Dear Bachmann:  I am the proud owner of a pair of GE 70 Tonners I am  just delighted with them. I did notice that the coupler shank which came with these engines was way too long for realistic appearance. I installed the shortest shank couplers I had in my spare parts box. The locomotive footboards are now a realistic distance from each other yet still navigate the tightest industrial spur on the  club layout with out touching each other.         Two minor weaknesses have made themselves apparent. (1) The headlights at one end of the engine could be a little bit brighter. Is there an easy fix?  (2) I admit that they are a bit noisy however and wonder what can I do to quiet down some of the noise I hear?  If sucessful in this endeavor; I would then like to add sound to these very good running models.       Do you have plans to produce a decoder to fit this engine with sound capabilities built in to it?        (FYI) I ran these two locos today on a 15 car plus caboose coal drag on the club layout. I purposely chose to run the train against the steepest grade on the mainline. The train never stopped moving in this stretch but did slowly but steadily climb the hill between Galt and Newton.  These tracks are located in a cut so I was not able to observe whether or not wheel slip existed. All in all; a really nice product but it does need sound. Yours, William Rupert

Hi: I got to try this post again as I think I didn't get the last one sent off propperly. I have been looking in my local hobby shops for years seeking a glimpse of a CB&Q "N" scale doodlebug. Has this paint scheme ever been produced? This item would be my very next purchase if it were available especially if the model came equipped with a pre-installed DCC decoder inside it. One last touch would be to offer this as a sound equipped model as well but even I might hesitate at the increased price that would result. Yours, William Rupert

Hi: I am thinking about selling a new never used Bachmann EZ Command DCC system. Everything is there and it is still in the original box. I have been unable to disccover whether or not I can expand beyond two control stations? I have also noticed that an eight wire telephone type connector is located on the back of the unit. What I have yet to find out is whether or not I can connect this controller to my computer? I also wonder if there have ever been any upgrades offerred for this system? Yours. Wm Rupert

Is there any easy to get realistic spacing between EMD FT A & B units. My stock factory models have this glaring discrepancy assaulting my eyeballs everytime I look at them. I am willing to make drawbars for them if neccessary. Also while I am on this subject I was wondering if an ultra short shank coupler is available to mount at the nose end of an A unit. I feel that the coupler trip pin should just barely clear the pilot of the locomotive. Mine appear to be about 1/8th of an inch too long. I have put the shortest shank couplers I have on my GE 70 tonner and have not experienced any problems on my club layout after making this change. All comments appreciated. Yours, William Rupert