This Just In

As last night's Shock and Awe from the surprise appearance of the new Forney at the NGRC begins to fade, more details about the locomotive have begun to emerge. Visitors to Bachmann's official website can now obtain this document which, on page ten shows photos of both the steel cab, outside framed version of the new locomotive, and the wood cab, inside framed version. Additionally, the document highlights the following features:

• nonproprietary plug-and-play electronics interface to accommodate the control system of your choice, including DC, NMRA DCC and radio control battery operation
• custom wound motor with flywheel
• heavy duty driver and trailing truck electrical pickup
• exclusive truck locking mechanisms for multiple radii curve operation
• LED headlight and cab lighting
• highly detailed cab interiors featuring sliding windows and operating doors
• die-cast scale knuckle couplers front and rear
• switch behind smokebox door with center “off ” position for DCC or DC operation of smoke unit
• moveable ash pan grates with authentic ash pan “glow”
• glowing firebox (load compensated)
• blackened die-cast metal running gear featuring optical sensors for aftermarket sound synchronization
• hand tooled coal load
• brass bell with bell chord
• numerous die-cast detail parts including pop valves, whistle and piping
• easy access to electronics in coal bunker

Some of these will no doubt provoke lively discussion in various quarters of our community at large. But it's not over yet!

A Winch in the Machinery

A glance further down page ten shows the announcement for a 1:20.3 LOG SKIDDER (non-operating,) and a 1:20.3 LOG SKIDDER (non-operating) with CRATES on 20' LOG CAR. While the photos in the announcement appear to be of a similar Bachmann HO scale product, it's worth noting that the currently available 1:20.3 rolling stock does not include a 20 foot flatcar, and the previously released "20 foot rolling stock" was demonstrably neither 1:20.3 scale except in length, and not commensurate with Spectrum detail level, which would make this an entirely new car for this year.

And then?

It has long been the projection here at One Twenty Point me that Bachmann would return to a focus on the logging, mining, and industrial narrow gauge railroading themes that originally set the company apart in trains designed for 45mm gauge rails. Now that the 20' LOG CAR has appeared, it is not difficult to picture versions with rails attached for a log loader, particularly one with the kind of vertical boiler and hoist machinery tried out in the LOG SKIDDER (or, simply serving as the platform for one as a self propelled affair.) Combined with some other whispers and rumors we keep hearing, it's not too farfetched to think that perhaps this may be the start of a whole new sequence of logging pieces in 1:20.3 by Bachmann, which should bring a smile to the faces of many 1:20.3 modelers!

Forney-cation!

UPDATED 7-9-09



Yes, from the reports we're getting, it's true, Bachmann Trains has introduced an all new 1:20.3 Forney Steam Engine this week at the NGRC in Colorado!

Based on their successful line of On30 locomotives, these diminutive Maine natives are reported to be available sometime "this November."

Bravo to Bachmann for listening to what has been, for some time now, a deafening cry from those abandoned by the likes of LGB for an up-scaled offering of these "cute" beasts. While not prototypically correct for 2-foot gauge engines on 45mm track, these locos are bound to make many modelers happy.

Two versions appear to be offered, both inside and outside framed engines, with varying details such as cab construction and appliances.

1:20.me is in the process of obtaining photos of these new items, and will work to bring them to you as soon as they are available.

Stay tuned!

Of Firecrackers and Figures

Now that the music has ended, and the smoke from the fireworks has dissipated, we're sure our readers' thoughts are turning to their trains once more, and wondering "What's new?" Rest assured, while we did allow our reporters time for a hot dog and a quick round of horseshoes, we've been hard at work searching for the answers to that question.

People in your Neighborhood

Scott Anderson of Scale Art Models is now offering two new figures in 1:20.3. These creations of Joe Crea include Ken, the cook and Cousin Jack, a turn of the century miner. The cook is posed as if standing behind, and leaning on a counter, while the miner is made with a seperate arm and helmet to allow the modeler's choice of several poses.




