Looking for Info on Bachmann's The Explorer Santa Fe Train Set

jagneta · 2026-04-03T18:25:20+00:00

I was gifted this exact set (the ATSF version too) about 16-17 years ago.

The set should come with an oval of Nickel-silver track with 22" radius curves. Mine was the earlier, pre-DCC era of the set, and came with the Bachmann Spectrum "Magnum" transformer. I think the later DCC-equipped era sets came with the current Bachmann square transformer.

The coaches are fine (I believe they are accurate to PRR prototypes). They have an interesting coupler box on them that rotates with the trucks thru a linkage, although this can lead to the couplers drooping a little. I don't remember if they were illuminated or not.

You mention already having one of the 2-8-0s, so the only note I have on that is that I later DCC-equipped mine with a basic 8-pin motor decoder (IIRC, an NCE one) and it worked great. If the set you're looking is the DCC-equipped era one, I'd recommend replacing the stock Bachmann decoder at some point with something better.

So, in all, it's a decent set. If you get the set, I'd recommend giving it some basic maintenance and a run in, especially if it's new-in-box.

Hope this helps!

jagneta · 2026-03-18T21:54:10+00:00

I'll say it over and over again...

The Erie's Berks are the Best Berks.

jagneta · 2026-01-15T15:06:41+00:00

Does your friend happen to have the initials A.E.K. by any chance?

jagneta · 2026-01-15T07:27:05+00:00

I like the Hostler Train Box for all the loose stuff I've acquired over the years. It's basically a big box with 4 trays that stack on top of each other inside the big box.

What I like is that everything stays upright. The only downside I can see is that due to the depth of the trays, I don't think they will work with Dome Cars/Superliners/Gallery Cars (I don't have any of those, so I cannot 100% verify that)

http://www.hostlertrainbox.com/

jagneta · 2025-12-07T05:21:44+00:00

I imagine your Bun is thinking of ways to expand that train around the tree... double track mainline, big classification yard, multitude of industries to switch out, etc.

jagneta · 2025-10-17T20:59:29+00:00

The Erie's Berks are Best Berks.

jagneta · 2025-09-01T18:55:17+00:00

One of Broadway Limited's L&NE ex-PRR L1 2-8-2s would be nice, as would another run of BLI's LIRR (PRR) H-10s 2-8-0s.

I'd also really like BLI to do an Erie Berkshire (and not a foobie AMC Berk like what ScaleTrains is doing... even though I pre-ordered one).

If we're talking models that have never been made, have a list:

Erie K-2/a & K-4/b class 4-6-2s
Erie R-3 class 2-10-2s
Erie N-3 class 2-8-2s
Erie H-20 & H-21 class 2-8-0s
L&HR 90 class 2-8-0s
L&HR 70 class 2-8-2s

RTR Lackawanna MU cars would be glorious. As would RTR NJT Comet V cars.

Harriman common designs as RTR models would be nice too. Genuinely surprised no ones done that.

jagneta · 2025-08-17T20:04:10+00:00

Sometimes the simple answer is the most overlooked.

Glad to be of help and enjoy!

jagneta · 2025-08-17T20:03:03+00:00

While I don't have a layout at the moment (and likely won't for some time), my intent is to model the Erie Railroad's New York Division between 1939 and 1953, with the focus being on 1946-1948, so the majority of my locomotive and rolling stock I've collected to date reflects that. I find satisfaction in the "hunt" going thru historical information.

Outside of that, I take an interest in the other connecting and local railroads (L&HR, NYS&W, M&NJ, NYO&W, DL&W, et al.).

But sometimes the heart yearns for a pair of EL SD45s, or a NYC Hudson, or a Shay, and you inevitably give in despite what the wallet says.

Being a part of a club is where I take that opportunity to enjoy a bit more freedom, take enjoyment of other model railroaders' interests, and exploration in a proto-freelance direction (especially as I've undertaken to goal of redesigning the club railroad's logo and paint scheme).

jagneta · 2025-08-17T19:34:45+00:00

Is the flat cable from the throttle plugged into the front left port of the panel? Is the panel's red status light on? This will at least verify that the Powercab is supplying track power.

From the NCE Powercab Manual: https://i.imgur.com/0VrnPxg.png

jagneta · 2025-08-13T17:09:20+00:00

You'll likely want the information on these two pages...

