Hi Jack from Star, Idaho.  Sorry I haven't got the pictures of my trestle yet but I need to figure how to reduce the picture size down on my digital camera.  The question I have is I purchased an MTH Cab Forward Locomotive and I was wondering if I needed to purchase the DCS Commander Controller that is supposed to connect between my NCE DCC system and the track?  My NCE system has the new upgrade to the added function keys can I just use that?  What is the advice that would best suit my needs...

Hi Jack from Star, Idaho, I have completed quite a large trestle project and I am about done with the scenery.  The trestle is seven feet six inches long (652 scale feet) and supports three main lines.  By the time I was finished I had over 3200 pieces installed.  The trestle has minature red led air craft marker lights (nine per side) and lighting shinning down on the rail line below it.  The trestle stands about 80-85 scale feet high.  I have added a lot of detail to include cat walks and railing on both sides, workers on the bridge and signallin

Hi Jack from Star, Idaho.  I have been looking at the UP HO Veranda with tender.  I have looked at the MTH with sound on board and the Athearn with DCC and Sound.  I was wondering if anyone has purchased either one of these and how well they performed.  I own both brands and like them both but I would like to choose the best one for the money.

Jack Strong

Hi Jack from Star Idaho.  Another question about the HO Bachmann Spectrum Shay.  I see all over the internet Spectrum three truck shays with and without sound ranging in price from $300-$400 and even higher at times.  However, Trainworld sells a Bachmann Spectrum 80 ton three truck Shay for $119.00 without sound and $199.00 with Tsunami DCC and sound.  What gives?  Is there a difference in quality between the high priced shays and the one Trainworld sells?  I purchased one DCC ready for $119.00 and I have had nothing but problem

Hi Jack from Star, Idaho.  I have a question about lubing a three truck shay.  Each truck has gears on one side and I was wondering what those gears should be lubed with or not?  I have not found any information on this so I would appreciate some good advice.  Thanks...Jack Strong