This one was in Hannibal, MO.

http://hannibal.lib.mo.us/digital/mtz/z1352.htm

Sure.  Most of the "younger" crowd probably won't go for this as they want "instant gratification".  We run into this mentality in the RC airplane hobby.  ARF's are very popular buy you can't hardly sell a kit anymore.

Quote from: spookshow on August 19, 2018, 10:29:08 AM
Sounds like the decoder is fried.

-Mark

Mark, new to DCC.  What would cause this "going over a switch"?

Thank you.

Are the newer Bachmann steam locos able to be configured to operate on a DC layout?  Are they equipped with "dummy plugs" to replace the board?

From the on line instruction manual:

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/Big_Hauler_Instructions.pdf

SMOKE UNIT/POLARITY SWITCH OPERATION
The locomotive in your Big Haulers
® set may be equipped with a smoke generator OR a smoke generator and a polarity switch.
Switches for these accessory features are located behind the smokebox door at the front end of your locomotive (figure 16).
To operate the smoke generator, put 3 or 4 drops of smoke fluid down the smoke stack. (A plastic vial of smoke fluid is included
with smoke-equipped Big Haulers
® locomotives). Move the smoke generator switch to the "on" position and begin operation. If you
operate your locomotive without smoke fluid, be sure to turn off the smoke generator. Failure to do so will burn out the smoke unit.
Note: it is not recommended that you run your locomotive above 16 volts with the smoke unit turned on. This
may also cause the smoke unit to burn out.
If your Big Haulers
® locomotive is equipped with a polarity switch, you will find either a two-position or three-position switch. The
two-position polarity switch allows you to operate according to either NMRA (US) or NEM (European) standards. The three-position
switch features an additional "center off" position that cuts track power to the locomotive, allowing it to remain on your layout while
other trains run.

Nothing except growing up in a small town where the Rock Island and Milwaukee crossed just west of town.  Lots of trains everyday in the 50's while I was a kid.  Vaguely remember the very last of steam on the Rock.  One of my buddies dad was the last station agent in town.  I was always amazed at the moving mail pick up and the agent tapping away on the telegraph.

Put some Atlas or Kato steam on it and you will be pleased.  I also have several B'Mann steam engines that are jewels.  All of mine are DC so I can't speak to the DCC equipped engines.

Sorry I can't help with the track that comes with the set you have but it is easily measured.

As for layout ideas, I have used a book called "N scale model railroad track plans" published by Model Railroader years ago.  It is available on Amazon  https://www.amazon.com/Scale-Model-Railroad-Track-Plans/dp/0890245096
Good luck and have fun.

I have used commercial lichen, polyester "fuzz", and the Woodland Scenic products.  The WS products are the easiest, give the best results IMHO, and are the most expensive.

Where I have to cover lots of area that isn't in the front of the layout, I use lichen, sprayed with thinned white glue and sprinkled with WS ground foam of various colors.

Good luck.

Ensure the track is set on a very flat surface.  There isn't much electrical pick from the track up on those engines.  Sitting on carpet, etc. can be troublesome.

My first was Christmas, 1960 (I was 11), from my older sister.  She was just out of High School and working in the big city of Des Moines.  Still have it despite my younger brother and sister's best efforts to destroy or sell everything.

Anyone remember using cereal boxes, oatmeal boxes, and Log Cabin syrup tins as buildings.  Imagination was a necessary thing back then.

Do you have any sound from the engines?  Humming indicates that power is reaching the motor but it is not turning.  Disassembly and manually rotating the armature (center turning part) of the motor may free it up.  If you lubricate it ensure you use a lubricant that is friendly to plastics and use a VERY SMALL amount.

Does it have a warranty?  Send it back and have them fix it.  Apparently not all of them have the issue you describe.

Quote from: spookshow on March 06, 2016, 02:22:59 PM
http://www.spookshow.net/loco/bach262.html

Thanks.  Now if I can just get my registration completed.