Bachmann also offers a higher grade of HO rolling stock. Additionally, Athearn, Atlas, Acurail, Walthers, all offer a good to excellent grades of rolling stock. There are others as well. I'd stay away from E-Bay for purchasing just about any model equipment. There are ample retailers, many on-line, that offer a wide variety of great HO equipment at very competitive prices.

Quote from: rains train on October 14, 2007, 09:08:31 PM
Well my dog sheds alot, and my layout is at 44" off the ground. I really need ideas on how to fix this engine 

We have two cats. They stay in the house, but are banned from the train room.

I may have two or three dummy locomotives to my name. At one point, about 25-30 years ago, running two or more powered engines could be a real adventure, and the dummy was a very logical alternative. With DCC, plus the increased uniformity of motor performance, dummies aren't the attraction they once were. As noted, it's far easier now to duplicate prototype performance in our model operations.

When the day arrives in which I allow the media to dictate my choices, that's the day my model railroad will turn it's last wheel. Being retired, I find myself spending more time in the train room, and less and less in front of the TV.

The Bachman EZ Mate is a fine coupler, but I recommend you make KD your friend for any further conversion projects. As noted, they're a little more expensive, but virtually indestructable in normal use.

Growing up in Southern Calif in the late forties/fifties, I saw quite a few icing platforms. Most that I recall were actually away from yards. In those days, Southern Calif still had a viable citrus industry, and icing platforms at the sites of packing houses were quite comon. Depending on the size of the facility, two, three, tracks were often required.

In addition to the excellent information already posted, let me add this. Anytime you can replace plastic wheels with metal, go for it. While many plastic wheels offer good, even excellent performance, they do leave a residue on the rails. Metal wheels, on the other hand, actually mimic the prototype, and help keep your rails clean. I completely retro-fitted all my rolling stock over a period of about a year. One of the best investments I ever made.

Liz, I'm not certain I understand your question. Bachmann Spectrum equipment is pretty accurate as to scale dimensions, and prototype markings. 1:87 is HO scale. As a general rule, manufacturors sometimes have to make small adjustments in scale fidelity as part of the manufacturing process. That said, and having been in the hobby for over thirty years,today's models are probably the most accurate ever.

I stand corrected. OK, I'll take an SP GS-4 anyday!! Great photos. Thanks, Conrail!!

I model the mythical Phenix City,Seaboard and Southern Railway. This regional road is jointly owned by CSX and Norfolk Southern. It is a contemporary road, and power from both parent companies is typically run. Run through trains from both the Union Pacific and BNSF are common sights as well. Passenger service is sponsored by AMTRAK, but consists of upgraded 1950's ears locomotives and rolling stock. This is somewhat encouraged by our Canadian neighbor's current practices. In summary, this arrangement allows me to run  a variety of motive power and rolling stock in a typically space short environment. Much fun though.

Quote from: Car Bud on September 11, 2007, 02:42:52 AM
I have several CN Rail zebra stripe ROCO Austria Sharknose A's and Bs but I don't know if CN ever had Sharks since I've never seen Sharks in any photos of CN diesels.Can anyone verify wether these CN Sharks are models of the real thing or just marketed for Canadian HO scale Train Bufs---Carbud--(Bill in Vic BC)

Greetings Bill. I'm not an expert on CN power, but I'm almost certain they didn't own any Baldwin Sharks. As modelers, we have to be a little careful concerning what some manufacturors offer. Example: It's possible to get a steam engine painted in Amtrak colors. Some locomotives are unique to certain roads. The Southern Pacific cab-ahead steam locomotives are one example of that. I'm certain that many of our colleagues will be pleased with the Bachman Sharks. Especially 1950's Pennsylvania modelers, or possible some folks modeling D&H in the late 1970's.