Those 3 inch long 60 pin headers are wonderful unless I have a new device that needs pins 2, 21, and 50, what do I do then (remember the computer manufactrer knows what to expect.) and what if someone else has already claimed pin 21 for their own use?

Let's look at an industry that thrives on standard sockets, the computer industry.

The wide spread interchangability of components is a result of standardized sockets: USB, ATA, Video, Firewire, Ethernet, PCMCIA, memory, etc.

The interesting aspect of this standardization is that it is not a single socket.

Your laptop does not have a super socket, it has many sockets, one or more for each necessary interface.

If we have a controller card plugged into this super socket the socket is occupied, how do we plug in a sound card? If we have a sound card plugged into the super socket, how do we plug in a speaker? (remember, the socket is already occupied.)

Interesting problem. Inovation should solve problems, not introduce them.

Materials? Plastic, die cast, pastry dough?

A Spectrum C&S #9 would have the advantage of all of that great detailing that Spectrum locos have. I die every time I see an LBG C&S mogul on ebay going for $500 or more, come on Bachmann!

Unless it is a curved tunnel.

The key here is the difference between "outdoor use" and "leaving them outdoors."

Many hundreds of G scale owners "use" their Bachmann equipment outdoors. My bet is that very few if any "leave" their equipment outdoors. On the other hand, almost all who use their equipment oudoors leave their track outdoors. Concensus seems to be that it is not wise to leave Bachmann track outdoors (there are other brands of track which people do leave outdoors for years while they are taking their equipment indoors between use.)

Charley

Congratulations Julian.

Yes there are angels amongst us, though at times they are lost in a background of bickering sniping whining and complaining.

The best way to compensate your angel (and I have no idea whatsoever who it might be) is to turn around and be someone else's angel. Doesn't have to cost money but if everyone did it and passed it on this would be a far better world.

A question that I have is:

We have all seen "Bachmann can't talk about it."

The question I have yet seen answered is "When the heck will they be able to talk about it?"

Anyone with an answer to that one?

While you're up Sir? (Didn't see your officer stripes.)

One could even cast doubles to fill a seat with a single casting of two folks.

Great suggestion. (Yours, not mine )

What is the Connie equivalent to, C-16, C-21, some other classification?

Thanks

Charley

There is one on e-bay right now, apparently brand new and from a reputable seller..

Thanks TOC and John, great shots John, everyone  -  go look at John's photos!

Nobody seems to have pictures of the Spectrum Hoppers. I want to purchase one but ideally need to see pictures (no LHS to help here.)

Can anyone post or link to pictures of the four different paint/lettering jobs?

Thanks Tim, that helps a lot!