I purchased a N Scale Thunder Valley set last year.  Since then, I have built a 60" x 30" layout with an elevated figure 8 section with a bridge and two turnouts.  There isn't any information about the the GP-40 diesel locomotive that came with the set nor is any available on the Bachmann web site.  On the undercarriage there is a cover with two small screws and what appears to be a serial number:  K190417.  Is this loco DCC ready? Or does something else fit under this cover    

I purchased a GP-40 diesel locomotive, Bachmann item no 63552 from a reputable eBay vendor.  The packaging had never been opened.  Yet, when I ran the loco, it sputtered and ran erratically both forward and reverse. There was clearly intermittent electrical pick up. The motor/gears are very loud. There is no manufacturing date on the product but, although it looks identical to the loco that came with my Thunder Valley set I purchased one year ago, it is heavier and appears to be more substantial. I surmise it may be NOS and may have sat around unsold and unused.  I cleaned the wheels and trucks with isopropyl alcohol. After removing the shell, there is no apparent oil or grease stains anywhere. The motor spins freely by hand friction or if 12 volts DC are applied to the chassis or wheels.  There is no strange noise.  It is a split chassis design and I have not disassembled the chassis.  Any advice would be welcome.......Thanks and Happy Holidays !

I queried Bachmann and they do not produce plug-and-play signal lights of any kind for the N scale turnouts. It should be possible if the signal polarity of each of the three conductors exiting the switch can be determined. has anyone been successful in doing this?  If so, is there a schematic to follow?  I'm new to the group.  Thanks   

Does anyone know the height of the Bachmann TALL PIER 8 PC SET BAC44872?  I googled and cannot find the answer.  Hopefully, someone has used this pier set and knows the answer.