This was debated on one of the Yahoo lists a month or so ago.  Since both sets of cylinders are receiving live steam, they wouldn't be out of phase typically.   This would imply that the out-of-the-box sound is okay. 

On the Soundtraxx blog, they mention a method for creating a second set of cylinder sounds using the reverb features of a Tsunami.  What's not known is if these features are present in the Bachmann OEM'd Tsunami.  This could also be used to "add sound" to a double header with a silent 2nd loco.

-John

As disproportionate as they may seem, all of the Bachmann engines are in O scale.   They aren't random boilers and cabs dropped onto HO drivers.   If you could place the 1:1 locos side by side as in the photos above, they would look just as awkwardly proportioned.

-John

For a 2x4 micro, I'd make a 2x4 frame with a cross brace midway along the 4ft sides.   XPS foam can (and will) flex if it can.

For added strength, we cover the top of our frames with 3/16" ply (luan/doorskin).  This has a few benefits.  First, it ties the frame together and stiffens it.  Second, it creates a broad gluing surface to bond the foam (vs. just the frame edges.  Lastly, even though it's thin ply, it provides a wooden mounting surface for switch machines, terminal blocks, wire tie-downs, etc.

-John

Bruce -

Most of the modules are XPS foam (extruded polystyrene).  This is typically blue or pink in color and available in several thicknesses.   All of the modules have sturdy but lightweight frames to support the foam.

-John

I suggest testing with only the Forney on the layout - no cars, no other engines. 

What sort of track are you using?  And, how close are your power drops?  Lastly, how are you cleaning the rails and wheels?

Some of what you describe sounds like bad pickup.

-John

Woodie -

Did you install the capacitor that came with your Tsunami?  It's a stay alive capacitor that attaches between the blue and yellow/green wires on the Tsunami.  The Railbus has no equalization of it's wheels.  This makes it prone to intermittent pickup.  Also, the trailing coach also adds power pickup and that will improve things as well.

When I installed my microTSU, I extended the wires and tucked the cap in the footwell of one of the rear passenger seats.  It sits lower than the window sill, so your really have to look for it once it's in place.

I haven't removed anything from the stock Bachmann circuit board.  I experienced the same jerkiness until I attached the stay alive cap.

-John

I use Liquid Nails for Projects.  While it does have a much stronger bond than white glue solutions, it's still possible to break it free.  I used a very thin layer (~ 1/16") on foam coated with earth-tone latex paint.  I put two, 1/4" wide lines down (on either side of my centerline).

I'm doing portable modules and white glue doesn't handle the abuse as far as the track is concerned.  It does fine for ballast and other scenery items.

-John

ME also makes On30 track.  Their flex is available in code 100, 83 and 70.  They also have #5 LH & RH switches in code 83 and code 70.  As was mentioned, Peco On30, HO, and (the ever popular) handlaid are the other options.

Don't worry about what or how many others are doing this or that.  Look at the options and decide what YOU like.  It's your $$ that you'll be shelling out and you need to like the end results.   If you're not certain which way to go, get one piece of each then ballast and scenic test sections. 

-John

MM is selling their own versions of a couple of NWSL's scratch builders' tools.  How and why this came to pass I can't say.  From the NWSL post, it has cause them to re-prioritize their projects.   The MM/NWSL issues aren't relevant to this thread.

I still maintain that the gear issue is a problem that Bachmann needs to step up to and resolve.  To that end, rather than having recurrent postings about broken gears, I'd like to see Mr. Bach-man create a sticky post to centralize these posts.  Having them disappear on back forum pages, or locked and  deleted is not helping matters.  This issue needs to remain in the spotlight until resolved.

-John

Kadee HO couplers are compatible.  Many On30ers use these on kits and scratch built cars.

-John

Chris -

You might want to join the Pacific Coast Conspiracy Yahoo group.  There are many On30ers in the Washington / Oregon area.  The Yahoo group is a good way to connect with them.

-John

Did you verify that you have a decoder installed?  And if so, is it installed correctly?

-John

Bob -

1) The 2-6-0 is not DCC ready.  The process of adding a DCC decoder isn't too bad provided that you are comfortable doing some surgery to the loco's wiring.

2) Yes, Bachmann has replacement pilots with working couplers.  There are other sources as well.  It may be that the next run of Moguls will have these new pilots but I haven't seen this confirmed anywhere.

3) I think the Mogul's slow speed DC performance will be a bit dependent on your DC controller.  Mine behave reasonably well (for me) at slow speed.

4) DCC Ready means that it is ready for a DCC decoder but doesn't have one (the connection points are jumpered for DC operation).  A DCC equipped loco has a DCC decoder installed.  Most current production DCC decoders have an analog (DC) mode.  Worst case, you might need to have your local hobby show enable the analog mode for you.

-John

Eric -

Check your local crafts stores there in the UK (eg. Michael's in the US). 

-John

Check the driveline for broken universals and cracked gears.

Also, do the wheels turn smoothly when you push the engine on the rails?  If so, your problem may be in the gear stack in the boiler.

In either case, Bachmann support should be contacted.

-John