After reading your various comments on the differences between a standard coach and the observation car (OC), I decided I had to have one. My Bachmann OC arrived yesterday from Texas. Many thanks to Ray and The Favorite Spot for another quick and easy on-line purchase.

As I was preparing the OC for painting to my color scheme, something about the observation platform was bothering me. Then I realized, the Bachmann OC doesn't have a platform! The Loss Prevention Unit of my Legal Department was quick to advise: Without a standard platform, someone was sure to twist an ankle, or worse, in one of the exposed step wells at the observation area. Since other lines provide well covers, failure to do so would breach the standards of care, and expose the line to significant liability. Consequently, the Engineering and Maintenance Department has retrofitted the observation area with well covers to create a typical platform. See below for covered and uncovered step wells...

Cheers,
Pete

I'm new to On30 and Bachmann, and my first experience with kit building was the Mount Blue body conversion for the Bachmann caboose. The kit comes with optional sides; but, I opted for the standard conversion to avoid modifying the caboose interior.
There were enough left over materials that I was able to do a building based on the original caboose body and the left-over Mt. Blue walls. I cut out one side wall of the original caboose body and bumped it out the length of the extra walls.
Here's my version of a rail car diner:

Eric,

I suspected there was more than just a railing change.

Thanks, Pete

El Loco,

I don't have an observation car; but, from the outward catalog appearance it seems a Bachmann coach could be converted to an observation car with a little bent wire and a drumhead. The B'mann obs cars don't seem to have a lengthened rear platform as may be prototypical. Am I missing something here?

Pete

Many thanks, Tim and Tom,

The coach (olive green) is down to it's component parts. Now, it's awaiting color selection, additional detailing and the arrival of it's companion (a Hawthorn Village combo).

Tim's correct about the lighting arraignment. Unlike my caboose, a  connector was not provided to facilitate disassembly.

Pete

Help!
How do I remove the roof of a Bachmann coach car.  The unit is advertised as having a removable roof, but no instructions were provided. I'm guessing it's all in knowing where to pinch and pull. Since I'm blessed with several extra thumbs, I'm reluctant to proceed without further info.

Thanks, Pete

PJF

Your 2-8-0 may be happier on 18-inch radius curves if you start and end them with easement sections (to simulate a spiral). Bachmann offers several different larger radius track sections.   

Pete

Arrived today, I just got a new Spectrum Magnum, part number 44-6681, from eBay's thefavoritespot. Bundled with an oval of track it was $21.06 + S&H.  Perhaps they have some more.

Not only does the new Krylon (clear satin) have an appetite for decals, it did a number on some spray-can Scalecoat II my friend had used for an accent stripe.

I was able to change the stacks without too much trouble. The small wire did take a dash if cement. It did take forever to locate the hole and thread the plastic line below the fireman's foot rail. Be assured, there is a hole provided in the cab bulkhead.
The fuel load is a different story... The metal railing assembly locks right in, but the heavy casting of logs is unrestrained and is free to move around, or did I miss something?