Thanks for the input...I was thinking along the same line of thought...I just wanted to assure I wasn't missing something that would hinder performance. To be honest...and to obtain realism, if the train looks like it's going to fast...I slow it down. 

Also, even if the locomotive you buy has a smoke unit, you don't have to put smoke fluid in it to run the locomotive.

Those were not designed to be serviced. I once worked for a guy who had a travelling model railroad display, around 1984-1985. We had alot of pancake motored units because he had connections at Bachmann. These power trucks would crap out regularly, often because the motor overheated and melted the plastic bearings. Due to his connection we were able to send in the power truck for replacement rather than the whole locomotive like a normal user would. We did not try to service these power trucks. We did alot of maintenance work in our down time and other makes of locomotives would get teardowns and overhauls. But not the pancake motor stuff. WHen one failed, we'd go to the drawer of U36Bs, pull out a replacement locomotive and be back up and running. As time permitted, we would pull the bad power truck, and put in a replacement from the stock we had on hand. The old one would be sent to Bachmann and replaced in kind.

I don't think the parts store has carried any parts for these, even complete power trucks, in years.

Thankfully, a few years later the Spectrum GP30s came out, and started the upgrade of Bachmann's product line. The old GP30 body will probably fit on a newer, improved drive. You can often find these newer locomotives on ebay for under $50. That is the route I personally would take.

Quote from: SNER on November 21, 2024, 03:33:51 PMI had the same question! Now that I added Talyllyn to my Skarloey engines, running them on N Scale track is bothering me!
That same Peco starter set is available on Trainworld here in the States too. I was worried if the radius might be too tight, but I assume all the Bachmann Skarloey engines work fine on your layout.

They do, I'll be posting updated pictures in the narrow gauge modeling thread shortly once I get my Talyllyn/Skarloey review done.  All the OO9 models I've purchased, including customs have ran on the code 80 track with no issue.

I kind of wish I used set track or starter set but tonight/tomorrow ill be assembling the flex track so wish me luck.
@coltonshobbies on YouTube I'm gonna document my progress.

Quote from: Awesometrain77 on November 21, 2024, 09:02:34 PM

Quote from: SNER on November 21, 2024, 03:45:23 PMMaybe a pipe dream, but I'd love to see Bachmann announce Edward in both N and G scale next year.
I don't collect G scale due to space, aside from a Bachmann Thomas and 1994 Lionel James, but would preorder an Edward immediately.

Maybe a wild suggestion, but after N scale Edward, I think Oliver should be next. Having both Scruffy and Toad in the range is like having Henrietta without Toby or Annie and Clarabel without Thomas.

Also, I love the Talyllyn I just got (maybe we can get a 2024 blue livery too). Please plan on doing Dolgoch, Edward Thomas, etc. I'd also like to see the Talyllyn's bogie coaches too!

I second of this Oliver should happen next however I do not see him next over characters like duck or Rosie who are way more popular than him.
But Oliver is popular and he would sell. They are bound to do him eventually, and I think it is about time that they do him, considering that his brake van  and his rival are in the range. He could possibly reuse a lot of parts from Edward once they do him so I would love to see Oliver after they finishthe steam team

Not sure about Rosie, but I think both Edward and Duck are a lot more likely to happen before Oliver, but I think Oliver is going to remain very firmly as one of the more popular requests because of Toad's inclusion.  I say give it a few years from now and I'm sure Oliver will receive his introduction in N scale soon.  And I don't think it's a matter of "if", based on how things have been going with the N scale line as of late.

Anyone remove a 2-6-6-2 Bach shell from chassis  

Any one take a 2-6-6-2 Mallett apart / remove shell. The exploded loco diagram doesn't help much.

 I'm going to add few details on the shell to make it look like MM3 Verde Tunnel Smelter / SP 3031.  Just found a tender and converted to oil burner.  Toughest part to modify are the 2 sand domes. MM3 has smaller type and slightly taller.   Have to cut off/ grind then prep for PSC brass domes.     

Quote from: SNER on November 21, 2024, 03:45:23 PMMaybe a pipe dream, but I'd love to see Bachmann announce Edward in both N and G scale next year.
I don't collect G scale due to space, aside from a Bachmann Thomas and 1994 Lionel James, but would preorder an Edward immediately.

Maybe a wild suggestion, but after N scale Edward, I think Oliver should be next. Having both Scruffy and Toad in the range is like having Henrietta without Toby or Annie and Clarabel without Thomas.

Also, I love the Talyllyn I just got (maybe we can get a 2024 blue livery too). Please plan on doing Dolgoch, Edward Thomas, etc. I'd also like to see the Talyllyn's bogie coaches too!

I second of this Oliver should happen next however I do not see him next over characters like duck or Rosie who are way more popular than him.
But Oliver is popular and he would sell. They are bound to do him eventually, and I think it is about time that they do him, considering that his brake van  and his rival are in the range. He could possibly reuse a lot of parts from Edward once they do him so I would love to see Oliver after they finishthe steam team

yes .... but there has to be