Adam:
Unfortunately, Bachmann no longer makes the Metroliner, and chances are slim they still have the parts to repair it. Best to look around at various train shows and see if you can find one that runs and swap out the chassis.
Best of luck,
John Loesch

I feel that the 'bottom line' definition,and something we can all agree on as far as 'DCC ready' is concerned, is this, in simplest terms.

DCC Ready means that the manufacturer has made provisions for the motor to be isolated from the power pickups. Whether that method is an NMRA plug, a JST harness with a dummy plug, or solder points with indications of what circuit traces to cut, they all are viable means of seperating the motor from the power pickups. Bulbs and LED's are secondary thoughts and not the primary concern of the manufacturer--for the most part.

John Loesch

C&P:
Your method is absolutely fine. Many of us DCCers have used this method at one time or another. A common example is assigning an A and B unit the same number when operationally, it is unlikely they will be seperated.
John Loesch

Steve,
The headlight being dim is normal. Unfortunately, even after adding a decoder, it stays this dim. This is due, I believe, to the fact it is traveling through a light pipe to get to the lens. The tender lamp has all of a 1/16" long light pipe to go through before it hits the lens.

John  Loesch

Sehr gut, Herr Hoople. Es ist Deutsch.

And remember, as Tom Lehrer once said about them in a song ('The MLF Lullaby'), 'We taught them a lesson in 1918, and they've hardly bothered us since then....'