I purchased the Bachmann 0-6-0 about a year ago and modified; removed the smoke unit and added as much weight as I could find nooks and cranies. I carried all electrical vie new wire to the tender which I installed pick up trucks from Bachmann 2-6-0. Then installed a back up light on the tender (LED) and a Digitrax DCC decoder.
The loco runs like a charm. I probably will install a Tsunami 750 light steam decoder in the future.
It was a lot of work, but kept me busy. By the way, I also modified the front beam and installed an operating Kadee coupler.
Don

Sushu,
My experience with a ten wheeler may not apply to your shay, but after chasing around, removing the front boiler cover, and finally the boiler shell; I found that the LED was working but the circuit board was bad. After replacing the circuit board, the head light LED works like a charm.
I suggest that you do some diagnostic work, if possible, before going to deep into the loco.
Don

Thank you Len and Acy for your replies giving info I was looking for.
I believe that B&M and other railroads used locos with 63", give or take, for passenger service which are lighter and higher speeds.
By the way, can Bachmann Mogals be converted to 63" drivers?
Don

Hello and welcome to those of us that model Boston and Maine.
A solution I use is to purchase unlettered locos and apply decals. There is a company in NH, Highball Graphics, that has B&M and other New England railroads water slide decals.
Don

Hello Folks,
Thank you for your relies to my question. I have the measuring devices you mentioned and use them often (left over from my mechanical desigh engineering days).
I must have worded the post wrong. I am modeling the early 1900's new england railroads, mostly Boston and Maine. I want to expand my loco roster, presently have connies, one ten wheeler, a pacific, a 2-6-0, a 0-6-0 and a 0-6-0 tank. I would like to obtain 63" driver ten wheeler and a 63" driver mogal; how can I be sure of the driver size if I cannot actually have hands of the loco.
To get a ten wheeler, I think Ebay or internet companies will be necessary.
I enjoy reading all comments on the forum.
Don

Hello and Happy New Year,
I would like to know driver size of Bachmann seam locos models 2-6-0 and Bachmann 4-6-0; can someone please tell me or how to identify or find out?
Don

I agree wholeheartedly! I have been in contact with service (via Email) about removing the boiler shell on my 4-6-0 low boiler so that I can repair the front head light. The person said I can get at the bulb by removing the front boiler cap; I did this and can see the light bulb but cannot do anything be look at it as the LED is captured in the motor frame. If I could remove the boiler shell, repairing the light will be simple.
A while back, some one posted instructions with pictures on removing the boiler shell on a connie; this was great and also works for the 2-6-0. However, the 4-6-0 appears to be different.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Note, I also made a post about a month ago about repairing the head light in a 4-6-0.
Don

Thank you for your replies and hints. I turned the decoder 180 degrees and the loco runs backward when throttle is forward, etc. The head light does not illuminate in either direction.I ask again, is there a simple test for the head light; such as applying voltage to pins 6 and 7 on the decoder socket?
What are the loco connector position functions?
I beleive that the tsunami sound decoder tsu 750 would fit in the tender; need to work out location and mounting for the speaker.
Don

I purchased a spectrum ten wheeler at a train show this past weekend. I installed a decoder, adjusted some wires and connector and it runs pretty well. However, the head light does not cume on, it there a way of testing the light and/or replacing the LED without taking the loco apart?
Also, the tender seams a bit small for installing a sound decoder, will a larger tender work with the low boiler 4-6-0 loco?
Don

Gentlemen,
I removed the connector I attached to the Soundtrax 750 decoder and attached another connector plus the capaciter that came with the decoder; also, cleaned loco (tender) pichups and the problem went away.
I appoligise for causing any confustion.
BTW the soundtrax TSU 750 is a good match for the alco 2-6-0 loco.
I think I will get another TSU 750 and put it in the 0-6-0 switcher what I have made several modifications to.
Don

I installed a Soundtraxx 750 decoder in my Bachmann 1363 2-6-0 loco.
At first power on, there was a short circuit; by process of elimination (removing wires) id discovered that the blue, common, wire caused the short. I disconnected the blue wire and the loco runs. However, the loco sputters (don't know how else to describe it). Almost as if a capaciter is discharging.
Any ideas as to the problem and a solution?
By the way, the loco ran bafore with digitrax decoder and alo with a MRC sound decoder.
Don

I applied Bull Frog Snot to 4 of the 6 loco drivers; it made a marked improvement. Applying the Bull Frog Snot was a tedious process and I am still on the learning curve.  The 0-6-0 need some additional weight which I will do when I figure out how to remove the boiler shell. Bachmann service states that once screws are removed, the shell needs to be pried loose with a small scre driver; the did not say where to insert the screw drive to pry the scell loose. Any ideas.
Don

Hello, thanks for all your comments / suggestions. I fabricated a guage and while to grade varies it measures between 3 and 4%.
I added weight to the Alco 2-6-0 and the loco runs smoother there was anly a slight improvement for negotiating the grade. The local Hobby Shop tried Bull Frog Snot, they had an adhesion problem. I have added electrical pick up to the 0-6-0 tender and will add weight to the loco. I will try again to apply Bull Frog Snot; I'll post results.
Don

my 2-6-0 alco and 0-6-0 with slope back tender locos can only pull 1 to 2 cars up a 4% grade with 2' radius. Does Backmann (or anyone) offer tracktion tires for these locos? My layout is DCC and code 100 track.
Don

I purchased a used spectrum 2-8-0 Bachmam item number 11410. I put a decoder in it and it runs, but probably needs a lub and tuneup. Inside the box cover the number 080808 was stamped.
My question i when was the loco manufactured.
Thank you for any input.
I would like to install a DCC decoder with souynd - is this possible?
Don