Hey Bach Man,

I just bought the On30 4-4-0, steel cab, red and white, version.  It is a very nice running loco.  My only regret is that it doesn't have sound.  I know you said sound versions may be available later in 2008 -- but I couldn't wait. 

When the sound versions are released, what do you think of the idea of releasing tenders-with-sound seperately that would plug into our existing loco?  This would be a nice reward for those of us that bought the non-sound versions.

Thanks.

Thanks for the reply.  The loco stalls both ways.  The frog is not powered as delivered -- but there is a plug underneath to "polarize" it for running a small locomotive.  Unfortunately, I can't see anywhere to "plug it in."

I do appear to have good rail joiner connections.
Thanks.

I posted this question on the On30 board, but received no replies.  My On30 Forney stalls when going thru this turnout.  (I have seven other #5's that don't cause stalling.)  My 2-8-0 runs thru fine; so does the Shay.

What is the black wire for that is taped underneath the turnout?  It has a rail-joiner-looking plug on it.  Can't see any place to plug it in.  Does it power the frog?  Help.

Thanks.

Just bought a #5 LH Turnout for the railroad.  Not an easy task putting the #5 in and getting everything to fit again; but I did it.
1.  Bachmann On30 2-8-0 won't run thru it without tender derailing.   Discovered that the fixed rail just past the pivoting rail was considerably higher than the pivoting rail.  Took a bit of filing, but finally got things working fine.

2.  Bachmann On30 Forney won't run thru turnout without stalling.  (I have a number of other #5 turnouts that cause no problems -- stalling or derailing.)

Any ideas why the Forney stalls on this turnout and not the others?
I run regular DC with an MRC Control Master 20.
There is a wire underneath with a little railjoiner-like plug on it; but I don't see where it plugs in-- no info on the package.  I assume this plug would power the frog?  Would that solve my stalling problem?

I would appreciate some input before I take the track apart again.

Thanks. 

Seems like it is time for a long caboose to go with your short caboose.
Thanks.

Actually, it shouldn't be too far behind at all -- just right at the end!

If model railroading is fun, why are there so many angry model railroaders?

I have large scale indoors.  When I got Bachmann's 2-8-0 I had major clearance problems -- but managed to eleviate them.  I think someone said that the 2-8-0 is very wide for its size.  Question:  If the 2-8-0 fits, is there a good chance the K-27 will fit?  Likely the cab roof may swing out farther around curves (8 foot diameter)?

Another question:  The ability to interface with other electronics is interesting, but will we still be able to do simple things like have two power leads go into a Phoenix or Sierra sound system, and have an exhaust cam on an axle with wire leads into the tender?

Looking forward to seeing the K-27 in the stores.

Which engine is it?  I assume you mean On30?  Check parts diagram and see if there is a part you can order from Bachmann service (assuming this is a Bachmann engine.)

I have the 2-8-0 with factory Soundtraxx installed -- it is terrific both in running and sound.  If you want one, I suggest you get one soon -- once they're gone, I don't think Soundtraxx will be doing them anymore (hence, no more full Tsunami sound decoders installed.)

I would think the Mogul sold so well because it was the first rtr On30 engine available and was sold in train sets -- not because it was Silver Series, plastic, or cheap.  It was bashed because there was nothing else.

The Spectrum Shay, IMO, is what caused major interest and growth in On30.  It drew a lot of people into On30, and into model railroading. 

While the new 4-4-0 is nice, it won't have the same impact the Shay did.  It is not going to convert railroaders to On30 or draw new railroaders into the hobby.  It is time for another big impact loco; something like a 2-4-4-2 w/tender or an 0-6-6-0.  These would get people excited about On30 and could lead to more new products from other sources.

Let's not go backwards and re-introduce Silver Series products.

I don't understand why the sound version will be later.  The Forney technology seems to work well -- wouldn't it be basically the same in the   4-4-0?

When the Forney first was available with no sound, my LHS ordered a case of each variation.  Once the sound versions came out, the silent ones stopped selling (and he still has them.)

Mr. Riley was quoted as saying that we on30ers would think the announcements were as exciting as Christmas morning.  I guess he was humming "Silent Night" at the time.

There is no mention of the 4-4-0 having sound as an option; oversight, or is it for silent running only?

In the good old days we would have been hearing (and talking about) new products due out in time for Christmas.  Now, of course, we won't be hearing about these new items until September or October.

I miss the excitement and anticipation as well as progress reports and pilot model photos.  Seems like Bachmann must know what's coming long before four months of release date.  I would also think Bachmann might like some feedback before a project is too far along to make minor adjustments.

Anyone feel the same way?

No one else is interested in keeping headlights on when travelling in reverse?  There must be a way to do it.

I've read the manual, but I can't figure it out.  Does anyone know if it is possible to override the directional lighting in the Forney.  I would like to keep the headlight on when going in reverse.  Is there a CV # and value to change?

I operate in DC, but can change CV values.

Thanks.