that's a bit of a cynical comment....but it doesn't really answer the question.
  Thanks just the same.
bob

i am sure this has been covered MANY times before...but one more time wouldn't hurt i guess.

  i sent my 2-6-6-0 mallet to Bachmann service 1/5/09.
Of course i would have like to have had it back the day before i sent it out...but that is not the way of the world.  But i did call today, to get an idea of how much longer it would take, and was told that it will still be "quite a while." Since it was not logged in yet, it was still in the receiving room.  Just wondering if anyone might have experience "quite a while" and give me an idea of how long it might be.

Thanks for the help.
bob

Thanks Joe; the engine can end up with two wheels on the same side of the engine on the plastic of the frog, so when crawling along, it can hesitate under even good condtions.  when dirt is involved things sputter along.  The hint to check online for panel meters, was great.  Got me what i needs. Thanks.
bob

Thanks you Bill.  i will give them a try.
bob

Hi,
  (1) i have a voltmeter (20 volts) and ammeter (5 amps) permanantly wired into the layout.  They are many years old and from a company called NJ International...or something like that.  i tried to look the company up online and found them.  It seems, however, they no longer make the meters.  i would like to get something like them.  Does anyone have an idea of where something like them could be obtained.

(2)  My 0-4-0 has a bit of trouble traveling thru LGB's plastic frogs and so i have made a trailing "pick-up" car to help it receive current when the engine crosses the frog.   i would like to be able to disconnect the trailing car at times, can someone suggest a source of very small male/female connector kind of thing that i might use.  i have looked this up on Radioshack's cite and did was not successful and identifing anything i could use.

Thanks for the help.
   bob

just sent an engine back for repair...is that part of the plant down as well?   Thanks.
b

As much as i was enjoying my mallett, i sent it back.  Unfortunately a couple of the brake hangers started to fall off.  Found them in the road bed.  i did not want to do the researh to see what does or did not keep them attached, so the engine was sent back.   Tis a nice engine...but this IS  disappointing.

how about Davie Davenport, Cole Porter, and Carl O'Shay...climax, i had best leave alone.   

Sounds good Jon, thanks for your insight.
bob

Any suggestions on how to flip (where to grab a hold) the engine for lub, etc...so that the truck don't flop and damages themselves or other parts of the engine.   i just feel a bit awkward and wonder if someone has it down pat.  Thanks.

i'm in the same boat...oh, i mean train as those that must delete cookies...to either sign out or post a reply.
  bob

Thanks for the help.  It is appreciated.
bob

Thanks for the replies gentlemen.  But one seems to be in contradict the other.  Knowing nothing of electronics, i need something a bit more definitive.  Sierra has not yet replied to my e-mail; but if they do i will post what information they give me.
  Again, thanks.
bob

Thanks for the suggestion.   i gave it a try a couple of days ago.  So far no reply from Sierra.   i will let you know if i do get a response.
  bob

According to the Bachmann reference:  "When used for DC operation, the track voltage at slow speeds is insufficient to power the sound board.  For best effeccts in slow speed DC operation , a 9 volt battery backup should be added to the Sierra Sound board as per their instructions."  Obviously i know little  by asking this question...but here goes:  i thought th battery from Sierra was 6 volts.  Where do we get the compatable 9 volt battery?  i have only installed one Sierra unit and that was a very long time ago.   So please, excuse the ignorance.
   Thanks for the help.
bob