graveand

However, I appreciate that a) Bachmann doesn't sell direct (does Oxford? Doesn't look like it)

Oxford sell direct via their own website but always full list price unless you are a member of their collectors club and then not all items are available at discount

I have recently purchased some ETS trains from the Czech republic an impulse bargain buy from Ebay .

Some questions the locomotive is fitted with a sound system that I found annoying when run on DC I thoought it should have a switch to turn off the sound any ideas where ? I can't find it. at the moment snipped off one of the wires to the speaker in the cab

Seems to require a fairly high voltage to get started - lights on but no movement then it suddenly starts up. Is this usual or is the controller that i use at fault ?

The frame of the locomotive looks to be made from PCB type material - not metal as the ones on the ETS website is mine an early example and any instructions / advice on how to dismantle it for cleaning and oiling  ?

And finally I have a circle of ETS track but no points will ETS track work with Peco points ?

Overall I am very pleased with the locomotive it runs very well just the noise from the sound system got on my nerves after a bit.

any advice on the above appreciated

Looking at the proposed specification. Please BIG NO to the belt drive. I have had problems with this sort of drive before where the belt expands and unless some way is provided to reset the tension then all "go" is lost. A proper geared chassis with drive to all wheels please.