Kenny,

I've got the same item number.  It's a good little engine for the price.  I think I paid about $20 more than that several months ago.  I added DCC to it and it was very easy to do.  The one issue that may be of concern is if you are planning to do major rework to the boiler area because the saddle tanks and boiler are one piece and would cause problems.  The only problems I have with it is going through the unmodified Aristo switches.  The little guy bounces because the wheel flanges bottom out.  The other problem is it’s a low rider and the front step sometime catches on the frog if the switch is not completely flat.  I have one switch that’s at the top of a grade and sometimes wants to head down hill own its own.  I also added an interior light to it so the crew can see at night.  Overall, it’s a very basic but good engine.  I don’t regret buying it at all. 

John

Wade,

Stainless Steel track and Rail Clamps work great.  I also have track power wired in at several spots, about every 15 feet or so.

John

You can find what you're looking for over on Mylargescale.com

David,

There are several different ways to go with the power; straight DC, Radio control, battery powered, and DCC.  I have gone the DCC route myself.   I have a basic system and am considering upgrading it to the NCE system.

If you’re looking for a good engine, Bachmann’s 2-8-0 Connie can be had at a reasonable price.  The 38 ton Shay is good too.  I have both along with the new porter which all have been converted to DCC.  I also have two 4-4-0 Big Haulers, an Indy and a Climax. 

John

David,

What type of trains are you going to run, steam or diesel?  What type of power are you considering?


John

David,

As the dew settles in the evening you may find that some engines will start slipping as they go up steep grades.   I have 3% grades on my GRR and the only engine that has a problem is my little BM Indy.  That's becasue she is very light and slips easily.

I see you're from Middleburg.  I live on the Southwest side of Jacksonville.

John

A friend of mine and me both put a Digitrax 583 into our Connies.  We both came to the conclusion it was just easier to remove the Connie’s' circuit board and wire the decoder straight into her.  BM did a much better job with the 38 ton Shay so you can leave the board in it.  But with the Connie you are better off removing the circuit board.  Also, tighten up the screws on the Connie’s gearbox.  Use a little locktite.  If you can't find the procedure on this site, look over on Mylargescale.com.  You also need to remove the small circuit board on the motor too.  I think it was because it causes interference with the decoder.  Do a search on this site and Mylargescale and you should find all the details. 

David,

Check this out....

http://www.mylargescale.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=43849

John

Check out the photos I posted on the MLS site.  The BM rep had one that  I have a shot of but I didn't see any at any of the other vendors.

http://www.mylargescale.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=44832

I'd go for one

I posted some photos over on My Large Scale

http://www.mylargescale.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=44832

There's one that almost looks like the big guy himself!