I have RCS systems in a K-27, 2-6-6-2T, and Forney.  All Bachmann 1:20.3 scale. Plus I've installed the RCS systems in several Shays.

Don is a great guy to deal with.  As mentioned, contact Don and he'll be happy to discuss any questions you may have.  His installations are first rate. 

JD

The speaker is mounted in the water tender.  All you have to do is turn the tender over and you'll see the grill for the speaker.

There are provisions in the water tender for powering a sound card.  I used a Phoenix.  Easy installation.  Plenty of space in the water tender for a sound system.

"One of the Enthusiastic children"

JD

Six percent grades!  You need a mountain goat or a Bachmann two truck Shay.   

I doubt the Forney would handle 4-5 loads on 6 percent grades.  Maybe six mine cars but nothing heavier.

http://www.grblogs.com/index.php/2009/12/30/bachmann-1-20-3-forney-1?blog=4

This is a short review of the Forney along with a couple of You Tube videos.  In the video it is handling six loads, but that is on track with no more than one percent grades.

Last winter I found it would not push my snow plow through snow that was only 1/2 inch deep.

JD

Kevin's close on his answer.



This is a picture of the side frame and screws that attach the front truck and bolster.

For the rear truck there is only ONE screw on each side that attaches the bolster to the locomotive. Look along the locomotive side frame.  You'll see a screw on each side that attaches the rear bolster.  Remove these screws and the rear bolster along with the motor block can be removed.

Seems like this same question has been answered more than once on this forum over the years.



One of the "Enthusiastic" Chlldren

JD

Walschaerts



Stephenson


Both types work just fine.  The Walschaerts is more interesting to watch with more "monkey" motion.

"One of the Enthusiastic Children"

JD

Matt,
Look at the printed documentation sheets that came with the locomotive.

First, sheet G830X-IS007 shows that the boiler and cab are removed as one unit.  Note there are 4 screws  that have to be removed to release the boiler and cab from the chassis.  Also, not listed, but the four very small screws that secure the smoke box braces to front pilot beam must be removed.

Once these screws are removed the boiler and cab assembly will lift off the chassis.

Look at sheet G830X=IS003.  Note there are four screws that attach the cab roof to the cab.  Two on the front and two on the back, just below the roof line.  The two parts that you mention are illustrated on this sheet.

Seems that with the boiler/cab assembly removed along with the cab roof you should be able to repair the doors.

Good luck.

Another thought.  I looked at the K-27.  It may be possible to fix the doors without removing the boilder and cab.  Looks like just removing the cab roof will give you enough room to reattach the pieces that hold the doors in place.  I'd try this first before going to the effort to remove the boiler and cab.

"One of the Enthusiastic Children"


JD

Here is a link that lists the differences between the standard Big Hauler and the Anniversary edition.  The article may provide some more information on the differences between the two versions of the 4-6-0.

http://www.grblogs.com/index.php/2007/11/08/bachmann-10-wheelers?blog=4

"One of the Enthusiastic Children"

JD

Caveman,

In case you missed it.  Here is a YouTube video of the 2-4-2T with three extended length J&S coaches in tow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_c8nmBEsqM

The coaches are 23 1/2" in length over the end beams and weigth is right at 3 lbs, 2 oz. each. The  2-4-2T had no problem pulling this consist on mostly level track.  Last month the 2-4-2T handled four Delton coaches at one of our club's public displays.  The locomotive and its consist operated on track that had 2 foot radius curves.

It's not a stump puller but will handle a reasonable consist given its size and weight.

The 2-4-2T has a weight of 4 pounds, 2 ounces.  If you want a stump puller then try a Connie.

There is room in the locomotive to add about a pound of additional weight. There is also space for a sound card.

What frosts me is no Owner's Manual or lubrication insturctions.  I can sure figure out where it needs lubrication, but an Owner's Manual would have been nice.

"One of the Enthusiastic Children"

JD

Weight: 4 pounds, 4 ounces.

Here is a top view of box car size comparison.



L to R: Bachmann 1:20.3; Bachmann 1:22.5; USAT 1:29.

"One of the Enthusiastic Children"

JD

Frank,
Here's a link to some additional information on the 2-4-2T.

http://www.grblogs.com/index.php/2011/06/06/bachmann-2-4-2t-outside-frame-locomotive?blog=4

"One of the Enthusiastic Children"

JD

Item number 81499 is Painted Unlettered - Russia Iron version.

It's listed in the 2005 catalog.  Features are the same as all the other
2-6-0 Spectrum Moguls.

"One of the Enthusiastic Children"

JD

Short answer, NO.

The tanks are removeable, however the tank base is part of the boiler casting.  The boiler behind the tanks is round. With the tank base being part of the boiler it will take some modification.

The tanks contain stacks of steel plates to give the locomotive weight.

Anything is possible.  The tank base could be cut off the boiler. Then some type of boiler rapper would be required.  Probably more work than the end result would produce.

"One of the Enthusiastic Children"

JD

Stan,
Great idea hosting such a large event.

The layout looks great and from the photos it's evident that folks were having a great time.  Good to see children involved.  Any fish left in the pond?

Thanks for the pictures and report on the event.

"One of the Enthusiastic Children"

JD