Thanks, gentlemen.

There was no DVD in the package, so I guess I need to contact Bachmann.  Still, the youtube video was helpful IF the Indy has the lube port near the gears.  Everything else is pretty standard, but that was the main question I had about lubing:  the gears.

If so, how?  What gets lubed with what lube?

Thanks!

Thanks, gentlemen!  It is a shame:  I very much like the looks of this version better than the new one.  I don't want to risk that kind of $$$ on one with such a pedigree without a thorough health history.

I'm looking at a 2-4-2 on eBay.  It has a tnder; it's lettered for the WP & Y and numbered "9."  Olive w/ red cab roof.  From the description:  "DUSTY AND WHEELS NEED CLEANED TO RUN BETTER- BEEN ON SHELF LONG   TIME"  Appears to be intact.  BiN Prince $148.30.

I have no experience with this engine type.  Is it a reliable type or prone to failure?  Any problems to be aware of?

Thansk for any input.

My son has a Rock Island box car (rd #133274) that needs a pair of replacement trucks.  I can't find any on the web site.  Does Bachmann sell replacement trucks?

Thanks

Thanks for the info, guys!  We'll see how it works out, but I am reluctant to get her an engine that she will disappointed with:  that won't buy me any goodwill!

My wife says that she likes the look of this engine; we have a chance to pick one up second-hand.  If it makes her happy and she therefore allows me to spend a little more, well . . . .

But will it make her happy?  What kind of runner is it?  Anything I need to be wary of?

Thanks!

I'm very much enjoying the discussion because it sheds light on compatability.

To clarify my own position:  I am wanting to stick with 1:20.3 becasue I have neither the room nor the money to go into it in a big way.  Deciding on 1:20.3 in that case seems self-defeating, but here is my reasoning:  if I have room and funds only for a small roster, I have to limit my purchases, and I might as well make the most of the room and money I have.  I might be able to afford long trains of Big Hauler boxcars, but I have no room for them.  I can only afford a few of the bigger ones, so I am not tempted to outspend my storage.

A little convoluted, I know, but we'll see how it works.

I think I have a handle on most of the rolling stock and some the locos, now.  I look forward to seeing any additional wisdom folks can share.

Thanks again!

Thanks for setting me straight on the Big hauler items, Loco Bill.

I am fairly new to large scale and am trying to get a handle on how Bachmann products scale out.  Is it correct to assume that Big Hauler items are 1:24 or so and that Spectrum items are 1:20.3?  If not, does a list exist that provides the scale for all Bachmann LS products?  The product listings in the online catalog are incomplete in this regard.

Thanks for any help!