Jim,

The features depend on whether you are interested in HO or On30 Scale.

From what I can tell, only the HO set is available with a red building.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=1209

Also, I believe Bachmann posted and identical picture for both On30 sets.  The picture is most likely for the United Traction set as I found a more fitting picture for the Christmas set.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/160-25017

I hope this is helpful.

QuoteI like the HO scale climax a bought from M.B. Klein, www.modeltrainstuff.com, in April of 2008.

QuoteI purchased one from M. B. Klein (modeltrainstuff.com) in April.  I had seen the locomotive in the morning, but when I went online to order it that night, it seemed as though if it was out of stock.  I emailed [email protected] and found out that they still had two remaining.  I would suggest emailing them. 

I like the HO scale climax a bought from M.B. Klein, www.modeltrainstuff.com, in April of 2008.

Aky13,
The engine's coupler should move freely when nudged from side to side.  If it doesn't, try loosening the screw which holds the coupler. 
I'm sorry to hear HO scale isn't working for you.

Quote from: Stephen D. Richards on June 18, 2008, 11:01:44 AM

Quote from: kevin2083 on June 18, 2008, 08:46:34 AM
I'm still going to go with the Shay. 

Amen to the Shays!          Stephen

Both the shays and climaxes are exceptional, I think.  I would be nice if bachmann made a heisler.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,5926.0.html

I was wondering if any manufacturer makes 9" radius curves in HO scale.  If not, how would you measure a curve if you made it using flexitrak, providing it doesn't snap when bent that much.

Thanks Bach-man, that's good to know.

I really like the shay!

Quote from: Santa Fe buff on June 20, 2008, 06:07:13 PM

Quote from: Paul M. on June 19, 2008, 10:57:08 PM
Believe it or not, Bachmann started out in 1833 selling turtle-shell combs....

And canes! It's all on wikipedia.

Wikipedia also says that Bachmann doubled the MSRP of its products.  Is that true?

A 36 ton heisler would be nice.

I don't own any Rivarossi engines.  They are about the same price as Bachmann Spectrum, aren't they?  Are they worth it?

I know this has been discussed before but I would really like to see a small Ho scale heisler.

Quote from: SteamGene on June 23, 2008, 07:29:51 PM
I would say that $130 more for DCC sound is a bit steep. 
Gene

The usual retail is $100 more.

Quote from: richG on June 23, 2008, 07:54:05 PM
Micro Mark still has the Shay with DCC/sound for $208.50.
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Department&ID=158&Offset=30

Rich

There add claims they sell bachmann three truck shays w/o sound and DCC for $94.95, but they choose the roadname.  (Not an option for me)

Quote from: NWsteam on June 02, 2008, 10:53:18 PM
Find me a brass shay that meets the following criteria:
   
-H0 scale
-class "b" (two truck).
-coal burning
-little or no tarnish/ maybe a paint job?
-trying to stay under 400$ mark but will go over if it looks good.
-need a picture with it to verify. I will not go on just words alone.

Sounds easy enough but I'm having a surprisingly difficult time.

I just found a Precision Scale 42 ton shay on M. B. Klein.

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Precision_Scale_Co_HO_16860_1_42_Ton_Coal_Burner_p/psc-16860-1.htm

I just found a great deal on M. B. Klein.  www.modeltrainstuff.com 

They are temporarally selling Bachmann Spectrum 3 truck shays for only 119.99.  I also saw bachmann shays with sound and DCC for only 249.99.

The Bach-mann responded to a post similar to this one.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,5859.0.html