Hi

I'm looking at finally getting around to upgrading my fleet of locos to Dcc sound over the next 12 months.

All look possible to convert, but I have concerns having enough air around the decoders on two switching locos (emd model 40) yes it can be done.

Any thought on the minimum amount of air / clearance around a decoders?

Hi all, 

I have managed to get a Bachmann S-4 in SP tiger stripes from a guy here in the UK. My goal is to repaint it in scarlet and grey to make it fit my era. 

Apart from disassembling the engine, how do I continue?
I have learned to work with decals, just need to get them. 

How do I strip the original paint off? Seen that this is N scale and a rather small switcher, is hand painting after masking off doable?

I have spent several hours over the last month pulling up each of the 48 insulfrog turnouts on the staging level to insulate the frogs.  This was fairly easy but tedious as I use track nails to hold down my turnouts and I do not solder them to the incoming or outgoing tracks.

When the Mrs. asked what I wanted for Father's Day I already had the answer - An Athearn Genesis GP38-2 with Tsunami sound!  And I knew right where to get it at a great price - from TrainMasters Hobby in Buford, GA (my old stomping grounds).  They have a wonderful store along with a nice website and ebay presence.  The loco came in today and here's a picture of it on my layout in one of the started scenic areas: (PC users can click on the picture for a larger view).