Bachmann offers a Shay in O-scale for $200.

[Anonymous]

Sorry for the slightly misleading topic heading. It is partly true.
Bachmann does offer a climax and two different models Shay for around $200 in O-scale. The catch is that these engines are modeled On3. An O scale one costs over $1000(with the exception of the k-line on than goes for $700-$800). I can't really figure out why the big difference in price. The manufacturing costs can not be that different.

It would be nice if Bachmann got into the 3-rail market. It would be great to have their competitive pricing for the high level of detail. A quick transition could be made as they already have most of the castings and only would need to make a new wider drive train to convert thier existing models to standard gauge.

I have noticed that in the last few years when Bachman starts in a new area the first products are limited in offering but well priced. They did this when the went into G scale in the early 90's and they had a similar pricing when they started their On3 line in the late 90's. Now if only they moved into full blown O.

[nblum]

The Bachmann is injection molded plastic and the three rail locos are diecast metal, a much more expensive process, for one thing.

[Anonymous]

The Shay is made out of pewter not plastic. Some of their cars are plastic some diecast. I have a set of four wheeled dump cars made of diecast. They are rather heavy, track well and look great....especially behind a Bachmann 0-4-2T even on six (yes, I said six) inch radius curves. The four wheel trolley car also runs smoothly and quietly on those same six inch radius curves. If only *** Andrews could see this! Odd-d

[Anonymous]

Maybe the cross pollination between Lionel and Bachmann was only one way. It seems like right after Maddox left Bachmann to take over at Lionel they brought out a USRA 4-8-2. Lionel also brought out the ten wheeler and some USRA Pacifics as well as the Mogul. Now they have brought out the 0-6-0T. ll things that have been done in HO by Bachmann. It doesn't matter to me whether Bachmann or Lionel bring out somethng, if I like it I like it. Odd-d

[palallin]

One point: the B-mann offerings are On30 (or, On2 1/2 for the pedantic), not On3. You don't touch anything like that in On3 for $200.

[Anonymous]

Hot wheels are die cast and they sell for a buck a pop. I could see maybe the volume aguement coming into play but I dont think the process is all that different. Lionel makes plastic stuff too(general etc). Pewter makes for some pretty weighty stuff if that is the concern.

Sorry for the gauge slip Palallin. I am not that familiar with this area of the hobby. I just found it interesting (as well as a little tempting).

[FJ and G]

in the very distant future, I'm planning a spur off the mainline with an 0n-3 or -2 open pit mine that is about 5 feet deep. There will be a section of clear plexiglass (incl roadbed plexiglass) so that you can see inside the open pit (otherwise you couldn't view).

I'm planning to make the open pit split in half (hinged) in case there's a derailment or something inside and so I can clean the track and dirt and stuff and also move it outside the door for storage.

Don't worry about me putting up lots ofpictures of construction cause it's a long way off.

There will be a transfer point with the 3-rail O.

Probably use K-line Plymouth switcher and cars to do it. or maybe even steam