I was so worried about destroying the wire connections on my K-27 that I designed and built a carrying case that allowed me to keep the engine and tender joined all the time.  I cut grooves in the underside of the case so it fits onto a couple of feet of straight track, and I push the engine down a short ramp (double-grooved top and bottom) right onto the track.  The upper part of the case splits open like a clamshell, so I can put the whole thing on the dining room table and open it up in order to worship it.

I got my #505 last week, and it's a beautiful model.  Again, well done Bachmann.  The only problem I had was that one of the couplers got damaged in shipping.  The little wire loop which the uncoupling rod goes through was missing, so I pulled one off of one of the extra couplers supplied with the caboose and glued it onto the "normal" coupler.  Problem solved.

OK, now how about some stock cars?  (Numbered for the two sitting at Dulce right now, of course)

I run my K27 using track power, and have gotten the itch to put in sound.  Don't have time/patience/skill for a complicated install, just want decent sound that I can drop in the tender.  Anyone got some good advice?  Also, I'd really like a whistle but got no idea how that fits in with the stated constraints.  Thanks in advance.

Thanks all for productive responses.  I need to build myself a carrier/display unit.

Just spent the weekend playing with my K27.  An astounding model...my favorite RR purchase in close to 50 years of model railroading.  Muchas gracias, Bachmann.  Got a couple of questions though for the experts.

1. I find it hard to unplug the two sockets.  Lots of force means short life for electrical continuity.  Anybody got a tip on an easy way?  Or am I just pushing them together too hard?
2. Best way to lift the engine to set on tracks?  I've been holding it at the pilot and under the cab roof so as not to bust any detail under the frame, but this doesn't seem solid enough.

Thanks.

david