For anyone interested, "The MDC Shay Handbook" has been re-released by Jeff Johnston and is for sale on his website for $29.
The old version is still available for $150  or so, depending where you look. Guess I'll get one, since I have questions...
Its reportedly a necessity if attempting that kit build.

Hello to all from Memphis! I'm looking at this on Ebay: 
HO/HOn3 ROUNDHOUSE 2 TRUCK SHAY KIT WITH STRAIGHT BOILER WOOD CAB WISEMAN MODELS. 
Has anyone attempted this kit? Maybe there are Youtubes regarding it. Just looking for opinions on feasability. 
I'm wanting to do HON3, not sure about the track/code yetAnd, is it doable to install DCC/Sound in this with an appropriate decoder?
And, is it doable to install DCC/Sound in this with an appropriate decoder?
I guess I'm really asking six questions, have not even researched it, just looking for ideas! 

Someone tell me I'm crazy...
Thanks!
Cid

Good Friday morning on the Leetown Division.

   

Ok here is a question that I need answered before I place an order. Has anyone ever used the Testors Easy Lift Off Paint & Decal Remover? I need to remove paint off two of my engines so I can get them ready for paint. My other engines I didn't have to remove the paint because the paint covered everything up. The two shells I have didn't work out as planned and you can see the lettering and decals. I know some have used brake fluid and other things but I need something that wont damage the shell. 

Thank You

Hello All,

Since CSX got on the band wagon and has been painting their heritage, I figured why not start a thread for those that have caught them out and about. Sadly I am to far north to be able to get any pictures of them. The closest CSX main to me in Sandpatch grade and that's over an hour away from home. But that's neither here nor there. I know some don't like how CSX painted their engines but each railroad is different. Anways, if anyone has pictures of them please post them for us to see since we have threads for other railroads that have heritage units.

A GE 8-40C heads up the coal train for the Perch Cove Power Plant.

Bruce

   

here a couple of shots of the Tichy bridge with added walkway. the walkway is just a Tichy steel car walkway with Tichy strap railings added.
Jim

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Rounding Bonnie's bend    
Charlie

Charlie someone gave these two cars to me they are both old Athearn kits the prr one was one where the doors and rummers were unpainted they both need a little tlc you stated on one of your posts you liked unusual markings so say the word and they are yours.
Jim

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Hello all -

I recently picked up a 25+ year old Bowser 2-8-0 kit.  It has the DC-71 open frame motor. 

The kit has gone together well so far, but upon opening the motor I noticed lots of "magnetic dust" on the magnet.  I cleaned as much off as I could by vacuuming and compressed air.  Upon bench testing the motor detached from the chassis, it is overloading my Tech II power pack almost instantly when I get above 1/4 throttle.  When it overloads, the motor is very hot (more than just warm - but not to the point of smoking). I know these motors are current hogs, but I think this pack should be able to handle it.  I cleaned the commutator and brushes, and the armature spins freely.  The armature does not look damaged at all from a mechanical standpoint.  I tried replacing the magnet with neodymium magnets, but the result is the same.  The motor otherwise starts fine and runs smoothly at low speed.

Anything else to check here before I call this motor dead?  I may fiddle with the spring strength on the brushes, but the only other thing I can think of is that the armature has a short somewhere in the windings.

Thoughts?  I contacted Bowser, but if I have to replace the motor I will probably upgrade to a can motor to reduce current draw.