Quote from: Chuck N on May 09, 2013, 10:50:17 AM
<snip> I have heard that the FCC here in the USA prohibits the use of model air plane frequencies for ground based toys and models (trains, cars, trucks, etc.).  Chuck

That is true for the older 27MHz & 75MHz AM & FM RC equipment.

It is no longer true with the (relatively) new 2.4 GHz spread spectrum equipment. Each spread spectrum transmitter & receiver have internal software that 'links' them to each other. That software also prevents 'links' being established to any other transmitter or receiver while in operation. This eliminates the need for specialized frequency assignments and crystals. Any 2.4 GHZ system can be used for controlling any device whether on the ground, water or air.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

HOART:

Here is a link to the post you made asking about posting pix. Not certain if you saw the replies:

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,23637.0.html

Flikr & PhotoBucket are both free, easy to use and safe.

Let us know if you need more help.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

What my suggestion to get the vendor to replace it? You do not have to accept a broken item.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

As Kevin wrote, there is no track available with attached roadbed in 45mm gauge.

I believe that only one 45mm gauge track manufacturer (NOT Bachmann) uses those screws in their track joiner system. All others use slip joiners. The slip joiners are perfectly fine for temporary indoor layouts.

And as Tom pointed out, the Bachmann steel track is really inexpensive, as it is unsuitable for outdoor use. Many folks that start with a Bachmann set containing the steel track just give it away when they move outdoors.

It would be perfectly fine for use on your indoor temporary layout.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Gandy Dancer 1:

The pix are definitely of a model. A great modeling job, but some clues are that there is no visible track, the figures are in the same pose in both the left side and right side shots, and the couplers are Kadees!

As to scale, that is a little more difficult. The couplers are again perhaps the best clue. They look to be 'finer' than the large scale Kadees. My guess is they are H0-scale, repurposed to fit a larger scale engine. it's my opinion that the engine is 0n30. As you wrote, probably built using a Bachmann 2 cylinder Shay. Also still possible that it is 1:20.

To find a prototype, get hold of a copy of the book "Shay, Titan of the Timber." I'll take a look through mine when I find time and let you know what I find.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

First, call the vendor where you bought it and ask them to fix the problem. You shouldn't have to accept something that arrives broken. Most (reputable) vendors will make it good.

If that doesn't produce a satisfactory response, email or call Bachmann's service department. The link is at the top of this page, titled "Parts, Service & Information." There is a "Contact Us" button that tells you how to get hold of the Service Department. Sometimes getting their attention requires a little persistence. They can tell you what parts and / or options are available.

If none of the above suggestions get it fixed, you might try using ACC (sometimes called 'AC') cement to fix the broken railing. Another possibility is to fabricate your own out of some small wire. You would probably need to replace all the rails so they match.

Hope this helps.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Yes, you can add pictures, but Bachmann's website does not support direct photo uploading. The photos need to be hosted on an external website.

The most common way to do this is to first upload your photos to a (usually free) photo hosting website like photobucket or flickr. See:

http://photobucket.com/

--or--

http://www.flickr.com/

Then you post a link (the photo's url) to the photo in your message here.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Bachmann's website does not support direct photo posting.

You need to first upload your photo to a (free) photo hosting website like photobucket or flickr. See:

http://photobucket.com/

--or--

http://www.flickr.com/

Then you post a link to the photo in your message here.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Quote from: llimhoff on May 01, 2013, 03:29:32 PM
I have a new Loco 1:20.3 and I have purchased 322 track.  Will this work well.

All the "332" specifies is that the rail used is 0.332 inches tall. Any real limitations are in the materials used (aluminum, brass, nickel plated material, steel, stainless steel, etc.), the type of plastic in the ties, and the radius of the curved track.

Code 332 rail height will accommodate operation by all commercially available 1:20.3 locomotives and rolling stock. Scale-wise, it represents a prototype rail height of ~6 3/4 inches in 1:20 scale. That is very heavy rail, mostly found on more modern standard gauge mainlines.

