I can use ME On30 track which is probably more prototypical but there are limitations in turnouts and other types of track.

Or

I can use Atlas HO code 83 track which has a much wider selection of track types and is quite a bit cheaper.

So, the question is:

Is there a significant difference in appearance between the two types of track?  Most people that would be viewing my railroad are not model railroaders and probably would not be offended by the use of HO track vs ON30 track. 

What do most of you On30 modelers use and why?  I know there has to be people out there that can shed some light on this topic.

I will have places where sharp (18-16 INCH) curves may be necessary.  And places where a #4 turnout would be preferable.  I am not really a rivet counter. 

What are the pros and cons for the various types of track?

Also, since I have DCC equipped engines, is there a type of track and turnouts that would be preferred?

I would like some help with this before I spend a bunch of money and find out I made a big mistake.

What are the dimensions of this engine?

Length, Width and more importantly, Height?

Can it pull three log cars up a 4% grade?

Hey,  Thanks.

That takes a lot of worry off my mind.  I would hate to invest in a lot of switches and not have them work.

My main problem is that ME On30 track is very limited in turnouts.  I think they have #5's but no "Wye" and no crossings.

I have at least one spot where I want to put in a "Wye" to turn my trains around.

I hope anybody else with some knowledge will jump in here and give some additional advice, hopefully from their experiences in designing their railroads.

I have a Bachmann On30 4-6-0 engine. 

I am building a layout using a combination of Peco code 83 HO Switches and Micro Engineering code 83 Flex Track.

My question is:  Can my engine negotiate a Peco code 83 # 4 turnout without derailing?  I have found out that by hooking the tender in the second hole this engine will run on 16 inch radius track.

If it will not operate on # 4 turnouts, how about #5?

Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the replies.  It took a little nudging to get them but thanks again.

I used to look at this forum many years ago and it was more active.

I just was amazed at how many questions had as many as 500 views but only maybe 5 replies.

And I would think there are a lot of people on this forum who are running DCC with sound in their engines.

I haven't actually purchased a Bachmann On30 engine yet.  I have about 6 Large Scale Bachmann engines, two with Soundtrax and the rest with Phoenix. 

I am getting disallusioned with large scale and have decided to do a On30 layout in the garage so you can expect that I will be asking some questions on this forum.

Seems to be a lot of readers on this forum and very few interested in giving answers.

Many of these threads have 500 views and only 1-5 answers.

Why do you think that is?  I thought this was a BACHMANN On30 FORUM and there would be people who would be willing to help a new modeler.

What are your experiences with the sound in Bachmann )n30 engines.

Does it have a volume control?

Does it really sound like the real engine?

Does it vary with the speed of the engine?

Any other concerns you might have would be appreciated before I make my purchase.

Will Bachmann On30 coupleers mate with Kadee #5 HO couplers?

Mr Bachmann,

I need your help.  Could you please respond to my question?

Thank you

How can I change my password?

Will these two engines run on a 15 inch minimum radius?

Most of my main line will be 22 inch radius but there is one end of my main loop that needs to fit in a 36 inch wide bench.

Thanks for the help

The tenders for both of these engines fell off my storage shelf, breaking them.  The Anie truck with the hook for the connection to the engine was the one that broke.  The back truck on the connie tender broke.

How can I get a replacement?

This is not the normal black truck, but a whitish truck on the Annie.

Thanks

John