bachmann North Pole & Southern RR set

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I received a new Bachmann North Pole “G” scale Big Hauler North Pole Set for Christmas.

Is there anything special I need to know to get my set to run effeciently? Are there any specail accessories I need to purchase. Is there a way to control the train without being so close to the outlet? How can I make a whistle blow? How could I weatherproof it, if I wanted to put it in my garden?

Thanks,

Pappyo

2

You might want to try trhe Garden Railways section here. They specialize in G Scale

http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/91/ShowForum.aspx

BTW: [#welcome]

3

I have not seen that set up close but most if not all Bachmann large scale is ok to use outside as is. Do not ever leave the power supply out side or exposed to the wet weather. I take mine in after each use. Buildings can sit out all summer but if you live in colder snowy climate bring them in in the fall.

I will not take time for a complete lesson here but you should get any info you need on the garden RR site or your LHS that is familiar with large scale.

Dave

4

Yep the Garden RR forum is the best place for this topic, but I’ll address some issues here.

The Bachmann IS outdoor ready, the motor block is already sealed for outdoor use. The cars are also designed for outdoor use. The ONE thing is the track Bachmann provides is NOT for outdoor use, it is indoor use only. For outdoor use you will need brass track from LGB, Aristocraft, USA Trains, or Piko. If you have deeper pockets Stainless Steel track works best for outside. Also NO powerpack from ANYONE is inteneded to left outdoors, always take tham inside at the end of the day or set them up somewhere weathersafe, same for the engine and cars, dont leave them outdoors for long periods of time. The basic bachmann pack is rated at about 1/2 amp, thats OK for the basic loop it comes with, I use a later make base level LGB pack that rated at 1 amp coupled with a Crest “Basic Train Engineer” R/C control system which allows me to use track power without being tethered to the powerpack. It uses a radio throttle reciever between the pack and the track and a handheld R/C control. My layout is about 10 x 20 and the 1amp powerpack works fine, anything larger and you should upgrade your powerpack.