Yes I have, I've built electronic kits, and even gone in and modified PCs.  Can you suggest a good DYI reference book, CD, on-line video, etc.?  Also what controllers, sound boards, speakers, etc. would you recommend?

Since ERail Hobbies closed down I don't have any contacts in the Tulsa, OK area for converting a Bachmann 0-6-0 engine to DCC & adding sound in the tender.  Can anybody recommend someone in the Tulsa, OK area who can do a good job for this?

A German friend of mine, knowing that I have a HO train set, recently sent me a new engine made by PIKO (German).  Unfortunately it is for a 3 rail power set up.  Does anyone know if there is a way to convert this to 2 rail power?

Too bad.  I really like the Bachmann engine, but can't see paying the price for a DCC loco if I can't at least get some of the DCC functionality before I can afford to upgrade to DCC.

I've got an HO analog set-up, and am running a Broadway Limited 4-8-4 with a BL DC Master controller for sound.  I'm not quite ready to upgrade to DCC but have been looking at a Bachmann Spectrum equipped steam engine.  Is Bachmann Spectrum compatible with the BL DC Master for controlling sounds?

I'm modeling in HO steam engines.  I'd like to get freight cars from the 20's, 30's, 40's period.  All cars that I see advertised are modern day.  Where can I find cars from the period that I am modeling?

Recently got a pair of Bachmann E-Z Track #5 HO turnouts (right & left).  Two problems that I haven't quite figured out:

1) the side track is so short that I have to notch out the first section of adjoining E-Z track to get it to fit.  Is it designed this way or am I just missing something?
2) I'm trying to set up a passing siding parallel to my main line, but the angle of the side track is such that using standard 30 degree bend sections will not fit (It works with my other turnouts).  Again, is there something that I'm missing here?

I have two reversing sections on my HO DC layout.  For each I've cut thru the rails on each end of the section then dabbed epoxy at the cut (but not on top of the rails, since that will cause a derailment)  to hold the rails in place.  This electrically insulates the section of track in between these cuts from the main loop.  Then I've wired a double throw double pole switch (available at my local hardware store) to the main loop.  When the engine enters the reversing section, I throw the DTDP switch to reverse the current on the main loop, then when the engine crosses the second insulated rail cut it is running in the correct direction on my main loop.

Yes, they are causing the moveable rails to come loose and consequent de-railments.  I used a center punch to try to tighten them, but with limited success.  I've already junked one turnout because the rivet completely wore thru and I can't figure out how to re-attach the rail.

I've got all Backman EZ track on my layout.  The rivets that hold the moveable rails to the switch mechanism are coming loose on all of my turnouts.  What's the recommended way to fix this, either to prevent it from happening, or to repair it when it does happen?

Also. I looked at some Kato turnouts on a plastic road bed, similar to EZ Track in the hobby shop over the weekend.  These looked to be much better made then the Bachman turnouts that I have (also more expensive).  I asked if they are compatible with EZ Track, but no one in the store knew.  Any opinions on these?  Can they be used with EZ Track?

Thanks.  I'll check the couplers, and the gauge.  The track seems to be fine inspecting it visually, running my fingers along the track, and checking it with a straight edge.  The thing that really stumps me is that if I hand push the engine thru the turn out or re-railer, then back it up a ways and power it thru, it works fine, but the next time around it derails again. 

The binding occurred only when I glued some small weights to the trucks to make them a bit heavier.  I've removed the weights.  The engine works fine if I remove the ponies and run it around the circuit.

I've got a 4-8-4 from a Bachman starter set that I received a couple of years ago.  The pony trucks, both front and rear, frequently jump the track at turn outs and re-railer sections.  I've tried adjusting them by bending the mounting brackets to get them to ride more firmly on the track, but that hasn't fixed the problem. I also added some small lead weights, but had to remove them since they were causing binding on curves.   Any suggestions?

Also, I'm thinking of getting a better 4-8-4.  Any suggestions for that?

I'd like to get some Bachmann under track uncouplers (Bachmann item no 78999), but I don't see them in their catalog and my LHS doesn't have them.  I have one, and it works well.  Any suggestions on where I can get them??

I'd like to be able to make my own repairs and modifications to my engines, as sending them in takes too long to get them returned, and IMHO, for simple, non-warranty repairs costs too much (the postage alone can be significant).  I'm pretty handy with tools but am concerned that once I start to disassemble an engine I may do some irrepairable damage to an expensive piece of equipment.  I started out years ago building electronics kits which built my expertise in making repairs to such equipment.  Is there any place that I can buy kits to build HO steam engines?

I received a new 0-6-0 engine for Christmas, and had to send it in for warranty repairs.  The post office confirmed delivery on Jan 17.  I received a post card a week ago stating that the repair dept received it on Jan 24 and that it will take 8 weeks to repair it.  I guess that a lot of people received engines for Christmas that need repairs!