Has anyone tried taking a current productioin RS-3 DCC (no sound) and swaping the shell onto the chassis of the same loco with DCC Sound value?  Can shells be easily swapped???

I would like to know what type of track cleaning car gives you the most "bang for the buck".  I see cars ranging from $25.00 to $125.00---just considering the quality of the cleaning they do (not the prototype accuracy of the model) what is the best system out there.  I would like to know brand name or dry vs. wet.  Any info would be helpful.

Thanks
Chris

I am planning a narrow shelf layout around a 10'x14' room.  My plan is to use HO EZ track and solder the rail joints.  This is going to be one large loop around the room and will host DCC locomotives using a Bachmann Dynas system (probably).  There will not be any turnouts.  Using EZ track and soldering the joints, do you think it will be necessary to lay a track bus and feeder wires to the track, or would the single connection to the DCC controller be sufficient???

Thanks
Chris

Does anyone know if there are any sound only decoders OR decoders with sound that are currently on the market  that can be intalled in Bachmann's current RS-3 locomotives.  I am looking for a sound only decoder that will install with the factory decoder or a decoder with sound that will replace the factory decoder.  Really hoping for something that is "drop in"

thanks
Chris

I have a EZ Command DCC system (1 amp), in order to run more than one locomotive, I need to add a power booster, such as the 5 amp booster that bacchman sells, correct???

Can I add a second EZ command controller to this system to allow a second user simultaneous control to a second locomotive?

Chris

Does anybody know what a three truck shay locomotive can tolerate, in terms of a minimum track radius?

Thanks
Chris

I'm planning a 4x8 layout using flex track and the EZ command DCC.  Based on this forum I am going to solder most if not all of my rail joints.  How often do I need to attach feeder wires to my track bus on this size layout?  I found some pre-wired rail joiners with feeder wires at my local hobby shop---are these a good short cut to use?

Thanks for your ideas and suggestions in advance!
Chris

Never having laid any Flex trax, save for short straight pieces for displays, I was wondering what is the best method for cutting the rails---nippers, saw???  Are the jigs that hold sections together while soldering really useful???  What are the critical tools to have when laying flex track?

Any suggestions would be very appreciated.
Chris

I am planning a small layout (approx 4'x10') and I am thinking about using simple push rod operated switch controls.  I've seen them in Walthers, but know very little about them.  Can anyone make recommendations on brands, or some important do's and don'ts when it comes to switch controls?

Thanks
Chris

I just an ad in the Model Railroader magazine that features EZ-track that has been covered with a ballast gravel that looks much more realistic than the plastic roadbed.  What would be the best type of glue to attach ballast gravel to the plastic roadbed? 

Chris

Does anybody know what the little bag of brown-ish powder is for that is included with Spectrum Locomotives? 

CH

I have a DCC ready three truck shay that I want to install a decoder in, and Possibly add sound.  I've never done either.  Any tips?  Any recommendations on the best sound decoder to use? 

CH

Does anybody know the build dates on the currently produced 40' single dome tank cars in the Silver Series.  Models such as 17832, 17840, or 17828, (Texaco, Phillips 66, and GRAMPS)?  Trying to figure out what era they work for.

CH