This video shows a very easy way to remove most N scale diesel shells. I've used this technique many times without damaging any engines. By the way, that's not me on the video.

http://youtu.be/NPRTo11Ib3E

I went to Spookshow.net. Toward the bottom of the page he says:

"To remove the shell, insert a small screwdriver between the chassis and the sidesill and pry the shell upwards slightly. Once raised up from the base of the chassis, the shell should pull off readily."

Here is the Spookshow address:


http://www.spookshow.net/locos.html


This is the page for the S-4:

http://www.spookshow.net/loco/bachs4.html

I often refer to this site when trying to decide if I should buy a loco or pass it by. He has a review of just about every N scale loco ever made.

The new F7 looks great, but there's one thing missing, a New York Central version. Are you planning to offer this model painted for the NYC in the reasonably near future? Now , I'm not complaining. I have the NYC GP7, RS3, 4-6-0, 2-6-0, the new DCC doodlebug and coach and I have the S4 on order. I'll be ordering the NYC NW2 soon. You've made a lot of NYC engines and I'm really grateful, but I'd really like the F7. If you make it, I will buy it.

One other thing. I see you are offering a heavyweight coach and combine in NYC in HO. Is there any chance we will see this in N scale? If you were to offer similar cars in N in various roads I'm sure they would be very popular.

Thanks.

Let us know how you do. I would think the hard part would be mounting the speaker and getting the sound out.

I have never tried. I'm replying so you know this is being read, I would think very few have tried.

Photobucket is excellent. I use it. It's free and easy to use, much easier than trying to upload pictures to a forum. As Rich said, just copy the IMG link and paste it into a post. Very easy.

Your derailment problems may be because you have an S curve. This occurs when you have a curve in one direction, say a left curve and go into a right curve without enough straight track between them. S curves are notorious for causing derailments. I don't know exactly how you have the track set up, but this is my best guess based on your description.

It certainly sounds like there will be some new products announced at the convention this year. I'm hoping for some new steam power with DCC, especially big steam, like a mikado, hudson or pacific, lettered for the New York Central.

I have used a pink eraser to remove lettering without damaging the paint underneath.

The Bachmann summer newsletter that I received by email Friday the 14th says:

Shipping Fall  MSRP $129.00 each

Item No. 63151 WESTERN MARYLAND® #145 (speed lettering)
Item No. 63152 SOUTHERN PACIFIC #1466
Item No. 63153 NEW YORK CENTRAL SYSTEM P&LE #8662 
Item No. 63154 ATSF #1528 (zebra stripe)
Item No. 63155 UNION PACIFIC® #1156 (Dependable Transportation)

Does this meas we have to wait at least another 3 months? I hope not.

Thanks Bach-man, thanks Tony. I'm definitely looking for the N scale model.

When will these engines arrive? I am very patiently waiting for mine, but would like to have an idea of when it's due in. Do you have any information?

I agree, these cars look fabulous. If they were available in N I would buy them. They are much nicer than any current piggy back cars available.

I agree with you Randy. The same goes for engines. Why only 1 cab number? If the GP7, RS3, Ten Wheeler and others came in more cab numbers I'd buy more, especially with the diesels.

DCC ready is a DC engine that can have a decoder installed more easily than a DC engine that is not DCC ready. Installation can be very easy, plug and play, or it can be fairly difficult. Like any DC engine, it can be run on address 0 if your DCC system supports that option, but all DC engines on the track will respond to the same commands.