I have "rediscovered" several athearn blue box engines from early '90's that I would like to super detail and convert to DCC.  I have read several articles about improving the Athearn drive train and was wondering if any one had any success stories or advice?  I have read that replacing the steel wheels with NWSL is one of the best things.(?)  Thanks.

Found an old Tyco Praire kit cheap.  I have started the construction, which, as with all my locomotives, will end up with some heavy detailing and kitbashing.  To start with, the short Tyco cab has to go, replaced by a modified Roundhouse 0-6-0 cab.  The generator will move back, the boiler front will be replaced, and the bell mounted on the front, over the headlight on a headlight bracket. The injectors will be brass and starter valves will be added, as will be cab and tender railings, airlines, sand lines, and a coal pusher in the tender.

HI All,

Was looking at getting a couple of Intermountain passenger cars for the fleet and was wondering if anybody has them firstly, and secondly what has been you experiences operating with them.  Importantly how do they track through 28" curves (minimum), and handle #6 turnouts?

Also how do they rate with quality, build and lastly but not overly important prototypical appearance.

Thanks in advance,

Jas...

I am currently in search of a big HO train shop in the Portland. ME to Boston, MA area; my good local ones have just gone under, and the survivors are fine places, but limited (One focuses on O-Gauge, with minimal HO, and the other is a Hobbytown, USA.  I'm looking for a big place that will have a large variety of more esoteric stuff.

Also, does anyone know of a English Language site that sells Bachmann Liliput trains, online or physically?