Didn't work, ABC.  I documented every step as I did them, as follows.

Loco on track - has power, making "idle" sounds.
My steps:
   - STOP LED is solid, 1 LED is solid
   - Press and hold STOP and 3
   - Idle sound ceases, STOP LED flashes, 1 LED is solid - is it in  programming mode?
   - Press 4 while still holding.  Loco doesn't "move slightly" and LED flashes at SAME speed
   - Release STOP and 3.  LEDs the same.
   - Press 4.  Loco doesn't "move slightly and LED flashes at same speed.

Tried again, pressing STOP and 3 before putting loco on track, then pressed 4. No movement, no LED change.  Pressed 2 while in programming mode - no movement, no LED change.  Pressed STOP to exit programming mode - STOP LED goes solid, idle sounds return, but no control.

Doesn't work for me.
Now, the instructions from the manual (copied by ABC above) say that if you are reprogramming a loco with a number under 10, to push and release stop button and 3 button at the same time, but to reprogram one with a number over 10 by "...remove all locomotives from the layout...pushing and
holding down the number 3 button and the "Stop" button...Simply place the subject locomotive on the track..."

I'm trying to reprogram a Spectrum 2-8-0 with address 706 to 4.  If I'm reading this correctly, must I be holding down the two buttons at the same time i am trying to wrestle the engine onto the track?  
I'm pretty sure I can't physically do that.

Also, manual says:  "...The power LED will flash quickly to indicate you're in programming mode. Choose a new address for your locomotive and press the corresponding button. The locomotive will move slightly (figure 10) and the power LED will flash slowly to indicate that you have successfully programmed your locomotive to its new address..."   Mine flashes, but quickly and slowly seem subjective to me - and it never changes speed, anyway.

Quote from: ABC on June 25, 2010, 10:05:58 AM
...they have repaired a good number of my locos and locos of people down at my local club. Strangely, everyone thinks they just automatically get their loco replaced.

It wouldn't surprise me if they replace a loco that would take awhile to fix, then end up refurbishing locos as they have time and sending those out on those as replacements on later calls.

Jonathan and Imack -
Swe-e-e-e-e-et!!

Sweet.  Thanks for the inspiration (kick-in-the-butt)!
I am sure you will have fun operating.

I  would guess that back in the day they didn't use the same quality paints these folks did, and of course, there were no EPA regulations adding cost.  Still, remember when they went to the solid blue because this was just too costly to maintain.

Looks like a fun evening!

i see the picture just fine, and in my opinion the "R" is just a faded, partially painted over ad. 
"PENN CENTRAL", perhaps?

I often say one of two things to my kids when they are contemplating a purchase. 

1.  If someone offered you a Ferrari for $15,000, that would be a great deal, but you still couldn't afford it!

2.  I COULD pay $10 for a gallon of milk, but I WONT.

As others have said, there is really no such thing as "too much" if you really want it and can afford it.

Congrats on your score!

J3a-614, you make some great points.  I spent many a vacation day with my relatives in Elm Grove  (I was born at OVGH where my mother worked and it was fun to see the old views from there) and saw much of what you say happen during the 60s and 70s.  As model railroaders (and, presumably, railfans and fans of history) we should be some of the louder voices for preservation.  Not just for preservation's sake, but because it is penny-wise and pound-foolish to discard what works.

A very sharp pencil works in a pinch, and since they are usually bright yellow and hexagons, they don't get lost  or roll away so easily when you lay them down.

The armored vehicles are actually tank recovery vehicles - sort of a tow truck for tanks.

Very neatly done.  That will be sweet.
The "spokesmodel" is a great addition - all layouts should have one!   

Quote from: jonathan on May 02, 2010, 07:16:44 AM
...For some reason, WV seems to be where all the train action is.  There must be some other states that had trains...

  So true!   I think what happens is that many people who have never been to the area just say "West Virginia" when they mean Appalachian coal region.  Western Maryland, northwestern Virginia, southwestern Pennsylvania, even parts of Kentucky all are very similar.  But the fact is that for most people, when you say "mountain" and "coal mine" - it's WVA they think of.

There is a house in Denver that uses the floor of an old Denver streetcar.

http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_13882191

There's even a video from PBS:

http://video.pbs.org/video/1188921823/