I had a similar event happen with an FT. When I repaired mine I had to spend a bunch of fiddling with the trucks to get it to handle all my switches so I'd recommend doing a bunch of test running before you put the shell back on.

That reminds me I still need to do some repairs on mine as it's still suffering from electrical problems unrelated to the fall.

I'm not sure how old of a spectrum it is but the only version of the GN 400/Hustle Muscle I could find reference to was DCC Ready. It's not listed on the Bachmann products page (that I can find) so it's probably not the latest, hopefully it's new enough to be DCC Ready.

I'll keep that link handy jward, even if I don't need it for this locomotive it'll probably come in handy on a future project

Thanks for the information ACY!

I recently bought a Spectrum Diesel (GN 400 - SD45) and while waiting for it to be delivered I was starting to wonder what the difference was between Bachmann's Spectrum and standard line diesels.

Wow, looks amazing! You certainly do have a knack for this.

Sounds like you still have a good number of projects to work on in the future.

If you do get bored though I don't have any DM&IR steam and lack the finances or skills to fix that

Looking good. Now that you are almost done have you had any thoughts on your next project

Fiber optics may not be that extreme of a solution. The other day I was looking for some lighting options for an idea I had and found some ready to go fiber optic solutions. I don't recall them being expensive, when I get home I'll try to find more information for you.

Pictures finally, I've adjusted the track plan a little bit to fit my difco side dump cars in the compressed inglenook (instead of 3/3/5 for the sidings 2/2/3).

http://cid-811d1df10b2b3e61.photos.live.com/self.aspx/Switching%20Layout/IMG^_2399.jpg
http://cid-811d1df10b2b3e61.photos.live.com/self.aspx/Switching%20Layout/IMG^_2400.jpg

The mainline on the left in the first picture isn't actually accessible for now so it's primarily going to be storage for extra cars/scenery. Once I trim down the train table from 4x8 to fit the layout I'm thinking I'll add a removable track lead to tranfer cars on and off the "mainline".

I don't have any layout pictures left per-se, but while I was doing some track maintenance (I'm using left over track until I get to hand laying track I decided to take some small scraps of rail and try to make a bumper. It's not really based on any prototype, its basically just a offset tripod.

While it doesn't look as good as a model hayes bumper, it didn't cost me anything:
http://cid-811d1df10b2b3e61.photos.live.com/self.aspx/Switching%20Layout/IMG^_2395.jpg
http://cid-811d1df10b2b3e61.photos.live.com/self.aspx/Switching%20Layout/IMG^_2396.jpg

I've also started a blog that I intend to update more frequently with updates to the layout at http://bestsnowman.wordpress.com

I'm guessing its more efficient just to ship a container rather than the whole trailer http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=333913

Well I have to mention you since you are responsible When you started your Monks layout it go the idea of building a switching layout noodling around in my head which eventually got me started on this project.

I choose the inglenook (keep incorrectly referring to it as inglebrook) because it was small, was easily adjustible on dimensions, and could easily accomodate my large motive power (not to mention DM&IR SW9s are difficult to find models).

I'm getting close to getting some pictures with the track I have on hand (though it will over time be replaced with handlaid track), just need to trim it to the appropriate lengths and clear off the table.

I've got a track plan roughed out, I haven't adjusted it for clearances yet but you can get the general feel of it.

http://cid-811d1df10b2b3e61.photos.live.com/self.aspx/Switching%20Layout/ho%20inglebrook.png

The lead track (left side) is big enough to accomodate a SD38-2 (my biggest DM&IR motive) and three ore/taconite cars. The bottom right siding will hold 5, the two above it 3 each, and the siding will hold at least 5.

Across the top will be the "mainline" which will mostly just be part of the scene (but could become operational if/when I have the opportunity to expand, hence the switch). The square box (yard office) and the road (black line across both the main and the yard lead) are based on a small UP yard not far from where I live.

I was actually planning on using Fast Tracks jigs, I figured when I build a big layout building my own switches would save a bunch of money to hand lay.

I will definitely post pictures when I have some decent ones, right now its just some flex and switches on a 4x8 table with a mess of ripped up track.

My current intentions are to build it up as if it could be tied in to a larger layout in the future but if that never happens it is still an operational diorama. My choice came down to potentially ending up spending 5-10 years without any layout due to space and budget or do something small that I could operate and use to fine tune and test rolling stock and locomotives.

Plus I got hooked on the precision labels web version of the puzzle

Quote from: jonathan on September 23, 2010, 07:11:11 AM
Congratulations on your new son!

Thanks, he's doing really well (Jacob, 2 months) and his older brother (Luke, 4) is very proud of his little brother and can't wait till he's big enough to play. Between Luke and myself it shouldn't take him long to jump on the train bandwagon.