Casey... Loco Bill is calling this new variation Gen. 6,   The differences are metal drive gears and a new die-cast lead truck..per Yardmaster......later all.....S.B.

 Sitting here feeling a little stupid after that first post and thinking of train stuff.....it occurs to me that I may have seen a part or two that may be of help to you (for real this time).....if you don't mind a wood cab that is..... http://stores.ebay.com/Ohkwari-Sales/Large-Scale-/_i.html?_fsub=2659704017&_sid=652829177&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322 and going by Scott's rendering this may be of help as well....http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_69_148&products_id=585 ....also available in silver..... there are also a couple different choices listed under 55 ton shay in the order parts /large scale section of parts and service listed above.... Later All.....S.B.

 I have found, by accident, that the sand and steam domes on my 4-6-0's are little more than just set in the boiler. Use a  gentel twist of the wrist in a back and forth wiggle motion, along with some up pressure, they may show up loose. I say a wiggle motion because there are alignment tabs under the domes you may (or may not) want to retain for re assembly. Don't carry your loco or even move it across your bench by the domes, they like to come out with out warning. I got a little too into it once and not thinking...grabbed the steam dome to lift an engine to place a test track under it(small work area)just as the drivers were about to make contact with the track the dome pulled loose. I have seen dozens on eBay that were dropped by younger children, and the older ones as well.     Hope this is some help.....Later All.......S.B.

the instructions say to use 3-4 drops, no mention of max amount. A lot of info can be found in the parts and service area. parts break downs and instructions for many things. Here is a link to speed things up a little     http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/Big_Hauler_Instructions.pdf  these are for the set but the info for the locomotive and its smoke system is in there....Hope this helps...Later All.....S.B.

 Woodland Scenics is still producing dry transfer (rub on) decals in several sizes and colors including white...Later All.... S.B.

 currently over 60 listings for seated figures on eBayranging in scale from 1:22.5 to 1:32    http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=seated+&_sacat=19151&_odkw=seated+figures&_osacat=19151&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313  hope this is some help...S.B.

 Hobbie line inc has a few in 1/29      http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/ari/ari62006.htm    here is the link if you want it, I know the scale is off a bit but maybe their short clowns.     Hope this is some help....Later All.....S.B.

 Any pictures, video or links there too?    Hook us up tac....Later All......S.B.

  I know from reading posts on here for a couple years now that its possible with almost any decoder, but I don't know how exactly, however, from my own research I know that the QSI Quantum magnum,seems to be an easy install and they have directions for set up to run track or battery http://qsisolutions.com/pdf/magnum_wiring_aid.pdf this is a link right to QSI's page with said info on it. The magnum is a Quantum Aristo board with an adapter for non plug and play loco's the adapter is available separately as well if you already have a plug in unit.  Shouldn't take too long for some of the other guys to step in. I look forward to reading some of their answers as well. Hope this helps......Later All......S.B.

   Question 1- yes and yes

   Question 2- yes and any of the above

   In my opinion, this practice would be a great help as well as an incentive to those of us doing up their own personal or "faticy" Rail Road, as well as those who model one or two specific roads. Having to renumber a mess of cars to get multiple road numbers can be a pain at times.               Later All.......S.B.
     

    Kevin
          Looking back at what I wrote last night, I'm even a little confused.  I think I got a little carried away with the mind runnin. I think I Was thinking more along the lines of converting the Aristo(with its current body and Boiler) to a 3' narrow Gauge model as apposed to going from 1:29 to 1:20.3. Sorry for any confusion, sometimes get too many ideas running around in the head and been a little preoccupied with a plow project.   Hope this helps clear things up a little........Later All........S.B.

  Might be easier to to convert a Bachmann 2-6-6-2 to a 2-8-8-2......the body is at least close to the right scale....may need to lengthen the boiler a little.........I'm not sure ......but I think, for your Aristo convert, you'd need to narrow the driver spacing.....and your rail gauge....and install smaller drivers.......OR......scratch build a whole new boiler and cab.......OR........kit bash a new one out of Bachmann 2-6-6-2 parts..... In my opinion, it would be easier to fit the eight wheel driver motor blocks under the Bachmann unit.   I hope some one else gets in on this........and......I hope this helps........    Later All........    S.B.

 Get the drive shaft re attached to the u joints(ball joint w/ tips) Try putting a small zip tie around the arms of the u section of the drive shaft. Roll on the power easy, sounds like you may have a weak yoke (u joint) on the drive shaft.        Hope this is some help......Later All........S.B.

   Bob,
            Here is a link to some info that could be very helpful.  http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips5/pass_lighting_tips.html    You can also use 1/8-3/16 flat brass bar stock to make wheel wiper style pick ups......these tend to be a little noisy in my experience  http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_69_149&products_id=580  ....this will take you to Bachmann's battery powered light kit, and this will take you to a set of trucks w/ pickups on them  http://www.ebay.com/itm/BACHMANN-LGB-PASSENGER-POWER-PICKUP-CONVERSION-TRUCKS-/140601850456?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item20bc85fa58   things like this show up on eBay a lot.  Hope this helps.......later all.....S.B.

these are the only ones I can find on here.....http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=balloon+stack  Should I come up with anything else.....I'll pass it along......... tryin to help.....Later all...S.B.