After I repaired the loose motor,the Berk pulled 33 standard weighted Bowser and Proto 1000 100 ton open hoppers on a level track.I do not have any grades to test mine as my layout is level due to my yard and steel works.Dan

Thats on the level.Im gonna try again tonight.The motor bracket was loose in mine,I removed the boiler and out comes the motor in my hands,the 3 screws stuck to the motor.Evidently they were not tightend at the factory.I installed all 3 screws.We will see how she runs tonight.Will post results.Dan

I was able to pull about 5 walthers full lengh passenger cars before the drivers slipped.May operate better once it is broken in.It is a nice loco.You would not regret buying it.Dan

The only way to get an SDP45 is find a brass one or scratchbuild one with Cannon parts.If you wait a little while there is a company making modules to build your own diesel shells.The name escapes me at the present time.Dan

I have now tested the pulling power.Mine pulled 10 standard weight boxcars and a caboose with no problems.However this will be an excursion loco on my layout so I will test it soon with some passenger cars.I did not like the decoder so I replaced it with a TCS T1 decoder.That helped the performance on DCC alot.I can now move at speed step 1.The Bachmann decoder is plugged into an eight pin socket so it should be no problem to plug in a Loksound or Tsunami decoder.MRC also makes a steam decoder but use at your own risk,I returned mine.Dan

Huberts is the present incarnation of LBF/E&C shops/Front Range Products.I would post the website but not sure if Mr. Bachmann would appreciate that.Glad I could help.Dan

I picked up my Nickle Plate 765 today.First impressions:1.Awesome locomotive for the price.2.Seems to run smooth but needs a little break in time.3.Nicely decorated for a Standard line loco,even has the Lima builders plate.4.Operates better than my PCM T1 a loco with an MSRP twice of it.Has a speaker grate in the tender,havent tested its pulling ability yet,will report back when tested tomorrow.From my observations I say thumbs up Bachmann,another great steamer.Dan

There are no commercially available models of the Top Gons at the present time but Huberts are supposed to be releasing some soon,may want to preorder them as if done correctly they will sell out fast.Hope this helps,Dan