Not an easy project.  I cut the plug off, shortened the wires & soldered a plug that has the wires comming out of the side & not the top. Just be sure to solder them to the right pins...VERY important.  I also put weight in every possoble place in the tender as the wires between the engine & tender were stiff enough to lift the tender from the track.   Good Luck....Jerry

 Another option would be the Grandt Line Box Cab. It's available in 2 types. one is a true box cab, the other has the low hood. I assembled mine before i went to DCC. I filled most all of the open space with lead for more traction. Someday I'll have to open it up & see if I can convert it. The only problem would be space because i believe the motor is already isolated. Jerry

Have a Varney add from about 1950 that shows thier version of a Docksider (0-4-0) going around a 12'' LP record. That's about a 6" radius!!!
                 Jerry

 Your 0-6-0 will run on 18" radius track & much smaller if there isn't a flange on the middle set of drivers.  An 0-4-0 will be able to run on a much tighter radius than a 0-6-0 with the center drivers flanged.

 Thanks Everyone for your help....Jerry

You can still buy RIT dye in our area, I saw it at TARGET.   It is a messy job,but if you need a lot & you already have the polly, it's the cheapest way to go.
  I don't think the dye will change the texture because it's a synthetic fiber & not cotton or wool.  Good Luck... Jerry

  What is the smallest radius a 4 wheel either a porter or diesel switcher can negotiate. I'm thinking of starting a SMALL layout.  Thanks... Jerry

From what I heard, if it's returned they will replace it with another type of engine because the Climax is out of production. They are probably waiting for NWSL to make the replacement parts. Don't know if thier factory is set up for machining metal.  Like I said before, bachmann should make the superstructure & NWSL the mechanism for all future locos.
   You should really ask  Bachmann for the details.   Jerry

 I would really like to display them all year, but protect them from dust.  Don't really want a conventional show case either. It would be neat to build a miniature enclosed rotating showcase or something like that.

  It seems the 45 ton switcher was available 4 months ago, but most sites now say "early fall delivery" . Was the demand greater than anticipated or was production stopped for some reason?   Jerry

I'll second that. If it has an old open frame motor you will probably be drawing over 1 Amp.   Motors tend to draw more as they age & the magnet weakens.   Jerry

Quote from: CNE Runner on July 18, 2009, 05:59:23 PM
Roger the hot air...it is amazing a train show isn't FAA certified.

Hamish - You got me thinking about the perfect locomotive for my upcoming copy of the Inglenook Switching Puzzle. The purpose of the layout (which will measure 4'x 1.5' is to give attendees at train shows something to operate. I have noticed, at most of the train shows we vendor, the public can look at trains in operation, they can buy trains, but rarely can they operate a layout. The Inglenook puzzle will challenge even the best operators...it is possible we may interest others in our hobby.

More to the point: I have been searching for the perfect locomotive for this game. Most of the road switchers are too large; and the ultra small diesels are just too light. Your thread on tank engines got me looking and I will be purchasing a Mantua tank engine which should be heavy enough to move a maximum of 3 - 40' cars on a level surface. Thanks for the thread! If you are remotely interest in either switching or micro layouts check out my other post at:

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,9353.0.html

I have an all metal Mantua tank engine that I replaced the running gear with NWSL motor, gearbox & flywheel...runs GREAT 7 really pulls.  I installed a valve gear kit that was available at that time, they are probably still available somewhere.   Now I have to try to stuff a decoder in somewhere since i went DCC.  Jerry

  I have many Hallmark train ornaments & am looking for a novel way to display them. Don't really want a display case & don't want to hang them on the tree. Any suggestions?   Thanks

  An old mantua would be a great place to start.  They are mostly metal & pull well for the size & they run forever. All 0-4-0s have pickup problems because of the small wheelbase & only 4 wheels on the track.

Quote from: ebtnut on July 16, 2009, 05:03:17 PM
Let's begin with correct terminology here.  Are we talking OO gauge, or OO scale?  It sounds as though the equipment in question is from Marklin, which uses studs in the center of the roadbed for third rail pick-up.  Generally, Marklin track is HO gauge, and the models are HO scale.  OO gauge is wider than HO, and OO scale, at 4mm = 1 foot, is also larger than HO.  The Brits have used OO scale equipment running on HO gauge track for many decades.  In the U.S., we once had OO scale models, but they ran on track than had the proper gauge for the scale. 

Now, assuming the trains in question run on HO gauge track, the easiest course would be to replace the trucks with new ones properly insulated (either plastic wheels, axles or sideframes).  European track and wheel standards are coarser than U.S. NMRA standards and don't work as well on our track and turnouts. 

Sorry abpout the gauge /Scale mixup, probably not the last mistake I'll make.  Yes, it runs on HO track, but has no trucks. the axles have conical ends & mount in holes in the side of the car.