The 2-10-2 (USRA Light, 57" drivers) should be a lot slower than say a 4-8-2 (69") drivers.  A 2-10-2 also likes larger radius curves than locomotives with fewer drivers.

The dual flywheels thing is a bunch of marketing BS with no basis in engineering.  The flywheel(s) add rotating inertia to the system; which can be done with one or more flywheels, or flywheel like features. 

The Roco made Atlas diesels (GP40, GP38, SD24, SD35, FP7) and Roco made Model Power diesels (E7, E9, Shark, FA) from the 1980's all had single flywheels.  The E7/9 model had huge can motors with a single very large diameter flywheel with its own bearings.  These models all run extremely well, though a bit on the noisy side.

Realistically; for custom work you will pay at least $100- per hour, that is to cover the person living, the cost of thier tools, rent, taxes and other expenses.

Quote from: Edo on June 04, 2010, 10:56:50 PM
between 30 and 45 MPH.

On models, super elevation is not needed, and often can cause derailments.

22" radius in HO, represents extremely tight curve. which would have a speed restriction of less than 5 mph.

When passenger traffic declined in the '50's and '60's, many railroads removed super elevation on curves because it is a hindrance to lower speed freight operations.

Hi All;

I am looking for a junker PRR K4 shell for a project - just the firebox, cab and boiler - no other parts.  I could get a complete model off eBay, but I don't need a whole model

Thank you
Nigel

metal wheels - cleanliness of track.

I have not noticed any difference in metal vs plastic axles - BUT the axle length must match the length the truck was designed for.

Needle point axles (in the appropriate trucks) roll better than any other choice, except maybe the InterMountain ball bearing wheels.

Normally, Romex is supported every 16" to 24"......your experience shows why.

Quote from: ABC on May 09, 2010, 12:09:50 AM
All Bachmann 4-6-0s come standard with either a Bachmann 1 amp decoder or a Tsunami sound decoder which would be noted.

The above should read: all CURRENT....

According to Walthers':
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/160-82302

The model 82302 is an earlier model that is DCC ready - meaning that it can accept a decoder, but does not have one installed.

You need to install a decoder in the tender.

Most of us just get out the drills, knifes and styrene, cut a hole, and fabricate something that will hold a Kadee coupler box in the hole.

As long as you keep those small wire short, say 20" of less to you buss wire; and you have them every three feet; you'll have no problems, even with 5A.

Good project. 

There are literally hundreds of variations of chopped nose GPs - all different.  No sane manufacturer is going to offer a chopped nose GP.  Most prototypes did the conversion in thier own shops, using thier own design.  Some purchased kits from EMD and other suppliers.  Some look like the low nose GP9/18/20/SD18/24; others like the 35-line; some like Dash2; and many were just cut.

Just follow the instructions.

In prep, before it arrives, make sure you have feeders to your track every 3 to 6 feet, and that your bus wiring is large enough - 14 guage is sufficient for most layouts.

Probably not; BLI recently had another release of thiers.

it should look like it is freshly out of the wash.

That, and most (all?) MDC steam locomotives are geared very low.