Hi Ya'll! This might be old hat to some of you, but I am having a blast! I have partially created two of four wall scenes and provided links if you are interested in having a look see. First three are the items I found to create the one wall scene. These items were manufactured by a company called Burwood in 1975. They are 50 years old and fit perfectly into my old west theme. Fourth link shows them mounted to the wall. Fifth link is a video. Sixth link is a backdrop for one wall. I was blessed enough to have this view from my back yard for 14 of the 24 years I lived in Arizona. It is the Superstition Mountains.

https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cTehDIn1UbP

https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cTehDIn1Ub8

https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cTehDIn1UbN

https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cTe1Fjn1yHI

https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cTe1qcn1y8M

https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cTne0pnfNxC

Hi Ya'll! My daughter bought me a "G" scale cowboy I was to use on my G scale train layout stagecoach. I have a G scale Hobo that rides on the back of my caboose, and as you can see from the picture in the link the cowboy is considerably smaller. The seller (eBay of course) said to my daughter "Our resin figures are computer designed, proportionally accurate scale models. Many of the figures you buy are not. You definitely received the correct size." Just wanted to know the groups thoughts on this. It was inexpensive enough, but if it is misleading, the guy should be called out on it. Thanks!

https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cTeeqTn1rH5

Hi Y'all, what do you recommend to keep track clean by hand without making a mess? Scotch Brite or something similar maybe? I ordered some conductive oil to apply afterwards. Thanks!

Hi Ya'll, I am a G scale guy but would like to have a small N scale layout. When an N scale set says it is 34 x 24, does that mean it will fit on a table that size? I want to put it on a sofa table. Thanks!

Hi Ya'll! Home tasks have seriously been hindering my fun train time! Since last post, I have acquired a better power supply (USA Trains Train Power 4) and have attached and been running my two animated stock cars and the caboose. I have added a remote control to the caboose to operate the sound box, interior light and Hobo light on the back. Has been running great without incident, however like a nervous father, I never take my eyes off it! I have provided a link if you are interested, one loop around. Still in the planning stages as far as scenery and addons. I think my next step is to add my other loco with a few cars opposite this one and have them both looping at the same time. Better get eyes in the back of my head!

https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cZXZYJnVpPu

Hi Ya'll! I wanted to share the progress of my elevated train. My concept was to have a layout that appears to be "floating". The track portion is complete, and I have had numerous successful loops without incident. Now I am only running the locomotive and tender because I have not yet purchased a sufficient power supply and am using the Bachmann controller that came with my Cow Catcher train set. The first two links are photos, first one shows the 3-degree pitch on the straights that keep the train leaning towards the wall. The track transitions into the curve to flat then back to 3-degrees, etc. The second photo shows a wide angle of the elevated track. The third link is just a short video of one loop around. Next step is power supply, adding cars (weighted as suggested by Greg Elmassian) followed by scenery (corners will have little scenes, straights bushes, trees, etc. and some scenic backdrops) Anyway, that's my vision so far, just wanted to share! Please let me know if links don't work

https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cZ6YFYVWMmY

https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cZ6YbRVWMEJ

https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cZ6YbRVWMEL

Hi Ya'll! Is it not advisable to run two separate trains on the same track at the same time? (they would be opposite of each other while running) If it's ok, Loco Bill, is the transformer you recommended powerful enough to accommodate? Just curious. Thanks!

Hi Ya'll! So in between waiting for supply deliveries for my elevated train project, I wanted to share a video I made. If you decide to watch, you'll see immediately that I am no videographer! Although the plastic logs on the log car are decent, I wanted something a little more organic in appearance without using actual sticks. In searching around the internet, I found some homemade ones, but still not to my liking. Started messing around with different techniques, this is what I came up with. As far as my research took me, I found no other similar method. I do not ever want to take credit for someone else's work. Again, I am a novice, and this Forum could be filled with methods like this. This isn't one of those commercial laden, subscribe, etc. YouTube videos, it's actually the first time I have ever done anything like this, so be gentle!

https://youtu.be/W857uUTtpqQ

Hi Ya'll! Was there ever a version of Bachmann Big Haulers L 2-4-2 Steam Locomotives that were made to look weathered and rusty, or is the one I am looking at actually weathered and rusty? Ha, ha! It is a private listing not Ebay and says it is new. Thanks!