Both figures are available unpainted for under $10.00 from Scale Art Models. Scott also tells us there are plans to release two more miners this month, so our readers who have been clamoring for mine workers are in luck this summer!

More from the Isle of Man

From a place where the Fourth of July is for the most part like the eleventh or the eighteenth, but would nonetheless be a fantastic holiday in the hot summer months, Isle of Man railway equipment holds a special place in history and in modeling, and fans and modelers of that line should be very pleased with this recent announcement from BMS (the UK counterpart to AMS) of new Isle of Man rolling stock:




These 1:20.3 coaches, much like AMS cars, are made from plastic with individually applied brass and metal details. Three types are planned: Brake-Composite, Composite, and Third Class. Included with each car are two sets of wheels allowing for a modeler selected running gauge of either 45mm or 32mm.

Caboose Watch

Bachmann Industries has posted a clarification on their discussion board with regard to the upcoming caboose. The Bach-Man recently wrote:

"Dear All, The cabooses are on the water. Subsequent to the BTS our VPs went to Hong Kong, and sent the update posted by Bucksco. They will be here soon. So the "by September" estimate has now been updated by Mr. Reece."

We are grateful to the Bach-Man for both confirming our original report of what had been said regarding this model, and providing the updated information. We sincerely hope that "Bucksco" (aka. Jack Lynch, Communications Manager, Bachmann Industries) follows suit, and adopts this kind of effective communications model from here on out.

Four by Four

We've received reports in the last couple of weeks that some authorized dealers of AMS rolling stock are now only offering cars in sets of four, instead of individually as had been the practice in the past. On inquiry, one major AMS dealer pointed to official Accucraft policy changes, and a concern that if the retailer purchases a set of four cars and is only able to sell one, that the other three may become an inventory issue. This could pose a problem to modelers who, while they might buy four boxcars or four flatcars, might be less inclined to buy four cabooses, or four combines, however it was unclear from our conversations with retailers what the actual policy was, or to which cars it applied. We are investigating this issue, and will report our findings as soon as we have official information.

Check back for more updates in the not-too-distant future, (particularly those of you who like our contests!)

What time does the 12:00 train arrive?

Said he to me, Now let me see if I have heard you right;
You'd like to go to Morrow and return tomorrow night?
You should have gone to Morrow yesterday and back today;
For the train today to Morrow is a mile upon its way....
If you had gone to Morrow yesterday now don't you see,
You could have gone to Morrow and returned today at three!
For the train today to Morrow if the schedule is right,
Today it goes to Morrow and returns tomorrow night.

If there's one thing our readers should have come to understand about what is reported here, it's what we've posted in our "Welcome" message from the very beginning: "'till it's running on your rails, ain't nothin' guaranteed." Plans and situations change, and with many manufacturers, (some more than others,) it's a foregone conclusion that advertisements, announcements, and surprise signs at convention booths often bear little resemblance to what actually happens. It's the nature of the beast, and it's not limited to large scale.

We here at One Twenty Point Me, however, have to draw the line at being called on the carpet for simply reporting what the manufacturers' representatives tell us. When Bud Reece, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing was heard three weeks ago at the Big Train Show telling visitors to the official Bachmann Industries booth that the caboose would be available "by September," that is what we reported. To us, a Senior Vice President staffing an official company booth appeared to be an excellent primary source. Now Jack Lynch, Communications Manager of Bachmann Industries (and remarkably, a subordinate of Mr. Reece) has announced on the Bachmann forum that "This is incorrect. They should be here soon. They've been shipped from the factory and it shouldn't be too much longer until they arrive in Philadelphia."

In the grander scheme of things, technically a caboose arriving tomorrow would be here by September, so maybe it's all a matter of how soon "soon" is. Our readers will recall the arrival of the K-27 "in Philadelphia" predated its arrival in modelers' hands by well over a month (except, of course, for that one that arrived sooner) so perhaps if the cars have left the factory, they'll be in Philadelphia "soon," and on the rails "by September."

