Any idea when the GE 45 ton switcher in HO scale will be available again?   Thanks

  I have to disagree. The original 0-6-0 was far from DCC ready ( I have one)   it should read DCC possible!   Jerry

It's usually the other way around.   More people repower Bachmann engines than use Bach. running gear for "bashing".  In fact, they keep North West shortlines in business.  Bowser also has Mechanisms for Bach. engines.
  Would hate to see your new engine with many hrs. of work fail.
   I would use an old Mantua, that could be gotten cheaply even if you have to remotor it ,or even a Bowser kit.

                                                                   Jerry

Clever Mpodels has a free download of a storage shed on thier website. You can enter it in a contest when finished & win a complete set of thier buildings on CDs. It will only be on thier website for a short time, so act Quickly.  Jerry

  I agree also. I used to subscribe to 5 model RR magazines, now down to 1, RMC. I think they are aimed at the modeler & not the "ready to run group". The hobby is big enough to include RTR, Collectors & modelers of all skills. I probably wont go back to MRR, but there is a possibility for MRR News...really like thier in depth reviews.  Jerry

You may have to do some "plastic surgery" on your figures to get what you want. I have a figure of a bum in the reclining pose you want.Just take a short pc. of styrene rod & a circle of paper for the brim & make a hat.  Many figures can be transformed into cowboys in the same way & you will have distinctive figures.   Dover publishers had & maybe still has a book of cutout western buildings in HO scale. They are printed on very thick card stock.  Also there are many structures with the western style false fronts that could easily be converted to what you are looking for...That's the FUN of the hobby.    Jerry

  While visiting our large Border's book store, I noticed that the Sept. issue of MR was not displayed yet & the latest Model RR news was the June issue. They dropped RMC a few years ago & am wondering if they plan to do the same with the other RR hobby mags.  They have all of the proto type mags. Anyone have any info?   Jerry

I noticed on youtube that there is a "ZZ" scale. It didn't seem to give the proportions, but stated that it was the smallest.
  I was told that the "T" gauge uses pager motors. Can't believe those gears could hold up for that long.
  This has to be a young person's gauge. I'm having trouble rerailing my HO rolling stock!    Jerry

   They are small & IMHO still a novelty. Forgot to mention that also included in the package is a "back & forth" circuit that allows for a point to point layout.
    I also found some video on youtube, one makes them look good while the other....not so much.   The one I saw at the show ran very well, in fact the operator walked away for a while & it still ran fine, which is when most derailments seem to happen, at least in my world.  Jerry 

  I was at the Greenburg show today & saw a VERY small gauge train & circle of track.  The track is 3mm which is a little under 1/8''.   The cars which resembled subway cars, were about 1/4'' high.  The engine had a headlight that came on when it ran forward,& red lights came on the back when it was in reverse.  The package consisted of a 4 unit train, an oval of track, a rerailer, a controller that ran off of 2 flashlight batteries.  AC adapter also available.  More track is available along with "people".
   The whole package was $130. Couldn't believe the paint job. If anyone is going tomorrow, it is located against the wall near the layouts.   
    A "z" gauge hopper car looked like a GIANT next to them.  They ran very well, considering the size.   For phone # or email...email me.   Jerry

If I rememder correctly, the web site tells you what % to use when copping for HO, I'll have to recheck.   But it was good advise to build it in O scale to get your feet wet.  Jerry

  PS just remembered that Dover publishers has put out at least 3 HO scale sets of buildings in book form. One is " An Early New England Seaport" Which has 10 structures on very heavy cardstock.  The other one I have is "Victorian Houses".   The one I don't have is "A Western Frontier Town"  at the time I bought them they were $5.95  & $3.50. Be prepared to shell out a little more today .Just remember they are HO scale & some of the detail is VERY small, Take your time.
   Also about a year ago RMC did a review of some of Clever Models structures. Very good with some good tips.    jerry

Paper Creek has a free download on thier site (Google " Paper Creek" )  It's an old outhouse.  I made one & it is VERY hard to tell from wood if you do it according to the instructions.   Jerry

Steel track should be outlawed!!!   Jerry

Had enough trouble with just a decoder. Probably have to take the board out & solder it in.....then find room for the speaker & extra weight.  Areal challenge especially with the smaller tender.  Probably a website out there that will show you how.   Jerry