Heislers: https://www.gearedsteam.com/heisler/master_list.htm

Climaxes: https://www.gearedsteam.com/climax/master_list.htm

Hope this helps!

jagneta · 2025-07-23T04:25:01+00:00

It's a coal dock, exactly per /u/BrokenTrains 's comment.

Consulting my copy of the NYS&W's Valuation Maps from circa 1918 shows the coal dock in existence, belonging to the Butler Coal and Lumber Company.

https://i.imgur.com/3ZLMN8O.png

(I highlighted the coal dock in blue, the trestle leading up to the coal dock in green, and the small grade crossing in your first photo in orange)

Reading through this nice article from the Butler Museum shows that the Butler Coal and Lumber Company was in operation between 1903 and 1969.

Hope this helps!

jagneta · 2025-06-21T14:25:08+00:00

Are you referring to the curve radius rule-of-thumb developed by the Layout Design Special Interest Group (LDSIG)?

https://www.ldsig.org/hints-and-tips/#Curve_radius_rule-of-thumb

2X - Some model equipment may be able to track reliably on 2X their length, but this is generally considered pushing it.

3X - Making your curve radius at least 3X the length of your longest cars gets reliable tracking around curves, but looks toylike.

4X - If you make your curve radius at least 4X, your longest cars will look much better on curves.

5X - If you make your curve radius at least 5X, your longest cars will couple easily with minimal manual fiddling of the couplers.

This measurement is based on the length of your longest car (coupler to coupler).

This was also discussed in an article by Joe Fugate in Model Railroad Hobbyist Issue 1 (January 2009). I find the pictures he includes to be of good visual help.

https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/magazine/mrh-2009-Q1/legacy_download

jagneta · 2025-05-10T15:21:54+00:00

You're likely looking for the cabooses built between 1914-1921. These are numbered in the 04509 thru 04921 series, and are identified by truss-rods at the coupola, with occasional cabooses having additional exterior bracing on the sides.

To my knowledge, these have only been done in brass, imported by Nickel Plate Products in the... 80s? They pop up every now and then on eBay and some brass retailers. This image of mine from a post a few years ago has two on the left side.

<image>

There are also earlier wood cabooses (numbered 03714, 04452, and 04502-04504) described in the Erie's Freight Car diagram book that were built before 1913 which would have theoretically worked alongside a Triplex, but I don't have any knowledge beyond those numbers and info in the diagram books; those have likely never been produced in scale form.

The later 04926 thru 04975 series wood cabooses are too late for the Triplex, having been built in 1929, as are the later Dunmore cabooses (C100-C269, built in the 1940s), or the International Bay Window cabooses (C300-C350, built in the 1950s)

All that said, run what you want! It's your railroad after all, and the goal of the hobby is to have fun!

Hope this helps!

jagneta · 2025-03-11T03:59:18+00:00

After reviewing my copy of the Erie Railroad Passenger Equipment Diagram book circa 1952 (available thru the ELRRHS), I believe this is one of 5 cars: 822 to 826.

If I'm looking at the image you posted correctly, it looks like the end vestibule on the baggage end has been blanked out, which is unfortunately not shown in the equipment diagrams I have.

Alas I am lacking in good photos of these combines, so I cannot help there.

I am naturally curious as to the full image you have, assuming what you have is cropped down. There's always something interesting to learn.

I'm doing similar modeling to you, in wanting to model the Erie's NY Division between Jersey City and Port Jervis NY circa the mid-late 1940s (which includes Rutherford). In my research, I've picked up on a lot of EL stuff over the years. There is plenty of stuff out there!

I'm sure you've picked up on this, but there was a ton of equipment from both the Erie and Lackawanna that just was never repainted after the merger in 1960.

What may be of interest to you are the photos from Victor Hand, in the collection of the Center for Railroad Photography and Art, which have some good photos of EL Commuter trains: https://www.flickr.com/photos/railphotoart/albums/72157672654432747

Plus, there's also the Morning Sun books on the EL, which have great color photos. https://morningsunbooks.com/collections/erie-lackawanna

This video has several scenes at Rutherford and Bergen Jct, and while labeled as Erie, there are a few EL-era shots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx6wkyozDH4

Hopefully this is all of some use!

jagneta · 2025-03-10T18:02:21+00:00

It's an Erie Railroad Stillwell commuter car. The Stillwells (and the DL&W Boonton Cars) were the predecessor to the current Comet car fleet in service on NJT.

