I can only speak on the 0-4-0's. They are great little runners

Bill,
Thanks for the info! You are a huge wealth of info that benefits users of this board 

Bill,
Thanks for the list, I was curious about the years on a couple of my sets. I do however have a question, you have the Royal Blue set as coming out in '89, did they release a later revised issue as well. The reason I ask, is that when I bought my Chatanooga when that one came out, the Royal Blue was out at the same time in the garden center I bought it at. They always have multiple sets, and the undersides are (I think) the same. I know it's not an RC version.

Well, you did say if anyone found anything 

Drop Stan a line and see if he can help you out

http://gold.mylargescale.com/StanCedarleaf/WebPageDecals/CustomDecalsx.html

He does GREAT work

Karl,
Thanks again for having us over to run on the Karlin, we had a "howling" good time!

   

Hi Ryan,
If it were me, I would not use Birch plywood, you are paying for cabinet grade, and it's no stronger than AC or CD plywood. From past experiences, don't skimp on the framework. A couple months ago I had to go over to my dads house and help with a table that was built when I was a kid. I had to climb on it to get to the back, needless to say I've put on quite a bit of weight in 30years and broke the table.
I also like homasote as a table top, it's easy to attach to, and it's MUCH quieter when the trains are running.

Happy Halloween from the Haunted Valley RR!

JD,
NICE weathering job!

Stan does great work!

http://gold.mylargescale.com/StanCedarleaf/WebPageDecals/CustomDecalsx.html

Tim,
They have been out of production for quite some time. However, you can still find the track on Ebay, most likely the remote as well, it's just hit or miss.
Just as a suggestion, pick up one of the Bachmann starter sets. These come with the newest version of the drive train, the track, several cars, and the power pack. Just remember, if you ever plan on taking your trains outdoors, the Bachmann track is ONLY for indoor use, it WILL rust!

I do agree that things change, and we move forward. However, take the Amish, they still to this day travel with horse and buggy, and live the same lifestyle as their parents and grandparents.
However, restoring and keeping history alive is important. That's why folks restore clasic cars. It's a part of history that can be driven, heard, and rode in. I've restored several antique tractors, and although I do it because I enjoy the process, to see peoples face when they see it running in a parade, or even plowing a garden is very satisfying.
I also donate money to support several local RR's, and belong to the RR museum of PA.
If this whole issue was indeed about money, I'm sure folks would have stepped up and made donations to keep the steam alive.
The Grand Canyon RR is a scenic excursion, and one of just a handful of places to ride behind a working steam engine. It is a true loss to deny folks the chance to experience a ride in a beautiful area behind a living piece of history. I'm very thankful that I live within driving distance of several steam RR's. I visit them often, and enjoy it each and every time!

Thanks!

Thanks!

I was hoping it was a fairly simple swap. I know I'm on borrowed time with this one, but I've got so much detail in this one, I don't want to do it twice 

Thanks alot for the help

JD,
Thanks for the video!

Stan's decals are top notch! I use his for all of my work.  You can't go wrong with him.