One word of caution about Bachmann, and possibly other brands, too --
I made the mistake one day of pushing my Bachmann 2-8-0 Consolidation onto the track inside a carrying case instead of running it under power. Doing so caused the nylon gear, which is just press fit onto the axle, to break loose.
After that, the engine would not run because the gear was just spinning loosely on the axle. There is no glue that will stick to nylon, so the only solution was to buy a replacement drive wheel and gear from Bachmann.
Is it REAL? or Just 1:29 scale?
Long live Outdoor Model Railroading.
You Americans have left me for dead you seem to be speaking another language?
Rgds ian
Lionel collector, stuck in an N scaler's modelling space.
I kinda thought you were out there hiding from Mama so she couldn't lay that honey do list on you!
Now, to the serious part: TJ has laid a lot of truth upon you, and I'm not sure I could add a lot to it. I suspect that if you continue in large scale much longer, you're gonna get hooked; and a mess of that half ? stuff in the basement is gonna go!
The most important thing is to get something running! Then when Miss Minnie sees it and tells Mama how nice it is, your way is paved!
The Dixie D Short Line "Lux Lucet In Tenebris Nihil Igitur Mors Est Ad Nos 2001"
Dan; Now that you have moved into the world of real dirt, real rocks, real vegetation, real water, real weather conditions, real sunlight and real moonlight, you'll never want to go back!
Enjoy the great outdoors.
Tom Trigg
Yes, if you look at what is available in power you will see the same choices in G that are in HO, only much larger. For basic track power you can't go wrong with a 10amp Aristo power supply and a Train Engineer wireless. I always suggest a 10amp because for most purposes it provides more than enough power and only costs a very few dollars more than 5amps. Very simple and rugged, it will serve you well for many years.
There are also a wide variety of wireless DCC and onboard battery/RC combos to choose from. All of them are good, some are more complicated than others, so it is important to decide what and how you will operate before investing in one of these set ups.
I use track power. I researched for a long time before deciding that other systems would be wasted money to me as I would never use them to the full potential. My mode of operation is very simple and casual, so track power with a wireless controller is perfect for me.
It is a very personal decision what type of control and power pack you will eventually use. We can only suggest and give pros and cons of each type to educate you to the choices. The final decision is yours alone.
Thats all great news, I did buy Aristo track some brass some steel. I guess its ok to mix and match. I dont really mind how it looks. This set is the holiday christmas train and trolley.
I figured I would get a larger power pack....Any suggestions?
Ha! Lucas...the Prince of Darkness!
Go for the Bachmann, just get ARisto or LGB track. I use Aristo straights and curves and LGB switches, Big hualers do not like Aristo switches and love to derail on them.
Have fun with your trains
Curmudgeon wrote: Yeah, I don't condemn automatic transmissions....just Walter P. Chrysaler..... The old ones had gear issues, long since fixed, altho they do need oil on occasion.The case issues referred to were most likely the 2-4-2 tank engies, out of production for over 10 years, that had case issues with the plastics, but the ones still running fall under "survival of the fittest" as they happened to have non-contaminated plastic.
Yeah, I don't condemn automatic transmissions....just Walter P. Chrysaler.....
The old ones had gear issues, long since fixed, altho they do need oil on occasion.
The case issues referred to were most likely the 2-4-2 tank engies, out of production for over 10 years, that had case issues with the plastics, but the ones still running fall under "survival of the fittest" as they happened to have non-contaminated plastic.
Right, almost forgot you were a Pinto fan.......oops I mean a Fast Only Rolling Downhill. But then what do I know anyway, I ride a '71 Triumph with Lucas electrics and just bought a '63 Royal Enfield Interceptor. Ok, so I like oil leaks, drum brakes and randomly unpredictable electronics.
Ah! Welcome to the REAL world of Model Railroading!
I've had a Bachmann Big Hauler for many years and it's showing no signs of stopping any time soon. The early ones had problems, but that was 20 years ago. It's like condemning automatic transmissions because of the Chrysler Fluid-Drive. Technology's come a long way! The B'mann track is steel and it's crap for outdoor use, but the rest of the B'mann line is quite a good value for the money and will last a very long time.
Cruise the forums here and search topics that interest you. G scaling outdoors is so different from puny little gurlie-man HO scale that it is a different hobby altogether. Sell your xacto knife with #11 blade and magnifying glass, go get a revolving account at Home Depot or Lowe's and purchase a few shovels, a gross of box cutters and suntan lotion.
You'll love it, guaranteed!
!
dlgillen wrote: Hobby store guys said bachmann motor housing is plastic and will only last about 30 minutes
Hobby store guys said bachmann motor housing is plastic and will only last about 30 minutes
Not sure what that guy was smoking. If the motor housing only last for 30 minutes, then you have something wrong with the motor. The newer Bachmann locomotives are great, along with a big majority of the older locos. I have one of the Version 1 Bachmann Ten-Wheelers (6 C-cell batteries and everything is plastic) and it still works. I have run Bachmann locomotives for 5 hours with no problem.
My advise for a new/returning G-Scaler. Buy LGB Brass track, or equivolent, and a NEW Bachmann SPECTRUM locomotive. Buy new FIRST to get started, then (if you want) buy used.
If the Bachmann starter set is a Big Hauler, I have no personal experience with them but have heard that some of the earlier versions stripped gears quite easily. Bachmann has supposedly corrected this problem.
I run Bachmann Spectrum 1:20 scale steam engines, which are of a higher quality than the Big Haulers, and have had very good luck with them.
It's a case of, "You Get What You Pay For."
Well, for 20 years I have ben in the "basement" with my HO stuff. Last week while seting up the yard for the holidays My son found an old new bright train set in the garage attic and wanted to put it out front... You all know where this is going don't you?
As my wife gave the approval we laid the track around the flowerbed and ran this old battery powered plastic beauty around and around....
Honey I have to run an errand.... Quick off to the hobby store, %50 off on all G scale stuff, quick track, o and give me one of those bachmann starter sets.
OK, all of you stop laughing and answer my questions, Hobby store guys said bachmann motor housing is plastic and will only last about 30 minutes......? Is this true?
Should I find something better?
What do you bachmann fans say?
Dan
P.S. Its nice outside
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