Thanks for the info on the Berk. I appreciate the replies, and am assuming the "right" side of the tender IS the engineer's side. Thanks guys.   Gerry S.

Two questions. Has anyone removed the cab from the HO Berkshire? I want to replace it with a vestibule type cab (modifying a NP style for the DT&I #700). If so, what's the trick? Secondly, this loco is DCC Onboard, do insulated wheelsets on the tender all belong on the same side of the trucks? I removed them to lubricate (had a squeaky wheel), but after re-assembly, the loco shorts my command station (using Lenz system). Thanks in advance for advice on these issues.   Gerry S. 

Thanks for the info. It was one of those "I could be wrong but I think I'm right" things. I'm still having an issue getting the loco to run, but at least it's getting power now. I think there's a problem with the contact on the tender front truck, so it's keep at it until it runs. Thanks again. Gerry S.

I think I just saw the solution to my problem, but want to double check. I have a Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2 heavy mouintain locomotive that is DC and I can't get to run. I removed the wheelsets on the tender to ream the bolsters and lubricate the axle ends. When I re-assembled the wheelsets, I made sure that all insulated ones were on the same side (opposite side from the loco wheel wipers). I saw on another thread that perhaps I should have the insulated wheels on opposite sides from one another. Is that so? Thanks for any info that will solve my problem. Gerry S.

Hello all, I'm looking for some advice on an NCE decoder installation. I have an HO Bachmann GP38-2 that is "DCC ready". I am impressed with the detailing and paint on the locomotive (CN livery), but not so impressed with the running characteristics. The engine is jerky at low speeds and the motor hums and buzzes at any speed. Soooo, I purchased an NCE "Bach-DSL V3.5 replacement decoder that is supposed to improve running and noise issues. The instructions said to remove the three capacitors on the motor (which I did) and solder the supplied LED front and rear lights to the new board (also did). I then soldered the truck and motor wire to the new board, then tried running it on the layout (after first powering it up on the programming track, also per NCE directions). However, upon placing the engine on the layout, there was a brief "bzzzt" and my command station (I'm using a Lenz system with an LH100 to program and an LH90 to operate with) shut down and indicated a short . I then tried putting "black tape" between the motor and the chassis to make sure it was insulated, but same result, a short. Has anyone else done this replacement and am I missing something? Thanks in advance for any advice.     Gerry S.

Hi all
     I have a new Bachmann GP38 in CN livery with DCC on board. It's making some weird noises and doesn't move very smoothly when using my Lenz DCC system. I can't tell if it's the drive train or the motor that's growling. My question is this, are the side frames and gear covers on the trucks all one piece? I'm trying to check to see if there are burrs on the gear sets and make sure they're lubed. I've looked at the exploded view on this site but can't tell if the truck and side frames are one piece or two. Thought I'd ask a question before I screw anything up . Also, any one have any experience with the NCE replacement decoder for this locomotive?
Thanks in advance    Gerry S.