Since 1:20.3 scale equipment is mostly focused on older narrow gauge prototypes, smaller rail (code 250 and smaller for example) would be more appropriate. That is if you are trying to build something that represents a prototype railroad.

To emphasize the point: What is the curve radius of your track? What is the material used in the rails and ties? That is likely where any limitations will be found.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

The Bachmann large scale J&S passenger cars are nominally 1:22.5 scale. Pretty close in most dimensions. They are definitely NOT 1:20.3 scale.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Quote from: Joe323 on April 13, 2013, 11:22:16 AM
When I ugraded I left the switches alone they are wired to the ac terminals of the power pack I was using. So why mess with it.

Because the DCC system can operate all manner of items other than just the engines. The control is all done through the DCC controller using the track to provide power and digital information. No need for switch panels, separate power supplies and wiring to run turnouts or other accessories. Want to add a turnout or other accessory? Just put it in, set the CV and it is done. No additional controls or wiring required.

On a small layout the fixed DCC base unit runs everything from the operator's station. For a larger layout or multiple operators, using wireless (or wired) DCC hand pieces allows each operator to follow his train, set switches and operate things like a turntable and even the doors to the engine house without returning to a control panel.

A large club layout here in N. California has a dispatcher in a tower using JMRI software to track trains on a large flat panel display. The dispatcher communicates with operators on the main floor who use wireless hand pieces to control all aspects of their train and its routing.

Happy (DCC) Railroading,

Jerry

Glad to have helped.

Quote from: railroads2005 on March 26, 2013, 11:03:11 PM
<snip> That is why they make vanilla, strawberry and chocolate ice cream.<snip>

Fully understood and appreciated! Having those choices is one of the things that makes model RRing so interesting.

I should have mentioned that the gauge in that UK link is dimensioned almost exactly as the NMRA standards dimensions.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

First, take a look at the NMRA's standards for 0n30. This information is free, and you do not have to be a member to access it. See:

www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/s-7.html

Their website is down at this moment, but it will hopefully be back up soon.

MicroMark sold a clearance gauge based on those NMRA standards, but it has been discontinued. There is another company that has been advertising an 0n30 clearance gauge on one of the Yahoo 0n30 groups, but a quick search didn't find it.

Here is a link to a dimensioned graphic of an 0n30 clearance / loading gauge:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_11_2010/post-6750-037199900%25201289415033_thumb.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/25110-on30-loading-gauge/&h=488&w=450&sz=30&tbnid=VURRK7HvvrsKOM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=83&prev=/search%3Fq%3D0n30%2Bclearance%2Bgauge%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=0n30+clearance+gauge&usg=__DoDq4p-PXYZO9woKITwnZ7UTJKc=&docid=-P6lLQJ0JNB6dM&sa=X&ei=mS9SUcO_LoTerAHa5IHoCw&ved=0CEQQ9QEwAg&dur=41

It is from the UK, with dimensions in millimeters. The track centerlines (76.2mm) calculate to 3" and the (108mm) height (rail head to overhead obstruction) calculates to 4¼". Those dimensions are what most of us use.

Not certain what you are asking about using H0-scale track. American 0-scale is 1:48 regardless of the track being used. The H0-scale  standard gauge track does not have correct tie size nor spacing to represent 0-scale narrow gauge track. Take a look at Micro Engineering's 0n30 track. It looks much better under Bachmann's beautiful 0n30 narrow gauge equipment.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

ron m:

A big Thank You for the reply!

Since 1.75" is equivalent to 84" in 1:48, and a 'standard' door is nominally 80" tall, I think the buildings will be okay for my intended use.

I had already assumed that these buildings were probably small for 0-scale, and intend to use them in the background. Call it 'forced perspective!'

Thanks Again, & Happy RRing.

Jerry

I'm working on a new 0n30 layout where there will be a U.S. Navy Auxiliary Seaplane Base with a couple of PBYs on the ramp.

I want to use the Plasticville motel (#45616) for some base housing units.

Can anyone tell me the height of the doorways on this unit?

Thanks & Happy RRing,

Jerry