It has been over 10 years since the release of the N-scale Doodlebug. Now that there is a re-release in HO, how about bringing them back out in N again, preferably in DCC and with a trailer like the new HorriblyOversized version???

Short answer: No. (no they weren't and no, it's not worth the trouble - and there is a lot of f it...)

You can either use MicroTrains 1133's and truck mount them or  cut off the truck mounting pads and use a MicroTrains Pilot Conversion (#1167) and body mount them....

With the truck mounted couplers it has to be an older Spectrum model. I bet it came in the flip top box. The extended front and back porches are a dead giveaway: You have an EMD SD 40-2, which is no longer in the catalog... (Does it look like it sits a little high on the trucks??)

It look like this, doesn't it?
http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/bachsd40-2.html

Quote from: johnTom on March 15, 2010, 12:19:40 PM
I too would vote for the 4-6-0,what about the Russian Decapod the 2-10-0 that Bachmann gave up on. 

I would probably buy about 3-4 of each. In fact, I had them already pre-ordered with Pete at BLW   ...

The Rapido Couple is finally going the way of 16-bit software.... Your local hobby shop *may* still have some floating around, if they are a well stocked store. Check with B'mann's Service Department, or maybe someone on this board may have some they can send you. I threw all of my crapidos away as fast as I could replace them with MicroTrains or Accumate couplers...

Quote from: communaldungpile on January 31, 2010, 09:39:35 PM
Thank you! I tried to send it back to were I got it, but they refused because I took the shell off to look inside. Stinks....

Mark

At least you know who NOT to buy from in the future...... (And I would definitely make the Dealer aware of this...)

The easiest way would be to take the E-Z Track to the nearest trash can and use Atlas or Peco flex track on your layout.  Also avoid Atlas switches, use Peco for best results. If you want to use track with built-in roadbed, consider Kato.......

I think the Original Poster was referring to Aerial Tramways, such as one finds at Mountain Resorts (or running between Midtown Manhattan and Roosevelt Island)....

Check out Mark's website ( http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/locos.html  ) for a review of any N scale loco you are curious about....

Woodland Scenics makes a "scenery only" kit, marketed for HO but suitable for all scales. The  " Mountain Valley Scenery Kit" (785-928) is a good way to start, since there is some savings over buying the materials separately. Depending on the size of your layout, there may be enough to finish all the scenery. (except trees, of course ) Plus the instructions are helpful for a beginner. I used this kit as a starter a few years ago..
Woodland Scenics carries a full range of easy too use products (especially rock molds) that allow a beginner to get good results.

if you are planning a complete change-over, I would recommend going to MicroTrains couplers, they are far more reliable and look better.....

The value of old Bachmann train sets typically runs in the $5 - $10 range. You might find a sucker on ebay willing to pay more.......

The MT 1015's are available as assembled units (I believe they come 2 pair to a package) or in kit form (10 pair /pk) either way they come with shims. On my SD-45 I used ACC to mount them in place. Simply remove the screw holding the old coupler in place and toss the coupler. On the Dash 8's you can use the screw to mount the 1015's; however, for some reason on the SD-45's this puts the couple pocket too far back and it interferes with the truck. I  did not need to use a shim...
If you plan to convert your entire fleet to MT's, I would recommend getting the 10 packs of unassembled 1015's. You can buy complete trucks with couplers for about 30-40 Bucks for 10 pair and it is a matter of simply pulling out the bolster pin and replacing the truck (except for Bachmann cars where you have to enlarge the hole in the truck where the mounting screw goes) Getting the 1015's in kits reduces your cost to 1/4 of the assembled trucks, and body mount couplers are more reliable than truck mounts. Be aware there is a short but steep learning curve involved and if you go that route I would definitely get MT's assembly jig. I have converted my fleet of 135 locos and  350+ cars and at this point it takes me less than a minute to assemble a coupler
At first I was reluctant to convert due to the cost and work involved: but now that I have done so I am glad I did. There is absolutely no comparison between MicroTrain couplers and Crapidos. Sort of like Rolls Royce and Yugo....

The easiest remedy would be a MicroTrains 1015, especially if there is uneven track work; crapidos have an annoying habit of lifting over one another in that case. When you install the MTs, you also have the chance to shim the draft gear box lower..