I have to speak for the groups I think I serve, my customers.

Frankly, I don't care what Stanley Ames does in this regard (also a BBT customer).  But I am concerned about the response/action a manufacturer does in response to nmra "requirements".

Consider a Newby coming into the hobby and discovering he can't just run a train like he did as a kid without grand electronic gadgetry increasing his purchase price. 

Or a long time large scale modeler who use track power (or R/C) and wants to add to his motive power.  If everything is produced "DCC-ready" or even more, then the price is going to go up.

Might this price increase preclude the entry of a new hobbyist into large scale?  I don't know, but if there is enough of this "ready for", it can't help but increase prices. 

What is the cost/retail price result of a 60 pin plug?  Including the labor costs?

Several have noted "we'll just rip it out".  Great and easy, but really we don't want it there in the first place.  Alternatively, make a DCC kit with the super plug(s) and instructions for those who want such an animal.

I receive quite a few 10th Anniversary locomotives, equipped with the "politically correct" LS/NMRA switch.  In my conversion, I gain a few feet of wire and a dpdt switch.  But everything is simpler, and only what is needed is there.

That's it for now.  This is my KISS method to solve this problem.  Let NMRA do what they wish, but exert our influence with our manufacturers who are the only ones who can mess up our world.

Barry - BBT

I second the motion/notion that no sound is better than having to pay for the wrong or inapplicable sound.  I too am an R/C devotee (see: Mafia member), any electronic hardware coming my way that I have to pay for will discount the attractiveness of the item I am wanting to purchase.

The R/C group is not as vocal as we should become.  It is not significantly noticed that we are an active group of some number who are not as avidly represented by the likes of the nmra folks who are promoting DCC.  This makes the nmra adversarial to us and not representative of the hobby, in our case.  If my feelings about nmra are negative, it is because they are promoting an aspect of the hobby which does me no good, in fact may effect my purse strings.   

Barry - BBT 

Bob,

It would seem that an easier method could be worked out for this maddening method.  Wish I could help further, but my focus is elsewhere.

Barry - BBT

LHM,

It sounds like the small gear box gear, where the two axles come together on a square peg.  A similar set up on the front axle.  Bachmann should have that gear, but check to see if the ends of the axles are still usable with a new gear, if the square ends are messed up, they won't fit in the gear when you get it.

Worst case, I would buy it, but you may not like my price.  I am working on a replacement drive for the Porters (all of them).

Barry - BBT

Bob,

I can help with the headlamps, I've done a few lately, perhaps someone else can help with the overhead lights.

Behind the front facia, you can see a housing which hides the wires from the head lamp.  Pry the housing away from the facia.  You will be able to see the wires and see that they go down through the floor.  Turn the trolley over, you can see the conduit cast into the bottom of the floor.  The top of the conduit can be pried up exposing the wires, usually white and yellow, or green and yellow.  Cut the wires to the head lamp in two different places, so the solder joints you will be doing are in no proximity of each other. 

Go back to the headlamp, try to force the headlamp forward to push the lens out and the reflector will follow.  When this is done the wires can be cut and the bulb and it's leads replaced.  After the new leads are soldered into place (very little excess wire), press the wires into the conduit all the way to the buld housing,  Once everything is snug, replace the conduit covers with a little glue and put everything back in place.

Don't worry about the diodes, they are nearer the contact strips in the center of the bottom of the trolley.

I suspect once the trolley roof is removed, it has two pressure contacts one at each end of the car, the means of replacing the bulb should be fairly evident.

Barry - BBT

LHM,

If you are asking for the gear from the small gearbox, the axle gear or the cluster gear.  If your porter doesnt have the small gearbox, do you mean the cluster gear (spur and worm) or the axle gear? 

If Bachmann can't help, ;et me know.

Barry - BBT

Also recognize that the Connie was a Baldwin Export locomotive.  This same superstructure was available in many gauges from 24" to 42".  Few remained or returned to the US.  So, the prototype as Steve points out, was in fact the prototype by default, the original was Cuban and after overhaul exploded killing the fireman......no more prototype.

Barry - BBT

Well, I wasn't going to respond, but saw so many Wisconsinites.

Born in Racine, Wisc., 17 schools all over the country before High School.
Army in Germany, married in WI, Dodge City, Kansas;  Chicago, Il, Fridley, Minn: Dallas Tx for 20 years, Las Vegas, NV, 10 years, Phoenix AZ for three years.  Married and widowed twice.  35 years designing computer systems and conversion from manual to computer mainframes.

Created Barry's Big Trains specializing in repowering Bachmann Big Haulers, both as 4-6-0 and 2-8-0s.  Have also done trolley conversions, many customs, Porters and soon to repower and regear the Bachmann Connie.  Started in a Hobby shop in Carrollton, TX. in 1992.

Had Lionel as a boy, HO, and N, fell in love with large scale Christmas of '88.  Still going strong, really trying to catch up.

And I know Terry Schellenberger, Hi Terry.

Barry - BBT

New Meat,

First of all, we all want to help.  And we can more specifically if you tell us more about what you want to do and what you've got. 

I work in Large Scale, I haven't seen a traction tire since the Bachmann Battery powered Big Hauler and it had plastic wheels.  Other than that
I guess going to you local hobby shop is a good suggestion.

BUT, if you had asked your question in the scale/gauge heading you are seeking help in a lot more help could be given to you.  So I guess what I am saying is help us; help you. 

NM, not a rant just a little unrequested help.

Barry - BBT