One thing I could add to the conversation would be to add casters to the bottom of the legs. This would make it possible to move the table or tables out from the wall so you can access the back side of the layout. Also you mentioned that you would be in an apartment and this would help to lessen the wear and tear on the apartment floor and walls.

I appreciate all the responses to my question, my goal is to convert all the cars and the engine to something better than the hook and loop setup that they have. The issue for me is that these hook and loop couplers don't stay connected to each other very well and are always uncoupling. Initially I thought the problem was with my track but other train sets that use knuckle couplers don't have this issue. So whether it be knuckle or something else would be just fine as I intend to run this train set complete. I am just trying to come with something that would work better than the current setup. Thanks

I would like to convert the hook and loop couplers on my Hogwarts Express train. Does anyone know what knuckle coupler conversion kits I would need to do the job? The Hogwarts train is from a Bachmann set from 2001.

I sell new and used model railroad products at Model Train Shows in our area for the hobby shop I work for. So I get to visit with hundreds of customers on a given weekend, their input is priceless whether it's positive or negative. It helps you as a seller understand what customers are looking for and what they have experienced with products they have purchased. Yes I agree that negative comments are hard to hear but its still important if you want to improve your products or provide quality products to customers. As far as Bachmann products are concerned I hate to say that most seasoned model railroaders tend to steer away from Bachmann and venture over to other manufacturer's products. I hear this over and over at the shows, I myself love Bachmann products but I have to also understand that it's not what I like but it's what the consumer wants that's important. I think Bachmann makes great engines, whether steam or otherwise. I do think their EZ-Track products need improvement especially the turnouts. Anyway thats my input if it helps.

I wasn't aware of the term pilot refering to what I know as a cow catcher. Thanks for the info, what I did was search on Bachmann's parts page on this site for all parts available for that model. What is nice about Bachmann's parts search is that they include a photo of each part. So I was able to determine from the photos that what I am looking for is unavailable, or so it seems. Thanks for all your help anyway. I will see if maybe I can repair the part in question. I just thought it would be easier to just replace the damaged parts.

Yes, I can get the pilot but the cow catcher is a separate piece.

I have a Bachmann steam locomotive model #50904 which is a 2-8-4 Berkshire, I need a cow catcher as mine was damaged from a fall. When I search on this site for parts the cow catcher is not listed on the replacement parts list, however there is a similar looking cow catcher for the 2-10-2 steam that is available. Does anyone know if this part would fit my model? The pilot truck was also damaged and I was able to locate the replacement on this site. Hopefully someone can help me. Thank you.

You know Ken that was a really good tip about using a 9 volt battery. I have always used an inexpensive power pack and a few pieces of track. However its not too expensive to purchase a used power pack and an oval of track. We sell used power packs for about $3.00 and track would probably sell for about 50 cents per piece.

Thanks for the ideas and links, I will research those. What we do is run the carnival train at train shows so having the clowns looking out from one of the boxcars is an idea one of our club members had. I'll pass on the thought that clowns are not clowns until showtime.

Thanks for the information Bill. Yes these are run on the floor and I'm guessing about 20 ft x 40 ft for the outer loop.

I need to find some clowns that will fit into the boxcars of the Emmit Kelly Carnival Train that Bachmann sells. So far my searching has gotten me nowhere, I find clowns that are either too small or too large. Does anyone have any ideas where I can find the clowns I need?

I recently became a member of the Texas Transportation Museum in San Antonio, with that membership I also recieved a membership to thier G scale model club. I've been modelling N scale and HO scale for quite some time but G scale is a new venture for me. The club seems to be having a power drop off on the layout they take to model train shows. It seems like a simple set up, 5 independent loops with no grade inclines of any sort. However they seemed to have had a lot of issues with lack of power during the last show. They dont run multiple engine consists, usually a single engine with about 10 cars is the norm. I would like to help remedy this issue for them. Is there a big difference in the power requirements on a G scale layout compared to HO or N?

Boy it doesn't take much to tick you guys off does it. Look I understand what you are saying and I give Bachmann credit for standing behind their products they way they do. I wouldn't be buying Bachmann products if I didn't think they made good products. Still the wording as to their policy is misleading in my opinion, now keep in mind this is MY opinion, that doesn't mean that I am right and you are wrong or vice versa, I just feel that to offer a lifetime warranty whether it be full or limited and then charge a fee to use it isn't a lifetime warranty but a limited warranty. And to offer repairs or replacement beyond that warranty time for a flat rate fee is just good business. Bachmann isn't the only company that does that, there are several companies out there that offer repairs of their products for a flat rate fee and they don't call it a lifetime warranty but rather a "flat rate repair fee". I won't mention these companies names but will say that they are in the automotive tools business.
    I didn't mean to create a big issue I just wanted to offer my opinion on the warranty issue. I buy Bachmann products, I will continue to buy Bachmann products because I believe in them. I also recommend Bachmann products especially the Spectrum Series.  I apologize if I offended anyone.

I'm sorry ACY but that last comment you made makes no sense at all. I work in a service industry and something that has a warranty is repaired free of charge and along the same token if that item were not under warranty then it would still be repaired at a cost to the consumer.

After reading the posts on this thread, I got curious about what Bachmann's warranty policy is so I went to the service link on this website to see what exactly is the policy. It was interesting to say the least, they claim to offer a "Limited Lifetime Warranty" however if your unit is over one year from the purchase date they require what they call a "nominal fee" to have your unit repaired or replaced. How is this a lifetime warranty? Is it covered for life or isn't it? In my humble opinion a lifetime warranty shouldn't come with a required nominal fee. A good hotshot lawyer would have a field day with this one. Bachmann needs to change the policy to reflect what it is they offer, a ONE YEAR warranty with a fee for repairs thereafter.