Gene- I've heard that your club might have an open house this weekend. Any truth? If so, we might stop off on the way to or from the show in Newport News... Anxiously awaiting word- Mike S.

Catrus- It sounds like you have one of the older "pancake motor" J's that originally came out in the early to mid 80's. If the smoke unit works and you decide that you want to use it, it usually requires 3-4 drops of smoke oil down the stack. You will have to run it fairly fast to get enough voltage to cause the oil to vaporize aka "smoke". The residue left on the track, layout, etc. is a non-conductive mess, to say the least. These early units had some problems with quartering... the wheels would sometimes come loose from the axles and cause lockup. If you have any problems, since they have a lifetime warranty, you can always send it to Bachmann with a check (I don't remember if it is $15, $20, or $25 for HO...any help here, guys?). I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results!! FYI- The new engines do not have smoke units. Enjoy your trains- Mike

Sheldon- Copies arived today. I'm working on understanding what I'm looking at. You've obviously put a lot of thought and work into it! Our local group is building a layout with the two options of DCC and radio control... using older Aristo throttles. I'll show them this and we'll try to "noodle" it out. Thanks again for sharing.- Mike

I don't know about the rest of you, but when it comes to HO E-Z track, I'd yield to the master, Terry Toenges. What Terry has managed to assemble leaves no doubt that he knows much about that of which he speaks! Terry, thanks for your often shared designs!- Mike S.

Thanks, Sheldon- Appreciate the update. I'm anticipating...- Mike S.

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Mike- If you are going from the outer loop to the inner loop with direction changes, it sounds like you are including a reversing loop. Be sure to insulate the reversing crossover section so that you can reverse the polarity of the "next" loop. If not, you will produce a direct short. More info available by googling "reversing loop" or checking books on model railroad wiring. Enjoy the trains!- Mike S.

Dooug- The oil on the undercarriage could well be the problem. A unit left in storage too long coould have the lubrication "drain" out of it (especially in a warm area). The re-lubrication would be to replace that which you have found on the undercarriage. A SMALL amount of plastic compatible lube on each end of the motor shaft and any other bearing areas might be appropriate.- Mike S.

Lanny- A quick eBay search for "Athearn calf" yielded three or four cow/calf sets for good prices.- Mike S.

Bill- Great video! Thanks for sharing. Some day it may snow again in central Virginia (like it used to years ago), and we'll be able to try the same. Merry Christmas to you and yours- Mike S.

Sheldon-
You sound like you have most of the plan figured. When you get a chance, it sure would be nice to get a summary... maybe even a schematic and/or photo or two of the total concept. I anxiously await each new post on the subject! Thanks for sharing.- Mike S.

Loco Bill- You've got to get that video posted! ...sounds like lots of good action- Mike S.

Turn the turnout over and you will see a score mark. Using a pair of pliers, break the plastic off along the score, and all will fit properly. Happy railroading!- Mike S.

I, too, have had mostly very good luck with e-Bay. Most honest dealers will bend over backward to make things right with you. Just remember to include the cost of insurance in your calculations. It isn't the seller's fault if something gets broken in transit. And those feedback ratings can be helpful... especially if they are on a high number of sales and/or purchases.- Mike S.

My personal recommendation for a train set for the six year old would be a Bachmann G gauge. When I ran a train store in a local mall, we had a play area for wooden Thomas and Brio trains. Nearby the play area, we had a Christmas tree set up with a Bachmann G gauge train set running around it. I was amazed at how rugged the set was. Several times I looked over and saw a toddler trying to sit on the engine! While it knocked the train off track, the only damage done was to cars whose trucks were broken by the weight of the toddlers... but the engines made it through. (I am specifically referring to the little tank engine.)

Actually, the best recommendation I'd make is to buy two sets. The price point (on the street) is so much better with Bachmann that you can buy two for about what one LGB costs. And the lifetime guarantee and great service policy leaves you with an operating engine, even if the other is off getting repaired. And if the train breaks from real abuse, the replacement cost is much more reasonable with Bachmann. Also, as far as the cars go, there is very little difference in the cars form LGB ad Bachmann, except that the LGB ones are much more expensive.

While I don't expect to see my earliest Bachmann products (70's and 80's) get passed down to generations, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see my grandkids (maybe someday!!) playing with most any of my current stuff.

- Mike S.