I was trying to attach a couple of jpg files to a post.  The system tells me that the incoming folder at the site is full.  What gives?

PS I've sent a similar message to the administrator.

Any ideas?

Rich

Hello, my name is Rich.  I've been in the hobby since 1960, mostly in HO with excursions into N and G.  Some of my stock is Bachmann, with all the ups and downs that implies. 

My HO modeling revolves around a small to medium size DC layout with a good size collection of cars, locos, and custom decorated shells for same.  I've got about 5 shells for every powered chassis and change shells to change operating schemes.  When I picked up a half dozen Bachmann DCC diesels over the last couple of years (GP 30's and FTs) I have been working to move Athearn and Mantua F-unit shells over to the Bachmann FT chassis.  Now that I have been put out to pasture (retired), I can report that it can be done.

An FT-A chassis will fit an Athearn or Mantua F-7A if the front coupler hole is enlarged horizontally by about 1/16-inch (0.0625) on each side.  The Athearn steam hoses on the rear need to be removed to clear the rear coupler box.  Mantua never bothered with plastic steam hoses, so for either conversion just thread the front coupler of the chassis through the hole and drop the rear of the shell on the chassis!  That's it.

The FT-B is a little more work for both the Mantua and Athearn shell.  I got rid of the cast steam hoses on the Athearn F7-B.  No hoses on the Mantua F-7B so its over to the FT-B chassis.  This cast metal beauty is about 1/8-inch (looks like 0.1100 using Mr. Micrometer) too long for the B-unit.  My plan is to wrap and tape up the chassis and file that mother down to the scribe marks.

So there you have it--my transition to newer chassis for 30 year old models and another step towards Digital Control!

I already have a half dozen older Bachmann GP-30 shells and a GP-40 that have been modified to run on Athearn chassis, but I doubt that I'll be going in that direction.

My next transplant will be my Bachmann RDG 2-8-0.  I'm leaning toward tender power from either an Athearn SW-7 or a Bachmann switcher (44 or 70 ton).  I'm even toying with a cast Varney/Bowser tender shell for more traction.

See you all later!

Rich