I think many of you are overlooking the real problem.  While working in Richmond, IN a while ago I visited a brand new hobby shop in the downtown area.  We talked about a new steam locomotive I was interested in  but the owner said he won't even carry it in stock.  Why?  because his "wholesale" price from the distributor was HIGHER than what the mail order places were selling it for.  The problem is not the hobby shops but the manufacturers who have different price structures for different customers. This puts the locals guys at a distinct disadvantage.  If all retailers paid the same price for their products they could compete with mail order.  Bachmann is guilty of this.  Just look a Trainworlds prices in Model Railroader and the banner on top of the page: "Bachmann's Top Dealer".  I plead guilty of using mail order when I can buy a new Bachmann American Freedom GS4 for $100 less than the local hobby shop.  Sales tax and shipping can't make up that much difference and waiting is not a problem.  I have to wait for the week-end to go to the hoibby shop anyway so if I order on a Monday I usually have it by the week-end or following Monday.  The mail order guys have quick shipping down to a science.

The Dynamometer car's spring must be really tight.  The 44 tonner didn't move the gauge at all.  I held the car while the loco pulled but the gauge didn't budge.  I did the same with a much heavier road diesel and it moved the gauge about one notch.  Not very scientific just for comparison purposes.

Hmmmmm.  Some time ago I bought a Walthers Dynamometer car with the little graph inside.  It looks nice on the shelf.  I'll see if will earn its keep and let you know.  Going out.  Happy New Year!!
LIRRMAN

I had to take a quick run down to the train room to see what couplers I used on my lighted Spectrum heavyweights.  I used #5's on all the cars and they worked just fine.  Don't tighten the screw too much. Play with them as you install.  The only car that did not have a swivel couple was the platform end of the obs.  Take care.
LIRRMAN

Yampa Bob
Thanks for your reply.  My little 44 tonner is light and the passenger cars have wipers on the wheels for the lights so they may be the equivalent of 10 40' freight cars. The passenger wheels are not that free-wheeling.  Thanks
LIRRMAN

Yampa Bob:  Did you ever receive your GE loco.  How did it pull.  If you recall mine had difficulty pulling 2 lighted Spectrum heavyweights.
LIRRMAN

Try this site.  It may or may not have your particular loco but it's a great site to spend time on.  Let me know how you do.
LIRRMAN

www.hoseeker.net/lit.html

Interesting show but I'm not hard of hearing.  My ears are still ringing.  That guy sounds like a used car salesman.
LIRRMAN

I know this is a Bachmann site, but does anyone know how to remove the shell of the Walthers Sperry Car without breaking off every underframe detail
LIRRMAN

Since I have a Hogwarts Express my wfe bought for me a few years ago and the last post mentioned e-bay I decided to have a look to see what they were selling for.  Only three for sale, around $50.  What got me curious though was all three e-bay sets had only two passenger cars.  My set had three.  My wife buys me train stuff, some I use some I dont.  Is the 3 passenger car set some sort of special release?
LIRRMAN

Reply to Yampa Bob:
When you get your 44 tonner let me know how it pulls.  I don't think pulling two Spectrum Pennsy HW's is asking too much.
LIRRMAN

I just recently purchased the yellow undec  44 tonner.  Plans were to use it to shunt passenger cars back & forth in the terminal.  Usually one or two passenger cars.  Unfortunetly it won't even pull TWO! (Spectrum HW original Pennsy with lighted interiors).  Maybe I can add a little weight.  I'm not as impressed as you are with the pulling power - or lack of it - of this unit.
LIRRMAN

Walthers offers an inexpensive FA for the Long Island.  The C-Liner with the billboard numbers on the nose is, in my opinion, the signature diesel locomotive of the LIRR after the Pennsy built G5s 2-6-0.  For passenger cars I painted several undec. Athearn heavyweight coaches gray and they fit the bill rather nicely.  I don't know if Athearn still makes the HW passenger coaches.  I've found them hard to get.

LIRRMAN

Canadian (Yes, Canadian) Model Trains carries True Line Trains which produces a beautiful Alco C-liner for the LIRR with the large billboard numbers on the nose.  I bought one and it runs like a charm.
LIRRMAN

That's great information.  Is there such a site for the Sperry Railcar?
LIRRMAN