Here's an idea:

If they make Peter Sam and Sir Handel, then they should package with them a set of alternate nameplates, held onto the sides of the saddletanks by magnets (not sure if that would interfere with the motor, though), of their ex-Mid-Sodor monikers, Stewart and Falcon.

Likewise they could package an alternate funnel for Peter Sam, so people can alternate between Peter Sam's original funnel and his Giesel funnel.

Well, you CAN print your own decals (most custom decal companies have a minimum of 100-200 sheets, so the best way to get by on the cheap is to print them yourself).

Maybe this will help:

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=print+your+own+decals

Lionel produced some O Gauge Thomas stuff, but I am unsure if they still do...

I haven't seen videos of the new sound-equipped Thomas or any idea how this is accomplished without DCC (must be the same as Bachmann's Large-Scale non-DCC engines), but another addition IMO is to have the engines "speak" various catch-phrases while in motion, possibly reacting to changes in speed or something.  Just a thought.

Anyway, I agree installing a sound system in the tender is more practical than in a tank engine, although for simplicity's sake I am unsure whether the tender and loco should be permanently coupled or not (permanent coupling does away with the need to connect and disconnect wires between the engine and tender).

BTW:  The closest match to Catlin's prototype is a streamlined PRR K4s Pacific.  As for finding both a NYC Dreyfuss Hudson and a streamlined PRR K4s at reasonable price, I am clueless.  Try eBay or even scratchbuilding.

It is a fact that most western railroads burned oil.  The Northern Pacific was one of the few exceptions--most of their steamers were coal burners.  However, unlike eastern or Midwestern steamers, which burned bituminous (soft) coal, the NP burned lignite, a lower grade of coal, and for this reason NP steamers had slightly oversized fireboxes.

On a side note, a group is converting a former Santa Fe Hudson (originally an oil burner) to burn a coal-like biofuel that has the same heat value without the associated carbon footprint:

http://www.csrail.org/

The only thing I am wondering is if the fuel is compatible with mechanically-stoked locomotives.  Can the fuel "lumps" fit through the stoker without crushing, and if it can't, how will crushing affect the fuel's combustibility?

I thought this fuel would've been the perfect solution to UP's debate on whether Big Boy 4014 should burn coal or oil, until I learned about the loose ember problems they had with 3985 in the 80's.

It seems to me that the webpage worked.  Here's a direct link to the documentation:

General Info:
http://www.nwsl.com/uploads/S-CAB_cat_page_10.pdf
FAQ's:
http://www.nwsl.com/uploads/S-CAB_Q-A_V2.pdf
Battery Power Supply Info:
http://www.nwsl.com/uploads/BPS_2.4a_J30-catalog.pdf
User Guide:
http://www.nwsl.com/uploads/S-CAB_User_s_Guide_v2c.pdf
Certified Dealers:
http://www.nwsl.com/uploads/S-CAB_INSTALLER_-WEB_224.pdf
Part #/Prices:
http://www.nwsl.com/uploads/S-CAB_tsunami_PART_NOS.pdf

Recently, Northwest Shortline announced its S-CAB radio DCC system, allowing benefits of DCC without the costly infastructure.  It can be track- or battery-powered.

Imagine, not having to worry about dirt or dead spots. http://www.nwsl.com/S-CAB_Radio_DCC_Control.html

Quote from: Stepney the 'Bluebell' Engine on March 29, 2012, 03:17:17 PM
And yes, Reginald is indeed another fantasy character, named him after C. Reginald Dalby, who illustrated the first set of RWS books, I am working on two more locos the same class as Reginald, but names are to be announced later in the year.

Lemmie guess...the second one is "John" (after John T Kenney, the second RWS illustrator) and the other would be "Peter" or "Gunvor" (after Peter and Gunvor Edwards, the third illustrators).  Am I right?

Ain't gonna happen.  Bachmann doesn't wanna spend the extra time and money redesigning an already-existing product.  If you want a pre-Kipper Henry, I'm sure you can modify an existing Bachmann Henry yourself.

If you really want to have a pink James, buy a spare shell and paint it yourself.

And if you want to know the proper paint mix--One part Polly Scale Soo Line Red, One part Polly Scale Reefer White.

What scale are your models?  G or HO?  I know where to get G-scale chain couplings.

IMO, they should release Daisy before they release Lady OR Rosie.  After all, Daisy was THE FIRST female engine character in the series, right?

Quote from: BillingsRR on June 04, 2011, 01:05:17 PM
Gordon and Henry would be too large for little kids to handle. And they would not make any of Bachmann's 4ft curves because they are so large.

Agreed.  So next in line would probably be Edward or Toby or even Mavis.

Might I suggest synchronizing the Seuthe Unit to one of Soundtraxx's exhaust cams to get a convincing puffing effect?

http://www.soundtraxx.com/access/wiring.php