Okay, guys.  Thanks for all the suggestions and recommendations.  It looks like it will be the Tsunami.  Am not sure if I will attempt the conversion myself, but that is what I will choose from a 'modifier'.

Jesse

Thanks, Kevin.  I'll look into Tony's service.  In the Air Force I was always told that a good supervisor was one who would always get someone to do something for him, so he would not have to do it himself. I did consider myself a pretty good supervisor. 

Thanks for the input Tom.  I'm new at this hobby and am not too familiar with all the different DCC decoders available.  I will be using the EZ Command Controller, and I am not too concerned about the sound as I am with the actual running of the engine,   Forward, Reverse, etcs.  The engine and cars are equipped with lights so I know that I will be using F10 for that function.

Jesse

Mr. Bach Man.  I have a question....maybe two.  I have a Bachmann engine that is a part of the John Wayne Express collection by Hawthorne.  It did not come with any documentation so I don't know if it is DCC ready or not. Is there a way to determine this?  Also, if not, how do I install a DCC receiver? Figured I had better post a picture so you will have an idea of which engine I am talking about.  Also, can you recommend a decoder if needed?  Jesse

I was thinking perhaps a Condo.  i doubt if an apartment management would allow that....unless the apartment owner residers there.
Jesse

Thanks, Lanny.  Those are some good points to remember when I get my layout finished.  Right now my plans are for a fairly simple one based on the San Bernardino Station and yard.

Jesse

100% Correct Gene.  I guess the only thing they didn't throw off the train were the milk cans.

Jesse

After looking over some of the layouts and scenery....I noticed something is missing.  Back when I was a kid in the 20s and 30s, my grandmother ran a large boarding house in Tulsa.  Most of her boarders were railroad men who worked for Frisco.  We had Firemen, Brakemen, Engineers and Conductors.  One of our boarders was an engineer from Rolla, Missouri named Carl Bradford.  Brad for short.  When school was out during the summer, I would ride with Brad up in the cab of his engine.  I was in hog heaven.  Brad handled mostly freights but once in awhile he would fill in on a passenger run.  In those days, most of the U.S. Mail went by train, and all of the consists had a U.S. Post Office Car.  One of our next door neighbors, Jerry Barton worked for the post office in the mail cars. At home, he had a large box built into his wall of one room and it was nothing  but pigeon holes.  He would practice sorting 'mail' into those things for hours.  He told me it was to build up his speed because the mail had to be ready for drop off at the towns they went thru.  The thing that I notice missing was the pole and arm that was mounted just off the station platform that held the mail sacks.  On some runs, the train did not stop at the town so all the mail was snatched by a arm and hook as the train went thru.  I just wondered if anyone had seen scale models of these things or if they are even available.  BTW, I'm still just an 84 year old kid at heart

Jesse

Body mounts may do the job....I have several very long cars and Walthers recommend 24" radius.

Jesse

Brian, Ebay has a lot of good bargains on HO gauge stuff.  I have gotten all of my engines and rolling stock from them.  As for hobby shops,  There are quite a few that you can order directly from....Bachmann is one, and another is Walthers.  I can't give you any info on customs for offshore purchases, but I don't think it will be too much of a problem.  Hope to meet you the next time we are in Willemstad....I was absolutely amazed at that swinging bridge.  We went across to the main part of town on the ferry because the bridge was open for boat traffic, but when it closed, we walked back.

Jesse

Thanks, I have a new Walthers catalog on order.  I'll look into Kadee conversion and see what they recommend.

Jesse

I bought five Budd Passenger Cars for the Santa Fe Chief on EBay.  All the cars were made by Model Power.  They all have horn and hook couplers. I would like to know if anyone has had any experience with these cars and what Kadee knuckle coupler was used to replace the old H&H?

Jesse

Where I live here at Lake Sam Rayburn, I would not see much of a problem, but I just wonder how many battles he had to fight with the neighbors, and the zoning commission...food for thought.

Jesse

 If I were a betting man, I'd say the fellow that owns this house is a retired railroad man.....or maybe works for Bachmann

Jesse

Thank you, kind sir.  I don't know where I got the idea it was a Forney.  I would not know which engine is which.  I am still in the learning phase. All I really know is....it ain't Big Boy.

Jesse