Dear Mr. Bachmann,

I unfortunately have no need or want of any of the new announced products (Well maybe the excursion cars or the log skidder). Unfortunately, the call for smaller steam was ignored. That being said, I am so glad that Bachmann makes such great products. I have never been disappointed and hope it remains that way. I would like to know when the next round of products will be announced. Hope you are well and thanks in advance.

-Brad

So being a college student this is a really hard time to be in this hobby. Lack of time and lack of funds being the major setbacks. I am really looking forward to this Christmas Break were I plan to spend much of my time in the basement. One thing that doesn't change, are my greedy little eyes. This time it's bad. I've been eyeballing brass... . I either want to purchase a N&W M class or a Hillcrest 25 ton shay. I know that if pay more for the M it will be a little nicer. If I pay less for the shay I'm going to put some money into it.(Paint it, Clean it, remoter possibly). I saw this on eBay and about had a heart attack...http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110317163324&category=78178&_trksid=p2773.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D40%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D54
But like I said...funds are short and I think if I told my mother I spend my money on that instead of books she would skin me alive. Another choice would be the M1 for sale at Gunning's Hobbies. I have 18 and 22 curved radius to work with. Would that be too tight for an M? This might be just a big ramble, but I would still love your opinions.

-Brad

Has anyone ever ordered from Uncle Daves brass and where you satisfied with what you got?

Can anyone tell me where I can preview the whistles that come with the new sound equipped shay? If I am correct in my understanding, they come with three different ones to choose from. Is one of them a three chime like this....
http://gottrains.com/quiz/3chimehm.swf
Every time I listen to that clip it gives me chills! I would love it if one of the whistles was similar or the same as this.

I'm thinking about buying a brass shay off of eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=110180813201&Category=484&_trksid=p3907.m29
or
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=190198444841&Category=78178&_trksid=p3907.m29
Does anyone know a place I can have it professionally painted.  All I want is a smooth flat black with some graphite accents. No decals, letters or road names.  I live in Ohio so anywhere close would be great.  If not that’s ok.  Thanks.

-Brad

What radius can the proto 0-8-0 handle?  Can she take 18" radius curves?  Thanks for the help.

-Brad

Would you or wouldn't you buy a spectrum 4-8-0 to go along with the pacific Bachmann will be producing shortly ?

I saw a pretty cool thing today.  There was a long line of MOW vehicles sitting on a siding.  Track clears, speeders, you name it was there.  The interesting part was that they had some flat cars in front of them, and there was a ramp from the flat car down to the rails.  The ramp had rails on it.  Were they loading the MOW vehicles onto the flat car? 

I’m just starting my scenery on my HO 6x8 layout and I have a few questions.  I already have the mountains formed using chicken wire.  I just bought some Woodland Scenic Plaster Cloth.  What are your opinions of this product?  It says on the back of the package to form the mountains out of paper and then use tape to hold it together.  Can I put the plaster cloth straight on the chicken wire?  OR should I put tape over the chicken wire and then plaster?  Do I paint the plaster after that then add rock formations or vice-versa?  Also is it ok to drill into the plaster to add trees?  Thanks for all your answers!

-Brad

Does anyone know where I can get my hands on a decent looking /running Norfolk and Western 4-8-0 without paying an arm and a leg for a sunset model?  If not, any ideas on how to model one?  I know that this was not a type ran by many railroads and Bachmann will probably not produce this model.  If they did I think enough people would buy.  Maybe this would be a good project for you Mr. Bachmann!

I have a 6 1/2 by 8 foot layout that folds up agaist the wall.  A blessing and a curse.  If I would want to put up scenery (water particularly) how would I secure it? Also what is the best thing to clean our track with?

Thanks,
Brad

Can anyone give me directions on how to lubricate an N&W J without all the technical words?  I know a little bit about steam but not enough! Also does one need to lubricate a shay?  If so were, how and how often?

Thanks,
Brad