Thanks Wayne. I looked at the Parts' site, but only looked at the 2-6-2 parts. Ill take another look

Jim

I would like to enhance the performance of my 2-6-2 Prairie (DC) by adding electrical pickups to the tender.

Can anyone suggest how I can do this?

Thanks,

Jim

Is there an operating pilot coupler available for the Bachmann Ho 2-6-2?

So, as I was testing out a new track plan on the floor, our little puppy, who up till now, was scared of the trains, decided to do a track inspection. Things were going good for the crew until, yep you guessed it, her tags shorted out the track and the loco started smokin'! A distinct smell of ozone filled the air and, of course, the little engine runs no more.

Suggestions?

I wish model railroader would talk more about smaller layouts. I know the larger ones are very impressive, but (I think) very few is us have the luxury or space for a larger layout. 4x8 is too large for my home. I know there are folks who have suggested that those lacking space should move to a smaller scale, but it got to the point where N was jet too small for me.

Oh well, we work with what we have

Sounds good. I've never had the space for a layout larger than 4x6, and that one was relegated to the garage.....in Fort Worth.....too hot...too cold.... I built another 4x6 a few weeks ago with the intention of putting inside, but too heavy and too big. So I went down to the 42"x62", and gave been working on different track plans - first one with 15"r then went to 18"r. The track plan is basic, so I will try to get some good scenery worked into it. I need a running layout, with a continuous loop and turnouts.

Putting in the 1/2" risers today.

Jim

Thanks Dave.

Well, yesterday, as I was testing the layout, I found that, due to the tight curves and lack of enough straight tracks, I was not able to have reliable coupling/uncoupling, so I have redone the layout with 18" curves - a much simplified layout. Much more consistent. This will now allow me to expand my locomotive choices, but I will still stay with short trains and no elevation changes.

Jim

Jerry...not only the 'fragrant' odor, but the reddish hue over the buildings!

Do you live in that area?

I am from New Orleans.

Jim

Thanks to all.

Rich - I have seen some really nice wharf and harbor layouts and that theme has been tempting.

My family spent a lot of time in Bogalusa, La, with both my grandfather and my uncle being the conductors of the Crown Zellerbach 'wood train' with my other uncle as a switchmen, so I really lean toward logging operations in the south. I was also a salesman for the Frisco/BN in North Carolina, so I made many trips along the Southern Ry on the mainline from Statesville to Nantahala. Some beautiful country over there.

I'm really leaning toward the 2-6-2.

Thanks for everyone's input, I appreciate it.

Jim

Thanks Don

Although I've model railroading for 45+ years, I just switched back to HO from N after spending about 30 years in N, because I couldn't see the fool things any more! Or maybe I gained too much weight in my fingers....

Because my layout is so small, due to space limitations, your suggestions are welcomed and the fact that you feel that these locos are reliable is great news. I really do like the looks of the Saddle Tank. Does it stall on switches? Len, I think the 2-6-6-2 would dwarf my little layout.

I have had some experience mounting couplers. I remember fighting with an old Tyco F7 and an FA2 (Roundhouse?) - that was an experience. and all of my switches are trailing. I do not have any elevation changes, and am planning to pull 2 40' cars and a caboose, max. So, this would fit into the criteria.

Thanks for your help.

Jim

I have a small layout, measuring 42" x 62" with 15" radius curves and would like a good-running, small DC HO steamer. At present, I use GP7s as my power. The theme of the layout is Southern, logging-related, 40' cars, etc. I have read many posts on this website and am not sure which steamer is the best. I was looking at the 2-6-2, but found many negative comments. (Not sure if the tender pick-up modifications make this a better model, or not.) I like the looks of the 2-6-0, 2-8-0, , 0-6-0 Porter or Saddle Tank, and 0-6-0 USRA.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jim
Fort Worth

What a beautiful layout! Thanks for sharing.

I am in the process of building a small HO scale layout measuring 42"x62" and really wanted to include a small sawmill. I bought the Woodland Scenics' sawmill, and like it, but wanted something a little bigger. Last night, I was locking through the Walthers catalogue and came across a picture of the Plasticville covered bridge. Since then, I have been thinking about trying to kit bash the covered bridge into a sawmill. So this post was perfect!

Jim
Fort Worth,TX

Thanks Len. There are three wires in the Bachmann bundle?

How can I hook up my Bachmann switche to an Atlas Illuminated Switch Control Box?

Thanks,

Jim

I made the modifications according to spookshow, but the loco continues to stall on the Kato 15 deg. crossover.