Where can I get one of these? http://www.bowser-trains.com/hoemrrs/mechanisms/3_204/3_204.htm Can I get it for resonable price? Also, is the motor isolated from the frame so I can install DCC?
Don’t know about where to get one, but just for the record, you don’t need to have the whole motor isolated from the frame - just the motor brushes.
Bowser products can be ordered directly from them at http://www.bowser-trains.com or through their mail-order subsidiary, Toy Train Heaven at http://www.toytrainheaven.com
You can get it from Bowser or Walthers, or anyone who deals with either of them. Bowser has them in stock right now at www.bowserorders.com for $75, but it looks like no-one else currently does. I’d suggest ordering one while you still can, or you may have to wait a while for the next run.
The motor is isolated from the frame, so DCC should be pretty easy to install. You’ll want a 2-amp decoder incase the motor were to stall, which I’m pretty sure won’t happen if you build it right.[:D]
Walthers is out of stock, it goes for $70
Trainworld has the improved GS4’s for $60. In this particular instance I think it makes more sense to just replace it.
That would depend on Bachmann’s definition of “improved.”
The new Bachmann GS-4s have better mechanisms than the original and Plus models, but I’ve heard complaints on the Bachmann forum about how bad their new colors are. After looking at some pictures, I think they’re right.
With a Bowser mechanism under there, an older Bachmann GS-4 will outlook and outlast a newer one.[:D]