Regardless, When it comes to reporting on sales and marketing out of Philadelphia, we'll defer to the Senior Vice President over a "manager" of communications every time. When that SVP is Bud Reece, 2008 Hobby Manufacturers Association, Model Railroad Division Hall of Fame inductee and all around "nice guy," as far as we're concerned, his word is as good as gold.

The Monday Morning Mixed Freight

Just a quick update this morning, with some local and international items of interest to go with that "Egad, it's Monday" cup of coffee. We'll be back with more soon!

Victor's Models UK

Victor's Models UK has announced their second offering in 1:20.3. This follows the very well received Viking diesel locomotive which appeared last November. County Donegal and Isle of Man aficionados will be particularly pleased with the choice of prototype, the Isle of Man Railcar:



The prototype for this diesel powered passenger mover was built in 1951 by Walker Brothers, and ran in Ireland's County Donegal before being sold to the Isle of Man Railway in 1961, where today it awaits full restoration.

You can find out about the progress of this model, and register your interest at Victor's Models' website:
http://www.victorsmodels.co.uk/article/Victorsscalemodels

Accucraft: The world beyond Colorado

Several readers have reported, following the Big Train Show last week, and One Twenty Point Me can now confirm that Accucraft company representatives at the show, when questioned about upcoming rolling stock for the Southern Pacific #8 and #9 (see last week's show updates) confirmed that new Southern Pacific Narrow Gauge cars were in development. Even more intriguing, when pressed, Accucraft representatives stated that altogether new, and prototypically correct SP narrow gauge cars were in consideration, and not just repaints from the current AMS catalog!



While nothing specific has been announced, or even discussed yet, it's exciting to hear that our friends at AMS are considering expanding their prototype horizons beyond the borders of Colorado. One wonders if perhaps they might someday also be tempted to expand their prototype horizons beyond the borders of steam power in the Owens Valley as well?

Iron Horse Thievery

Finally, some disturbing news following the Big Train Show. Greg Posta of Rio Grande Southern Railroad Hobbies returned from the show to find he'd had a break-in, and several valuable, custom 1:20.3 models had been stolen. You can see a detailed list of what was stolen here as posted on MyLargeScale.com. It is our sincere hope that anyone who spots anything on this list will immediately speak up and notify Greg, or the authorities at the numbers provided.

BTS: Part II

We're back tonight with the second round of photo reports from this year's Big Train Show. In the first report, we started with 1:20.3 powerhouse Bachmann Trains. Today, we'll begin with the hobby's other king of the scale, Accucraft.


Accucraft

Located much closer to the entrance of the hall this year, but in what felt like reduced size, Accucraft displayed their latest products for all to inspect. AML, AMS, and the other lines from the parent company all shared the space, but 1:20.3 was out in front, in the form of Southern Pacific Engines #8 and #9.

First up, the #9





And then sister engine, #8



Further back in the booth, the upcoming (and long anticipated) AMS D&RGW Drop Bottom Gondola was on display.




And sharing shelf space, the first unit from the forthcoming AMS EBT 3 Bay Hoppers could be found.




Ozark Miniatures

Venturing deeper into the convention hall, Ozark Miniatures, and their always impressive booth could be found. Though not dedicated to 1:20.3 scale offerings, great interest was being captured by Ozark's new 1:20.3 Climax Engine Kit.




As always, Dave brought along the ever growing collection of 1:20 rolling stock kits as well.


A note to all you Rio Grande modelers, though not on hand for the BTS, word is that the new D&RGW Passenger Trucks should be available in the next 2 to 4 weeks from Ozark.


Burnt Fingers

Turning our attention to the outside of the show for a moment, the instantly recognizable Live Steam tracks were once again up and running for all to enjoy. Though all scales seemed represented at the display, 1:20.3 appeared to command a majority of the track time.






Ok, keep watching as we prepare Part III of the show report this weekend and check back soon!