This weekend will add some weight and possibly apply Bullfrog Snot, trying to pull more cars. Also I should add it will make the 2% grade with 6 cars if I take a run at it. But stopped on the grade it just spins. Really appreciate all the great ideas and advice. Thanks, Bo.

I have a Bachmann 2-6-0 Alco a fine running engine. I also realize it's a small and light steam loco. I have 1% and 2% grades everywhere on my layout. I can pull 4 cars (40 ft. boxcars all smooth and free rollers) with this loco, any more than 4 and on a grade the engine doesn't move, just spins. I'm not trying to be unrealistic that it could pull 15 cars but would like to pull 6 or 7 cars with this engine. It doesn't appear there's much room to add weight to the engine. Is there any kind of traction that can be added to the wheels that work, or would it just gum up the wheels with little or no improvement? Haven't added weight to the tender, think that would help? Just trying to pull a couple more cars. Open to ideas. Thanks, Bo.

I added 1/4 oz. of weight to 4 different places on the pilot wheels, the Loco would made the curve sometimes but still come off the track at a higher speed. A curved piece was the first track off the pier and the front pilot wheels are the ones that slide in a curved slot with a spring in the center post. So I had enough with derailments and expanded the layout 3 feet longer to accomodate 3 pieces of straight track after the pier, took a bit of work but fun, problem solved. Layouit is now 43'x15' and everything looks and runs great, no derailments. Thanks for all suggestions and advice, greatly appreciated. W.B.W.

I have a small outdoor layout, 40'x 15' and this year I added the Bachmann plastic pier set, to change it from an all flat layout. I only run an "Annie" 4-6-0, one year old as my only Loco. Never had an issue of the pilot wheels derailing before on a flat surface, but now when it comes off the pier the Loco goes into a curve right away ( space issue ) and the pilot wheels flip off the track. Should I add weight to the front pilot wheels, do you think that would help. I can buy these 1/4 oz. stick on weights from the LHS. Thought I would ask the pros before buying the weights. Thanks.

Thanks for the info Jonathan, much appreciated, Bo.

I have a Bachamnn Alco 2-6-0 and would like to switch to metal couplers. I tried the Kadee #5 but they don't fit in the Pilot or tender boxes. Has anyone tried Kadee's in these steam loco's, and which ones did you use? Thanks.

Thanks for the info, I'll keep looking will find one somewhere.

Mr. Bachmann, do you have or where could I buy an HO scale tender DCC ready for a Spectrum 4-6-0 Steam engine. Preferably unlettered but any road name is OK too. Thanks.

I was referring to the ones for sale now the Gen. 6, fairly good deals for these sets right now. I realize the Gen. 7 coming out later have all metal drives and weighted front wheels, but the startup price could be considerably higher for awhile.

A friend of mine is thinking of buying a new generation 6 Big Hauler "Annie" set for Christmas and asked me a simple question which I had no answer for as I've only had my Big Hauler for a few months. The question was " how many hours running time can I expect to get out of this engine ". I said I'll ask the Bachmann forum as the members have been running these engines for years. So, if you can help him ( and me ) how many running hours on average can we expect ( when the engine is well cared for and maintained ) to get from a Big Hauler? Thanks.

" Annie 7G "

I've heard from forums 7 or 8 drops is okay but don't go over 10 drops or the well will overflow causing problems. I've personally used 8 drops, will last about 4 to 5 laps for a layout 8' x 25' at medium speed, don't go too fast when using the smoke, not good for the smoke unit. Keep an eye on that smoke, if it stops add more fluid or turn off your smoke unit or the unit will burn out. Very fickle, but if your careful should serve you well. Have fun!

Received a lot of good leads from this board. The main issue was finding seated figures for Bachmann passenger cars for that era ( 1900 to 1930 ) that fit in the seats. ThinkerT was right 1:29 do fit in the seats, but hard to find. Then Bill suggested Lemax figures, they are the right size 1:29 have that turn of the century look. Most of the seated figures come molded to a bench and base so have to cut them off. Tried cutting 2 off so far, the back of the figure is a bit mutilated but that's the part that goes to the seat anyway. They seem to fit in the seats real nice and look good. So again thanks for all your great help, you guys really know your stuff on this board. Bill W.

Go to " the Favorite Spot " online then hit G scale, go to page 2, the last two items on this page are a Durango and Silverton Set in G scale and a passenger car in G

Trying to find old time turn of the century people figures (about 1900) standing and sitting. They would go great in Bachmann passenger cars, cabooses, train stations etc. I see pictures of them everywhere on websites, but after a search of where to buy them, I come up empty. Could someone give me a lead where to get them? Thanks, Bill W.