Mr Bach Man,
I know this has been brought up before (several times), but has any more thought been put into making old loco's or parts available for purchase. I for one would love to purchase old loco's that were turned in for warranty issues, and use them for parts. I've been able to pick up some at different locations, but having a place we could look first would be great!
Bachmann could actually make money on something that is getting thrown in the dumpster out back. People could purchase a engine and tender, that doesn't run, and use it as a static model on their layout. If the fear of warranty fraud is an issue, have the folks that work on them to something drastic like cut a huge hole in the bottom to prove it can't come back for service work.
I know I may be just be wasting my time, but I'm in the middle of a project where extra parts would come in very handy.

Thanks for once again listening.

Brian,
I'm so glad you posted the finished pics. You have really done a super job on this project, and it looks GREAT!
Can't wait to see what you build next.....

I use a very soft round paint brush and a small static duster. The static duster doesn't work like it's supposed to for around the house cleaning, but works good on getting into tight places without breaking anything on a model.

The museum is a great place to visit. When you visit the roundhouse, you can still see the loco's that were damaged that have not been restored yet. During December, the Mason Dixon large scale RR club have a huge display running daily along with some other clubs as well.
There is an outdoor garden RR as well.
Raising money for an organization that maintains RR history......Great idea!

I'm sure you will get others, but I just went and measured my 1:20 figures, and the Shay tender area, and I would think that 2-2 1/2" should work nicely. Much longer and the scale engine crew would have problems picking them up to throw them in the firebox. At 2 1/2", that still is a large piece of wood to throw in, but if it was split, it would be able to be done. It scales out to over a three foot piece of wood.

Kevin,
Awesome job! Your attention to detail is unbelievable, and definitly worth it!

I don't know if they have them out all year, but last Fall I bought some at our local Michaels Craft store for use on my "Pumkin Express Train". Wal Mart had some, but they were  too large. The ones at Michaels came in a pack of 6 or 8 bales per pack.
They look very good sitting in my short sided gondolas.

There are still a few dealers that have some in stock. They are getting harder to find, and the price has gone up on the remaining ones.
I had one ordered from Ridge Road, but they called to say they were no longer available.

Good luck

I also add battery powered lights to cars. Even if the train is stopped, they stay on. I know some folks don't like having to reach under to turn them on, but after a flip of a switch, my cars are lit and I'm off for some nightime running. 

Lee is correct, the EBT is an awesome RR. Depending on how much train time you have, the Strasburg RR near Lancaster PA is a great place to spend the day. Not only can you ride the RR where all the coaches are wooden and restored beautifly, but you can cross the street and visit the RR Museum of PA, or visit the Toy Train Museum, or Choo Choo Barn which is an O guage layout which is worth the trip.
Your only problem will be deciding what to visit.

Good luck!

I too use Krylon spray to paint cars. It has good coverage and control. I've tried cheaper paints and ended up sanding down and starting over.

I don't think you have to worry about it not being around. As for warranty items, if you did get a replacement, I think they are DCC ready meaning you could make them DCC vs just DC.
Just my thoughts, look how long DC has been around, I think DCC is just the next step, but some of us still enjoy running on DC

I would also like to be able to access items from the old board. There are many fixes that have been listed in great detail, luckily some of those I've printed, but it was a wealth of information!

I also have to agree with that,
Stan's decals are top of the line. He has made several sets for me in the past, and I'm currently getting ready for him to make decals for the logging line.
You can't go wrong with Stan!

Terry,
I wanted to say I enjoyed the pictures of your layout as they progressed towards the holidays.