Thanks, strip.....just might see about adding a spring.  That sounds like it could work...

Thanks for the reply, Keith.  I love my 'J's" and I have got to figure out what is causing them to derail.  The lead trucks are so light weight that I thought maybe I could add some extra weight to them to keep them on the track.  I've checked wheel spacing and track alignment and all seem to be correct. 

Hey, guys...here's a question I can not find an answer to anywhere.  I have 14 J Class locomotives on my layout.  The track radius is correct for this model, but the front trucks are a pain in the butt because they continually derail on some of the curves.  My question:  is there some way to add weight to the front trucks so that they will lay a little heavier on the tracks?

Just installed a Tsunami 750 (heavy steam) in a Bachmann Spectrum J Class 4-8-4.  Took me about 3 hours total.  I'm a novice with soldering and with DCC, so I'm a little cautious (another word for slow...lol).  It was definitely a challenge, but I am satisfied with the job.  I used the capacitor as well, so I hope that was the smart thing to do.  I have not tested it yet.....too tired now.  Will test tomorrow and post the results.

Many thanks to Robert for an excellent instructional on how to do this.  Without your awesome information in laymans language, I would have failed miserably.

Hey, Tony.....thanks for the info. I have placed the 'J' on a test track and it runs.  However, the main drive wheels seem to separate from the frame.  Is this normal.  The forward and trailing trucks seem to be functioning normally.

I am such a newbie to the world of N gauge model railroading.  I am just getting started on  my layout which will reflect the city of Chattanooga, TN and the surrounding are during the 1950-60's.  I have several older Bachman steam locos that I would like to convert to DCC.  Does anyone have information as to how to do this for the standard Northern 4-8-4?
Also have a Norfolk and Western Class J that I would like to convert.

Thanks