Hey guys thanks for the info, especially the hammer idea, Hah.  I finally got the screws out, turns out they were turning they were just stripped in the plastic posts and not moving (the screw heads were fine).  I got a magnetic screw driver and turned the shell right-side up, and they all came out.

I do appreciate your responses.

Timmy

Hey JBrock, thanks and yes. I tried several sizes.  Several seemed to seat perfectly, but still would not budge.

Hi, I was looking to see if I could change the shell on a F7a NS, (like comes in the Thoroughbred set).  I took the small black screws out of what looks to be a fuel tank.  Then when I attempted to remove the phillips screws from the 4 posts, there is NO budging them.  I finally gave up and reattached the black screws that hold the board in and now it doesn't run.  The motor is running but the wheels aren't connecting.  The only solution I can think of is taking the chassis out and reattaching what's come loose.  Anyone else had problems with these screws???  I don't want to strip them but they won't budge.

Help!

Tim

jward, thanks for all the info.  I look forward to building a small layout and want to get it right to start off.  Im sure I'll make mistakes but with you guys help I can minimize that.

Thanks

Tim

OK got it, thank you guys so much!  Think I will either stick with DCC and maybe upgrade my existing locos if they're not too old.

BTW: Are there some DC that just can't be upgraded?

Tim

 So what is the benefit of running the DC controller through my DCC controller and operating the train, rather than just using the DCC controller alone?

Hello, thanks for having this resource, I am new to Model Railroading and I have some questions.

I was told recently by a fairly wise fellow that my DCC controller can burn out my DC trains on idle.  The track voltage is constant and I have to be careful.

I have a new Echo Valley DCC set and a few older DC locos, I want to include.  I also have ordered a 46605A DC controller from EBAY after seeing you could run it in through the DCC controller.  Bachmann even shows this operation using #10 as a DC controller.

My question is, do I have to still worry about burning my older DC locos out using this set-up, or does this rectify that situation.  I love DCC trains (especially my Southern Mogul that came with the set) but I also see some beautiful DC trains for a real bargain.  Plus I have the other two DC locos I want to run on my EZ-Track.

On a personal note, my grandfather worked for Southern Railroad and I'd love to see more Southern Rolling Stock and passenger cars, (especially the Southern Steam Generators like Rapido put out several years ago)

Thanks for your time!

RouxBDoo