Very nice work!

I would suggest trying again. I just had two of the folks here at Bachmann (non -administartors) send each other a message and it works fine.
I would like to get a feel for whether the users would like to keep this feature enabled or not before I pull the plug on it.

These messages are due to a feature of the board that allows members to send emails to each other via the board within the board. We are currently discussing removing this feature in order to avoid occurences such as these.

Opinions?

In actuality it does not support a weight (I mis-spoke) it is located there to aid in weight distribution. When the smoke stack is pressed into the boiler there is a possibility that the boiler shell could be pressed down too far and might crack if no support existed, thus the post is there to eliminate the possibility of the shell cracking during assembly.

I checked with the service department today and was informed that the piece you are referring to is a structural support for the boiler (and weight that is located above it). I don't think it would be a very good idea to remove it.

Sometimes the "Bach Man" is the next best thing to catnip!

Item No. 83098 - Painted Unlettered - Black with Green Boiler
Item No. 83099 - Painted Unlettered - Black

As many of you know Bachmann is producing a new magnetic N scale coupler. At this point in time we are including it on Spectrum locomotives starting with the new H4 articulated. It will be available as a separate sale item sometime later this year. As requested here are a few pictures of the new coupler:

Here is a link  to the exploded view drawing for HO Thomas:

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/58741.pdf

I don't know if this will help you since it doesn't show the wiring schematic. My suggestion would be to call our service department for that info . They can be reached Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm (EST) at (800) 356-3910.

Can't give an exact date but they should be here very soon.

>> "Unique/specialized and cheap/affordable do not go together."

You are correct sir!

I would suggest checking into Blackstone Models made by our friends at Soundtraxx.
http://www.blackstonemodels.com/products.php

Posted some pics of the 2010 Toyfair Displays in the photo gallery

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/gallery.php?set_albumName=2010-New-York-and-Hong-Kong-Toy-Fair-Displays&include=view_album.php

Enjoy!

It is a new DYNAMIS ready-to-run train set. It includes a Spectrum DCC Sound on Board HO scale 2-8-0 Consolidation with freight consist, a Dynamis control system (Item No. 36505) and a 56" x 38" oval of track with a DCC turnout.

No new On30 sets this year. We've given the On30 world it's first articulated steam locomotive, a Baldwin 4-6-0 and a great new caboose within the last 12 months - that's a lot of tooling for On30 fans!