Hi Ya'll! We all know how well packaged Bachmann Big Haulers Train Sets are now, but how about 1992? Specifically inquiring about the Big Haulers Golden Spike. I have been extensively searching for a photo of the packaging from that time with zero results. I bought one in an auction as ("Brand New, Never Opened, Never Used, No Damage) quite the contrary. Was shipped in the original box, box no indication of damage.Shows extensive use (wheel wear and scoring),box opened numerouse times and enough damage to render it inoperable. Had a half piece of thin clear plastic covering engine and tender, boxcar and caboose uncovered inside of box. I photo documentd every detail. Just trying to add as much documentation as possible to insure full purchase price refund. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Ya'll! Anybody have any Idea what the lightest (weight) Bachmann locomotive/tender is? My Cow Catcher locomotive/tender weighs in over 7 pounds. If you know, I appreciate the feedback. Thanks!

Hi y'all! As a new G scale train enthusiast I decided trains around the tree at Christmas time just isn't going to cut it. Since then I have been planning an elevated track for my office. My set is The Cow Catcher with an additional livestock car and a log car. I will have 40 feet of track. My question is what transformer will be adequate to power this layout? Model and number would be most appreciated. Thanks!

I don't know how many out there will be interested, but the track flex created some issues for me, and what I have read others, especially those first timers like me, who were having issues on carpet. Mine was vinyl flooring. I backfilled the hollow ties which created a more ridged section of track. It also doubled the weight. Worthwhile? Maybe, but it is fun to do and gives a great appearance from the underside 

https://screenpal.com/watch/cZVlqFVJfvZ

https://screenpal.com/watch/cZVlqFVJfv0

https://screenpal.com/watch/cZVlqFVJfv3

I thought you may like to see my first Bachmann train setup before taking down for Christmas. I intend to set up a layout in my office and build from there. I rigged some temporary light to illuminate the Engineers. I purchased a light to illuminate the Hobo on the back of the caboose, but the soft white bulb burned out and I had to scramble to use whatever I had laying around, that is why it is so bright. Hope you enjoy.

https://screenpal.com/watch/c0luqLVHuHs

I have been having an issue with the coupler between the coal tender and a livestock car randomly coming open. I determined the coal tender coupler was more ridged than the livestock car and I believe the amount of slop was creating the problem. Here is my solution. Cheesy, I know, but it worked! Small hair rubber band keeps the livestock coupler from floating.
 https://photos.app.goo.gl/RDaYYhzyYoNTMZXK6           

I know I am not reinventing the wheel here, but I found a sound record/play box and installed in the caboose. I ran the switch out the back window. Found some .wav files online steam train whistle, bell, cow moos and horse whinny's. I have the Bachmann Cow Catcher Train with animated cow car, and I added an animated horse car. Mixed them all together and recorded them. Along with the built in chugging, sounds pretty good! I tried to upload pictures, but it said the box was full.

Smokestack in the front or smokestack in the back? Thanks!

Hi. Just purchased Bachmann Cow Catcher starter set. Brand new, right out of the box. Love it, runs smooth, Sound is crisp and clear. Smoker does not produce any smoke. My research indicated that one possible cause may be that the controller must be run at least 80% to provide the proper voltage. Because of the small around the base of my Christmas tree layout, I have been running at 50% because I am leery about derailing and damaging the train. Are my findings valid? If so, what are my options and solutions if any. Also, is the light on the coal tender on this model supposed to work in reverse? Thanks! (Model #90040)