Since the Bachmann trucks roll so well they beg to be   adapted for alternative uses. Here's what we came up with.  This is a somewhat simple conversion. First, unscrew the  side frames from the trucks to dis-assemble. With a Dremel ,  jeweler's saw or band saw cut away the center sprung   section of the truck. Clean this up with a file.  Then glue in a strip if styrene to represent bar stock bracing  and the side frames are done .  This simple bash opens many possibilities for the   Bachmann truck . 

On the left is a set of  Bachmann converted passenger trucks under one of our  mini-flats. These would look very good under our log buggies too.

2-4-2T

On30 has historically been a modelers scratch and bash gauge. Inspired by craftsman like Gordon North, Steve Fisher, Jeff Saxton and Laurie Green just to name a few, many modelers continue that legacy. Since the introduction of many more R-T-R  On30 products there seems to be more people who are a little timid about taking the plunge into a full blown bashing project, In an effort to keep the legacy alive here is a little sample of just what one encounters in such a conversion which will hopefully get some of those creative juices flowingOn30 has historically been a modelers scratch and bash gauge. Inspired by craftsman like Gordon North, Steve Fisher, Jeff Saxton and Laurie Green just to name a few, many modelers continue that legacy. Since the introduction of many more R-T-R  On30 products there seems to be more people who are a little timid about taking the plunge into a full blown bashing project, In an effort to keep the legacy alive here is a little sample of just what one encounters in such a conversion which will hopefully get some of those creative juices flowi

This 2-4-2T was converted from a Bachmann Forney after the manner of my friend Alan Carroll.  For the side tanks Grandt 13 ton Porter tanks were put into service.
The large Forney rear tank was cut down and converted to a fuel only bunker. The trailing trucks are an extra pair of two wheel trucks that are included with  several  of the Bachmann engines. By reducing the length of the loco  through this conversion, it's ability to traverse my small layout which has  tight curves is much easier on the rolling stock. However, I still suggest using a long shank coupler on the rear.