thank you all for your advice
frank

hi-
i'm planning an expansion of an HO layout with existing brass track. at the local hobby shop, i was considering using nickle silver for the expansion. another customer indicated that i was headed for electrical problems if i did this. apparently there can be damage to the locomotives motors. the lhs owner had not heard of this before. any experiences would be appreciated.  --  frank

isn't it possible to replace the motor block and tender trucks? if this can be done, the rest doesn't seem so difficult.

as a means of identification are we talking about the ho and n models shown on the home page

hi dapper d-
the experts here will need to know the scale and manufacturer of you engine. after tht you will receive excellent help.
frank

hi-
where can i locate this summers schedule for thomas appearances in southern new york and northern pennsylvania
thanks
frank

we were recently on vacation in texas (from the northeast) and enjoyed the layout at the texas state fair-running around the "big tex' area.
frank

at least one clue is the reference to QVC.  there used to be a relationship to the shopping channel. i am embarassed that i don't recall the bachmann rep's name . i believe he moved on to another train related company.
frank

hi- try going to the top of the page and click on :
Service/Parts
frank

i agree
flat cars, no couplers
tank cars, couplers with the trucks
frank

the dropdowns work ok for me, but when text is selected nothing happens.  i'll try again later.
frank

sometimes, the easiest approach is to take a screw out of a similar car, then head for the local hardware store.
i had a similar problem with a tank car, and found this approach to be quite easy.
frank

i received a tank car kit from my son for christmas. now that it is warm enough for paint and decals, i opened it up to check it out.

i found i am missing a set of four screws. the direction sheet shows the following:
screw-00079(x4) for connection of the frame, floor, and tank bolsters
screw-00052(x4) two for assembling the tank, and two for attaching the tank to the floor.

the screws i have are phillips round head-about 1/8 by 3/4.

can anyone tell me which screws are the missing ones? and what size they should be so i can visit the hardware store.

many thanks
frank

telephone wire works great for me in n-scale
frank