Hello all,

I have progressed to the point of beginning to operate my switching empire. I am having problems with uncoupling some of the cars. I have tried a shish kabob pointed stick and a sharpened small screwdriver. Each works on some cars but not all. I have checked the couplers for correct height, operation, burrs, the simulated air hoses (pins) all point about 20-30 degrees to the right of the centerline, etc. but I have found no problems I can see. Is there a simple solution I am missing or should I replace the problem couplers? Thanks in advance for any help.

Since I have not found any hobby shops in a 50 mile radius that stock On30 supplies, especially Bachmann equipment, I have to appeal to the excellent source of users/experts who read this forum. From some photos posted on ebay of the 18' low sided gondola, it appears to include a coal load. Is this load the "drop in" type or is it attached to the body? If so, is it easily removable? I would like to use it or the 18' flatcar as a basis for a car hauling hemlock bark from a saw mill to a tanning industry. Thanks for any help.

As with my earlier post on the boxcar, can the tank be safely/easily removed from the flat car frame? Can the tank be opened to add weight? I know weight can be added to the underside of the flat car portion but I would prefer not to do it this way. It will also make it easier to do a little weathering and decaling.

I'm new to this gauge but have started to purchase Bachmann equipment while building the benchwork and laying track. I purchased several boxcars, ventilated and regular, and am interested in detailing the inside area that is visible with the doors open, adding visible loads and some weight. No paperwork was in the kits on removing the body so I'm looking for tips on how to remove the body from the frame without doing any damage.