Always apply decals to a cleaned then glossed surface. I usually apply a gloss coat, then decal, then a second gloss coat before final finishes.
NJ John

Thanks for the input ACY. I am still looking for a picture to positively vet these numbers before I change them on the models. I saw a picture of 975 in phase III paint, one of a few supposedly.

Any help would be appreciated.

Hi All, yesterday I purchased a Bachmann Amtrak E60CP #976 item 65506 in PH II paint at a train show. Is 976 a valid number for this model?

My research indicates there were 26 E60's numbered 950 to 975, that's 26 units.

I also saw a Bachmann E60CP #978 item 65507 in the PH III paint at the same show.

Am I missing something or did Bachmann goof?

John B

Usually the price of older brass plummets when a model comes out in plastic. Case in point, just saw an Alco Models C-430 custom painted NYS&W go for $99.00 on Ebay. Paint job was passable. There is another on Ebay for a second time with the price dropped from 135 to 125 and still no bidders. An Alco Models E-44 in pieces just sold for 200, but the E-33 for 100 was passed up. I buy older brass with issues to restore. Waited since 1972 for an EM-1, passed up many Akane EM's because of the price or condition, Thanks Bachmann, my pair with sound are fantastic.

John B

Hello all, interesting responses to this post. We all have our wants and desires. I would suggest that one large, three medium, and two small locos would be a reasonable ratio for a company to consider when selecting models to produce.

I suggested another 2-8-8-4 based on the lack of this type until Bachmann did the EM-1 and similarity of the running gear.

Re: these large locos looking silly on model curves, there must be a lot of us who live with all those 4-8-8-4's, 4-6-6-4's, 2-8-8-2's, 2-6-6-4's, 2-6-6-6's, 4-4-4-4's, Q2's, 85' passenger cars, 89' Auto racks, 89' TOFC's going around our layouts.

I also recognize the need for smaller equipment for those with small and medium layouts, or who model RR's that did not use large equipment.

Beside the 2-8-8-4 I would also suggest to Bachmann that they consider Harriman 2-8-2's and 4-6-2's, Babyface Baldwins, Baldwin transfer locos (PRR), reasonably priced passenger cars.

Any equipment that has not been done in plastic should be considered. My main concern is pricing. The incredible detailing and electronics has driven pricing up drastically. What was once a blue box kit is now a $100 caboose. A 10 car passenger train is almost a grand. Realism costs I guess. I do not require that amount of realism. I still run Rivarossi passenger trains and tons of blue box kits, which I still enjoy building. I still run my N&W doubleheaded Rivarossi Y6b's with NWSL Aux tenders.

We all need to keep expressing our desires and why we see certain prototypes as models. Remember the models have to sell.

Today at my friends layout I used my new Athearn SD-40-2 N&W 3329 Maersk to push the coal train with another friends 4-8-8-4 on the point up the helix. I told him if he changes the locos # to 4014 we might be more prototypical in the near future.

I will assume the EM-1 is considered a successful model, but there are still other 2-8-8-4's that could be done. DM&IR M3 and M4's and SP AC-9's. There are a lot of ore cars waiting for one. (I have 40 myself).  I think an SP AC-9 would also be very popular. Anyone ever see a picture of an AC-9 double with a Cab Forward??

My EM-1's are great.  They doubleheaded my friends 33 car 100 ton (resin loads) hopper train up his approx. 30 inch. R helix at (2.2%) without slipping and moving at track speed.

I plan on trying the same with doubleheaded Bachmann C&O 2-6-6-2's (H-4 and H-5) on the point and maybe my PFM H-6 pushing. I have run all 3 in DC on my test track successfully! Need to paint and DCC the H-6.

Looking forward to The new GG-1.

Mr Bachmann, I know the E-33 was not the best seller as far as models go, but with just 10 original locos built for the Virginian and then second hand status for the rest of the roads they plied, I can understand that.

66 locos for the PRR as the mainstay of freight service on Penn electric lines is another story altogether.

Check out sales of brass E-44's on Ebay, you will see what I am referring to. I purchased an Alco Models E-44 in 1972 and another from Ebay 3 years ago. I keep looking for another bargain. I also have 2 Bachmann New Haven E-33's and would purchase E-44's.

I have pictures I took of PC E-33's only because they were among E-44's and GG-1's in Kearny, NJ.

John B

Hi, have you tried a factory default reset?

John B

Re: addressing Locos: FYI
Two digit addresses are from 1 to 127. Four digit addresses are from 0001 to 9999.  124 is a two digit address, 0124 is a four digit address. On a NCE cab 0124 shows as *124. Keep in mind that two digit addresses are also used as consist addresses in CV 19 and in your system. If a consist was built using 124 (default is 127, 126, 125, 124 etc) and is still active in your system or the consist was not deleated you my have a conflict in your system.

John B

Just a bit of FYI. The C&O (2-6-6-6) H-8 has been done in other than brass. Rivarossi did one in plastic, still available and previous run on Ebay. Also you my see the Arbour Models kit on Ebay. The Bachmann H-5 2-6-6-2 is still available on Ebay, and once in a while a PFM United H-6 2-6-6-2 shows up also. The H-7 2-8-8-2 has only been done in brass.
I vote for more yellowstones, DM&IR M3 or M4, SP AC-9. Harriman med steam.
I have also noticed that alot of items previously in the bachmann on line catalog been deleted. Especially non DCC equipped locos.
John B

Hi all, still hoping for more 2-8-8-4's. DM&IR M3-4's and/or SP AC-9.

John B

Did you check out Smokey Valley Products

Thank you for this great engine. I will be stopping at my local hobbyshop tomorrow to order one, maybe 2. Hoping for DM&IR M-3 or M-4, I have 40 ore cars waiting for one. Also consider SP AC-9 2-8-8-4, also 63" drivers and similar cylinders. Nice alternative to all those cab-forwards.

John B