I just wanted to thank Bachmann for their contribution to the hobby with their wonderful Spectrum line of On30 products. As an avid On30 modeler, I have virtually one of everything they make, and I’ve yet to be dissapointed in a single piece of equipment from them. From the new 2-8-0 and rail truck, to the older release Porter and Shay locomotives, there’s not a dog in the bunch. They look amazing, run nicely with very little tweaking required, and are so affodable for the level of detail they have that it should be a crime to buy one at the current street prices.
I realize there are topics already discussing these products, but I figured a quick salute to the folks of Bachmann couldn’t hurt and warranted a moment of my time. While I still love N scale and dabble in HO and 3-rail O scale stuff, my On30 equipment seems to be getting the majority of my attention lately. When I question my thinking about this, all I have to do is hitch up a string of log cars behind one of my Shay’s, or pull a long drag of mixed freight with my new 2-8-0 and it all makes sense… [:D]
Jeff
I agree! I originally started out modeling in On3 and dabbled in Sn3 but never had motive power due to the extremely high prices of locos. When Bachmann came out with their line of On30 locos, I immediately switched over to that gauge. These locos look great, run well, have excellent detailing, and are very affordable. Due to its larger size, reliable running, and detailing, O scale is a pleasure to work in,. I also enjoy modeling in HO standard gauge. I believe Bachmann has made a big contribution to O scale and narrow gauge modeling by making affordable, high-quality locos.
I had not even thought about dabbling in On30 until the Spectrum 2-8-0 was released - I am now a true convert! Already got a 2-8-0 and a 2-6-0, just waiting for some more tender locomotives to be produced. Some sort of Bladwin export 2-6-2 down a treat!
Does anyone know where I can find some photographs of the prototype for the Forney 2-4-4 spectrum are working on a the moment?
Regards,
Stephen.
I like On30 too! Just got my Bachmann rail truck last week, is it ever nice! Neat that it already comes with a DCC decoder, as does their new outside frame 2-8-0. One less hassle and expense to care about. I recently added Soundtraxx decoders and speakers to my Shay and Climax - so much for “plug and play” though. Each installation took me several hours. Still easier than trying to do it all from scratch myself.
I just re-read the instructions that came with the rail truck and noticed I can dim or brighten the headlights using function key #1 using DCC. Works too! The truck can sit there idling with the lights on dim, then brighten as you proceed.
I’ve cut down the wood stake sides from the box as I thought it looked too much like a farmers’ hay wagon with them on. Some light weathering has been done and I still have to add a number to the cab doors when the new paint dries. I had to remove the “Pocahontas Lumber Co.” lettering as it didn’t do anything for me.
I read on another forum or list that Bachmann is coming out with a line of MOW cars in On30 before too long. Looks like the wallet is going to take yet another hit!
Bob Boudreau