One of my new Bachmann On30 Railtruck on the layout.
I really, really like this little model. It runs like a charm and is cute as the dickens! And, wonderfully detailed.
Even the drive-line is really neat: There’s a tiny motor concealed under the opening hoods. The motor is “wrapped” in detail to make it look like an engine. Behind the motor is a tiny gearhead that’s disguised as a transmission. From the back of the transmission is a real drive shaft that looks and functions just like the real thing. It feeds into a “differential” housing that drives the rear axle. It is v e r y cool.
Even the headlights work, and there is a single red tail light. Impressive.
My only gripe is the included DCC decoder (yes, DCC is pre-installed!). It’s functionality is limited in such a way that it neither supports CV2/5/6 for speed control, nor does it support an alternate speed table. That means it’s going to have to be replaced.
Fortunately, I always planned on replacing the stake-body with a box body, which will allow plenty of room for a Soundtraxx (or other) sound decoder and speaker. At least Bachmann provided a standard 8-pin connector on this bugger.
There are two “pilot” options that ship with the model. Standard is a grate or “cow catcher” pilot, or you can install this snow plow:
first time in this fine site !! I have been messing around in 0n30 i1975. calling jt 0n21/2 ! also built some 0n3 westside l.co. counting all the rivits & nbw s..one question… my 2 bachman don’t run !! right out of the box !! I’m using a bachman transformer that is not dcc.. I have a new mrc prodigy,still in the box,do not want to hook it up,,most likley I will sell it.so how to i convert bac to dc ?? is it easy to do? thank you for your reply. paul
the 2 bachmans are the rail truck, it vanished when I hite the send key, paul
Paul,
The DCC decoders on the rail trucks that ship from Bachmann are “dual mode,” meaning that they should run on DC out of the box. If not, there should be a small 8-pin “shorting plug” that came with the model. You’ll need to remove the “boxes” in the bed of the truck and insert the plug in place of the decoder.
on30 guy.. thanks for the advise. I will give it looksee tommorw. I want to make it a work criitter with loweer wooden rails & some kind of device to lift large things. I have a bunch of critters but they haul people and other stuff. I just finished a 4 wheel climax using the HO bachman work rig to power it..I met allen littlefield at the NNGC in maine asked hlm to put some wheels like his on it,also he intalled a fly wheel on the moter and sent it to me in eastern Oregon [no hobbby shops out here in the boondockes] I didn’t see him at the NNGC in portland Or.this last sept. any how keep railing in 0n30!!!! paul