Westside Lumbercompany had a simple gravity feed tank. Plans are available for many types. A couple of nice, squre tanks similar to the Westside are available in kit form