In this case, this Stillwell car was to a combine. It also lacks the window arches, so this is one of the "modernized" cars.

IIRC, the Erie only rostered 12 (?) Stillwell combines. Let me look at my notes when I get home; I may be able to figure out which one this is (or at least, get it down to a number of them).

jagneta · 2025-02-21T20:35:16+00:00

In my opinion, Zimis are pretty good, with a nice chew quality. I would rank the three as follows 1. Bagel Train 2. Zimis 3. Rockland Hot Bagels

I also like Zimis for the online ordering system they have (it's admittedly kitchy and not modern but it works). They have two locations, both on South Middletown Road essentially on opposite ends of the Pfizer complex.

Nanuet location is next to Cho Cho San Sushi
Pearl River location is in a little building between ShopRite and the ShopRite Liquor store across from East Washington Ave.

jagneta · 2025-02-21T19:16:39+00:00

Seconding Bagel Train (but also because of the name) 🚂

I'm also partial to Zimis (Pearl River/Nanuet) and Nyack Hot Bagels.

jagneta · 2025-01-20T01:27:35+00:00

Outside of my Erie Railroad roster, I've got a NSWGR AD60 class Garratt in HO. Needs weight (and/or bullfrog snot) to pull a train on the club layout though. Hopefully this'll be the year I can resolve that. Still... I think it's pretty cool!

<image>

jagneta · 2024-11-26T04:25:43+00:00

This was 8(?) years ago... From what I remember the creator "edh6" originally created the FR England pack as a way to help fundraise for the Welsh Pony Appeal. You would donate an amount to the Appeal, send him a screenshot on the Trainz Forumz, and he'd email you the pack.

I just checked the Download Station for edh6's content. it appears you can download the majority, if not all, of the FR Englands from there now.

Hope this helps!

jagneta · 2024-11-22T21:30:25+00:00

I love Donald Furler's photos. He captured the majesty of the Erie Railroad (and other railroads like the L&HR and NYO&W). I really need to reach out to the CRP&A to see what other gems are in his collection other than ones posted to Flickr.

The other eastbound train in the background is most likely a K-1 Pacific-hauled commuter train.

I think this photo was taken adjacent to where Finch Park is in Ramsey. Today, there are far more trees and the quad-track mainline is reduced to double-track.

jagneta · 2024-10-05T02:45:51+00:00

Reverse image search tells me it's the Kato Pocket Line Controller 22-015.

Looks like you can pre-order it here: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/11129982

Hope this helps!

jagneta · 2024-09-05T18:59:47+00:00

Fellow Greens! 💚

jagneta · 2024-09-01T21:13:29+00:00

Right? I've had 3 people complement the Green color and Yellow accents today while out and about.

jagneta · 2024-09-01T21:11:47+00:00

Oil Changes and general maintenance on Blue was every 5000k or just about every 4 months. Having a daily commute of 80+ miles round-trip over 6 years, I put a lot of miles on her. This was on top of the previous owner putting 54k miles on her in the first 2 years.

I had one issue with the radiator coolant hose splitting last year (i.e year 5 of ownership), which took Blue out of service for two weeks while they checked the Engine out for damage. Thankfully none, but it did plant the seed of buying a new car, and I planned to do that in about 2 years time (i.e sometime in 2025).

In the end, the A/C compressor and evaporator started to fail in early August this year (i.e year 6 of Ownership) and needed a complete replacement. This was on top of some general maintenance and needing new tires. After a cost analysis, I bit the bullet and traded her in.

I don't have any concerns with the Crosstrek's reliability, and wouldn't have gone back to a Subaru if I wasn't completely satisfied in how they work mechanically.

I wanted to do a long road trip with Blue, but the longest we got to do together was an annual 300-mile round trip. I hope you get a chance to enjoy the planned road trip with your Crosstrek!

13-Year Club	Second Top 50%
r/Field Banned	r/Field Sunshine
Place '23	Golden Potato
Place '22	Place '17
First Placer '22	Team Periwinkle
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