I don't recall any issues running both Tyco and Bachmann couplers. I'm going to do just that a little later, and try to remember to get back to you.

No need for DCC. Plenty of good DC power packs around, and cheap.

I'd scout around for a running donor trolley. You might be able to just swap the whole chassis, but keep the old one for parts. It is possible to repair them, although a lot of people on message boards will tell you it's not worth it. To me, keeping old stuff running is just fun, and worth it.

You don't need DCC to have fun with trains.

Screen shot of the video on my buddy's layout



Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku1lcOpM5Ew

Quote from: sort187 on November 15, 2020, 04:04:47 AM
Good morning. I inherited from my grandfather a couple of  Norfolk and Western Class J locomotives that came in the yellow collectors edition boxes. I believe they were manufactured in the early 80's. I put them on my test track, only to have the light come on, but no movement. I don't really want to chance opening them up, as I am mechanically uninclined when it comes to steam locomotives. My question is would it be worth sending them into Bachmann to possibly get a diagnosis and repair, or are they just too old and obsolete? I'd like to see them running for my grandfather's sake, but if not, they'd be wall displays. Thanks in advance.

Good evening Mr. Sort187, c'mon over to TD; I have your registration approved. We'll help you get it running, one way or another.

TK Dave AKA RDC1