Thanks for the link - a lot of great info there.
Looks like that will be on my weekend list of reading.

 

I'd like to wish my forum friends a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year . . . I'd like to, but I can't. So, in today's vernacular, I'll just say - - -

Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your particular choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion, as well as those who choose not to practice any religion at all.

Additionally, a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2012, but not without the due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures, whose contributions have helped make our society great, without regard to race, creed, color, religion or sexual orientation.

(Disclaimer: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes or himself or others, and no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit)

Hope everyone is recovering nicely.
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.

I still prefer the "paper" kind of magazines.  They're more versatile and fun to read.

LOL -
Seems like the perfect avatar for me - "I know nuthin'."

Wow - thanks for the responses.  Never expected that much help.
Makes this beginner feel like I really lucked out when I found this forum.

Thanks Mr. B Mann - I'll contact service.

. . .   and me

Thanks guys -
I never would have found that link, Hunt, great help.

Thanks, Richg -

I did look through everything I could find before posting.  

There is a parts diagram, but no manual for what things are, how to take them apart/replace, or other info.  Or answers to my other questions.

I know I sound "uninformed" but that's because I am.

 
I have purchased a new Spectrum Southern 440, item No: 80128 with DCC Sound etc.

A sticker on the box insert says, "Lift bottom insert sheet for additional product information." Well, I've lifted "everything" and there is no printed info in this box.

I was wondering what the extra wheels were for, and saw on another post that they are spares. Do these wear out a lot???  Also, the bag of extra parts (domes, etc) are interesting, but without any kind of manual, how do you use them.  The tender came with a coal load but no oil tank or wood load was included in the box.  Aren't they supposed to be included?  There is also a bag of black powder that looks like graphite.  What is that for?

Is a manual available for this (even on line?)  I was told I'd need "codes" to set up the DCC when I first use the locomotive, and I have no idea which code is which.

This is probably "old hat" for you guys, but for a newbie - I'm lost.

And that was all that was included.  There are other compartments in the box that were empty.  Is this just a generic mold or am I missing anything else?

FYI - it was purchased from a large dealer.  When I contacted them, they couldn't answer these questions.  They did offer the option for me to return it, however, I'd rather not, this is exactly what I wanted.

Thanks -