As I touch base here every few days, I'm glad to see that you guys are getting into decoder and sound installs. As I mentioned in my post above, I hadn't picked up a soldering iron in 20 or so years, but thought what the heck, worst thing is I fry one decoder. Haven't yet, knock on wood.
  One thing I did was to invest in a new iron, a Weller station with adjustable temp. Paid about $45.00...best investment I've made in tools in a long time. Give it some thought.
  As far as sound, I've done a Mogul and a Connie and used SoundTraxx decoders and am well pleased. My Shay will get a SoundTraxx Micro Tsumami.. Just remember, decoders from any manufacturer will work with any DCC System, so check web sites for sound samples, and suppliers for prices.
  Most importantly, ENJOY!

Howard
If it ain't steam, it ain't!
 

  I gotta tell you guys that YOU ALL CAN put decoders, and even sound in the Mogul. There are sites that will walk you through it. One in particular, www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com by Harold Minkowitz is one of trhe best for upgrading BMann locos. He goes in depth on the Mogul
  The Porter is a little more challenging, but very doable. There are great articles in the 2006 On30 Annual from Carstens.
  Within a month of going 0n30nutz, all of my locos were DCC equiped, and I hadn't picked up a soldering iron in about 20 years.
  Do some online research,, and GO FOR IT...you will be suprised...

H
If it ain't steam, it ain't

Guys,

  Search Yhaoo Groups for On30 and you will find a Bachmann On30 group, On30 Conspiracy, and Finescale On30 with others.
  Harold of the Pacific Coast Air Line RR (see above) is very much continuing in On30....His work is outstanding. Navigate throught his website for lots of great info.

Howard

   Very nice!
   Now, if you can tell me how you got the photo posted, maybe I can get some up, too...

Regards,

Howard

  I, too, echo the above comments.
  The Bachmann Spectrum models are very well made and detailed. I own just about all, no, ALL of the steam motive power. Even the "base" model Mogul is a great runner, just not as detailed as the Connie, Shay, Climax, Forney, and American.
  As an avid O gauge collector, my only stumbling block is remembering these are meant to run, not collect. They are truly made for running, kit bashing, modifying, etc. I know, one of my Connies has undergone some detailing and paint changes, I've parted out one Mogul and rolling stock is always being "worked" on my bench.
  An added bonus (or curse, maybe), is many of the locos are DCC equiped, or at least DCC ready. Of course this has taken me down another path. Even my humble Porter is now DCC equipped, and decoders have been installed in the DCC ready locos.
  If you decide to jump into the On30 corner consider joining the various narrow gauge groups an Yahoo.
  A layout is also under construction with most of the benchwork completed...

Regards,

Howard

James,

  The 4-4-0 tender is ready for adding a sound system. It is relatively easy to do. Visit the Soundtraxx website for Tsunami full featured sound decoders. Just a matter of installing.

Howard

   The rear truck certainly is adrift...it is made that way to negotiate tight curves I presume...if you look at the exploded diagramyou will see how it is attatched to the deck/frame...

Happy Railroading

Howard

If it ain't steam, it ain't

   Squadron Green is my choice for filling larger gaps and seams, but for smaller seams, gaps, etc. I use gap filling ACC...it tends to flow nicely into gaps, self levels, and sands well. If at all possible, back up the area to be filled, and don't use thin ACC...it does flow everywhere!!!

Howard
If it ain't steam, it ain't

  I normally solder my connections, for all of the above reasons. In situations where things my need to be moved or redesigned in the future, I use Screw terminal connectors available at Radio Shack in different groupings. I always use spade connctors on the wire to these.

Howard
If it ain't steam, it ain't

   I've used static dusters, Swiffers, but for nooks and crannies, particularly on my trains, I've used Q-Tips, photographer's lens tissue wrapped around the handle end of a brush, and even microfiber cloth gently shoved into corners with the handle of a brush....Lots of work, but worth the effort...

   Lately, I've been puttin my favorites in display cases...much easier, duh...


Howard
If it ain't steam, it ain't...

   I've used a Zona fine tooth saw to cut pieces of EZ Track for display cases, and find it works quite well...I've had a few over the years and have used them on Atlas and Lionel track also. They are available at most hobby shops...I paid about 4 bucks for a new one about 4 months ago...

Howard

Harold,

I know I keep saying it, but once again...

Kudos for your gr8 work


Howard....

   I'm thinking about 25....

Howard

Fulton,

 Glad you're up and running....My railtruck balked a lot when new...I, too, polished contacts and also very lightly oiled where necessary. This was followed by a 1 hour break in run evenly split in forward and reverse, a light cleaning and an even lighter oiling....now it runs like a gem....


Happy Motoring,

Howard

Harold,

  As always, you remain a top notch modeler and inspiration to many of us...Don't ever stop!

Howard