Sorry to bring this zombie thread back to life but can you guys post photos of your layouts? I am starting a new layout for my boy and would love to get some inspiration?

We haven't looked at putting N scale motors in HO locomotives, but we did look at the possibility of using Z scale motors in N scale. However, the Z scale motors have a much lower startup voltage and higher RPM, and will burn out and run too fast when run on a standard 12 volt power supply.

This topic has been moved to On30.

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php?topic=39039.0

To further reinforce a statement, USAT has actually done "surveys" to ask about interest, instead of announcing something and implying that it will be produced.

While a company may say, well, if we announce, and dealers place orders, that is more reliable than a survey, I can see that is true, but in my mind, it sort of abuses we customers, giving what may be effectively false promises.

I would encourage all manufacturers to do the "better" style of marketing, sending out surveys that are easy to fill in, or perhaps also participating in surveys posted on the forums.

Nothing is perfect, but the customers sales do indeed support the company, if we quit buying, the companies cannot exist, so we do indeed deserve a modicum of respect.

It can be done better, for both "sides".

Greg

Thank you both for your replies.

I am a 76 year old newbie who is getting enthused with this hobby. Currently Have a prototype layout and some older locomotives many of which do not work but nevertheless have helped me in future planning and layout possibilities. I believe the yard I am replicating ( its a legacy layout)  would be better if I went the DCC route in lieu of using and wiring for (2 cabinets).

Point of clarification: I am planning on maintaining and using the prototype while constructing the new layout and acquiring new locomotives. This will allow me and the grand kids something to run while I get a better understanding (education) of what is needed in the new layout.

 I ultimately can see the possibility of running 3 or maybe 4 engines around this yard with a turntable.  I am Currently working with (2) cabinets to run the 2 engines individually. This approach seems to work well but with limitations in switching and utilizing the track and yard layout along with future accessories.(your thoughts?)

I am full of ideas but definitely a neophyte needing a  lot of mentoring. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks again!

 I agree with Greg 100%.  Ideally the manufacturers should just skip pre announcements, but they never will.

Loco Bill

Uhh... is there any large scale manufacturer that has delivered as promised?

AML GP-60 - what 10 years?
Aristo (take your pick) - always 3 or more years late
USAT - they are the best, they don't pre-announce...

So, I would not hold your breath for them to change.

Normal procedure is to announce, then gauge interest, then decide to produce, and then a few years later it arrives.

Greg

Bachmann hasn't yet figured out that delivering product multiple years after promised dates are not good for sales.  Then they wonder why stuff sits on shelves.

I believe all the ones I have are 15+ years or older. And I think Bachmann may have fixed the issue by going with plastic side frames on the newer ones. I would just like to confirm it before buying any of the new ones. 

I have replaced two sets so far. But it's quite a bit of time and work to replace them.

At one time Walthers offered a variety of trucks appropriate to these cars.

I have four of the newer heavyweight cars, if you call new being acquired new in the last six years or so, And I've had no problem with the trucks.  Of course I haven't run them much lately so I need to look and see, but the trucks seemed fine last time they were out.  They are beautiful cars and if for any reason the Bach Man's trucks deteriorate, I'll have no qualms about replacing them with Walthers.

I just realized, the truck frames may be plastic.  I am out of town right now but when I get back home next week, I'll pull those cars out and check for you.