As you already know, #5 and #6 are your good choices.

I would be careful if you have 18 degree radius curves as well!

Cheers,
Joshua

I live along an old Illinois Central line. It's time I took some more interest into that. I've never been a whole Illinois Central railroad fan, but I've found some neat things. I never knew the whole story... I definitely knew the song, but if you have the time, it makes for a decent read.

http://www.watervalley.net/users/caseyjones/cj~long.htm

Enjoy! Makes me wish Bachmann still offered that Casey Jones set. 

Cheers,
Joshua

Not entirely sure about that, but I did do a quick Google Search and came up with this crack list of what I've seen Bachmann make in terms of NYC Boxcars:

- NYC 80854
- NYC 71270
- NYC 174182
- NYC 173861
- NYC 48222

Again, not a complete list. Can you include a link to the boxcar? I have had a lot of old Tyco and Bachmann experience in my life. My neighbor next door has about everything you can imagine from the classic old trainsets. I did directly Google that boxcar in the title and it came up with some mentioning of Tyco. Either way, Bachmann and Tyco boxcars were roughly of equal quality back then.

Though, I'm sure Bachmann has better customer service than Tyco did.

Cheers,
Joshua

I double post if I want to. lol

I found this decoder:
http://tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Products/Decoders/HO-Scale/M-Series/M-Series.htm

It works out with dimensions and won't take much to squeeze it in. What do you guys think?

Cheers,
Joshua

I just opened up my GP40 an did some measurements and concluded the TSU-750 is too large for my locomotive.

hmm, the hunt goes on. 

Cheers,
Joshua

Alright. So, I'm going to have a look around for another Geep.

Cheers,
Joshua

Good ideas. What type of Dremel bit would you recommend for milling the frame?

http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/750.php
^ do you think that will work?

Cheers,
Joshua

Hi all,
I would like to announce I've just started in N scale due to room limitations. I have started by buying the simple Bachmann train set, "Thunder Valley". It just includes an ATSF GP40, Penn Salt 3-dome tank car, Lehigh Valley 50ft boxcar, and a matching ATSF extended-copula caboose.

I'm surprised how small the E-Z Track circle is. I plan to upgrade to KATO Uni-track when I get the layout going.

My question is this... how can I install a DCC decoder into the ATSF GP40 to allow me to use a DCC system with it? If I can, I would like to have sound as well.

Cheers,
Joshua

Alright! That looks amazing.

Great work, I look forward to updates!

Cheers,
Joshua

CN noticed it hadn't had a steam program... they decided to start one up to promote new routes and their current customers.

---ONE WEEK BEFORE DIESEL TAKEOVER---

Quickly, in favor of publicity, they decided to purchase some of their steam locomotives back from Strasburg...

--Strasburg Foreman: Excuse me, but are you seriously trying to purchase my equipment?
--CN Foreman: Uh, yep. We are starting and promoting a steam program, and we though how nice it would be if we could have authentic equipment we used to operate years back... I'm sorry for the bombardment, perhaps just a lease?
--Strasburg Foreman: *shacks head* Tell ya what. We can see about an equipment lease... but I don't know. We make money with these locomotives. You better understand our prices don't come cheap.
--CN Foreman: Oh yes, we are willing to pay any lease offer your willing to propose. The promotional train is in a few weeks time, we would LOVE to have one of our steamers going down the main with the business train trailing.
--Strasburg Foreman: Good man. Let's go and get it on paper.

-----TWO WEEKS LATER-----

-> CN Foreman Calls Strasburg <-
- CN Foreman: Yes, um, we were supposed to get our locomotives about 2 days ago, what the h*ll is happening?

- Strasburg Foreman: We just got bombarded... these... locomotives! They came from no where, and stole our steam locomotives! We have no idea what has happened. They appear to be diesel locomotives, of the British sort. CCTV cameras aren't telling us enough right now... We need a search party. It appears the old diesels have... THEY have everything...

- CN Foreman: ... This isn't the end. We'll assist you in any way possible.

- Strasburg Foreman: CSX has been hit in Eastern Ohio... looks like they hit Texas, and West coast too. The whole da*n country!

- CN Foreman: Is there any way to preserve the steam locomotives...?

- Strasburg Foreman: ...it looks grim. Still no reports back from Fort Wayne about NKP 765.

- CN Foreman: Have any other railroads tried to salvage what they have?

- Strasburg Foreman: Reports from CSX say they're trying a steam program, but it looks grim. All their diesels sent out to retrieve the steams come back nearly empty! Nobody knows how this happened... All we can hope for is that we don't see the day of no steam.

- CN Foreman: So, have any groups been organized to strike back on the diesels...?

- Strasburg Foreman: It seems there's a rebel group formed from within CSX in Eastern Ohio...  It also appears there's a task force coming in straight from Sodor Isle... UK. No idea on ETA, but it they should be here soon.

- CN Foreman: Let everyone know, the Canadian National will support ANY and ALL rebels groups against these diesels.

- Strasburg Foreman: Will do.

-> Call Ended <-

With the Canadian National railroad now donating it's own diesel equipment to help rebel groups... it looks like h*ll on US Rails is about to unleash as the Sodor locomotives are inbound...

Cheers,
Joshua

I've seen old wooden offset cupola and bay window combos, but never a centered one! 

I'm learned something! 

WEEEE!!
A very slap-happy guy,
Joshua

Hmm, VERY interesting.

I wanna try to work with engines now... I wonder if...

DARN IT! I'm supposed to clean my room tonight, not try tinkering! 

Cheers,
Joshua

Additionally, the Decapods seemed to be plagued with problems... My friend has gone through nearly two of them!

First, it had electronic/mechanical problems. (would simply not move sometimes) Got a new one... this time, his friend knocked it off the table an snapped the pilot. 

I'm sure if that bad reputation spread...

Bad Rep = No sales
No sales = No more product!

Cheers,
Joshua

Yep does sound like it's not catching. Let us know what comes of your experiment. Observing goes a far distance when it comes to troubleshooting!

Usually, you would grind the points down a bit to help keep them smooth, but that isn't likely the case so do not do so. lol

If your product does appear faulty, I'm sure you can always exchange for a new one providing you are within warranty.

Cheers,
Joshua

My dad, being a mechanic, has tons of excess nuts and bits. I got the idea from a 2nd hand caboose I bought. You stack, and glue, lug nuts in the cars. Although, I wouldn't recommend this for open window cars.

I also find if I have a hopper with a live load, I have no need to weight it down!

Probably the best way to weight something small down is some good old lead. Not healthy, but man, its cheap and effective!

Cheers,
Joshua