Hi Bach-man,

have you had a chance to check on any new sets yet??  

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,30946.0.html

Regards, Bill

HI,

Another Christmas coming and we your loyal fans want to know if there are any special run sets for Big Box stores, Specialty stores etc.??

Anticipating

Loco Bill

Hi All,

Recently I was asked to help a fellow forum member post a photo here on the forum.  I thought I would share the response I sent him.

1 Open a Photobucket account and follow the instructions on uploading the photos you wish to share. Upload the photos  .

2. Open a new topic on the Bachmann Forum and type in the info you want to share .  Go to the next line

3. Open photobucket in a "new" tab leaving your forum tab open.  Once open scroll thru your photobucket library til you get to the photo you want.  Click on the photo to open it up.  On the right side of the screen you will see the share links list.

4. Scroll down to the "IMG" link and click on the space to the right of the "IMG" symbol. As you  click on it you will see the word "copied" flash briefly.   (In this case I clicked on an image of a Rail truck I added a freight compartment on and a scratch built trailer full of pigs )

5. Go back to the Bachmann Forum Tab and scroll to the space you want the picture to appear.  Click on the paste button.  You will see a line starting with a URL on your screen.

6.  Continue with any additional text you which to add, then click on the "Preview" button to check things out .  Your post should appear just as it will appear on the forum including the photo, when you  click on the "Post" button.

7.  Click on the "Post" button and you are done !


The picture appears on screen right where you placed it .  In this case I placed it at the very end of the post.




Hope this helps those frustrated trying to post photos.  One critical factor is very important.  If you post a picture in the forum and later delete it or even move it to a different place in your photobucket account, it will disappear from your post .

Added info:

The original picture in this first post is clickable and you will be able to view all the other pictures in my account.   This is something that is not a problem to me since the photobucket account I use is strictly for train photos which I have posted at one time or another or thought about posting.  Please feel free to click on it and look at all the photos in my account.   If you have questions about any of my other photos please post a new thread asking about them.

If your photobucket account has photos you do not wish to share, it is best you do not use my method. .  I suggest starting a separate photobucket account for posting your train photos here on the forum or possibly elsewhere.
I apologize for failing to mention that when I originally posted the procedure, since I had forgotten about it.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to forum members.   


Loco Bill

Updated June 10, 2021  Added latest info on PNP Big Hauler 4-6-0

Hi Fellow Large Scale Bachmann Forum Friends,
Let me start by saying that our beloved Big Hauler(Standard Line) 4-6-0 Locomotive with the latest most reliable Version 5 chassis has been produced for almost 21 years now. This is an amazing run for any model locomotive.  It is and remains a great locomotive.  These Version 5 chassis have been largely trouble free, but if you have one of those bought when they came out in 2000 and run it a lot it is very likely getting long in the tooth and may need repairs due to normal wear and tear.  Wear on the wheels, electric wipers, valve gears and motor along with high heat, rain snow and sleet, are all likely to contribute to a need for repairs. Nothing lasts forever!!   Much of what I say below also applies to the Anniversary (Annie) 4-6-0 as well. All information is Copyright 1990, thru 2021 by Bill Canelos All rights reserved.

REPAIR OPTIONS:

The first being send it in to the Bachmann service department for repairs after first contacting them to see your options.  If you do this for your Big Hauler 4-6-0 the cost of the repair is currently $110.00(check for current price)  You pay shipping to Bachmann and Bachmann pays shipping back.  In most cases they will install a brand new chassis or at their discretion "may" send you a complete new locomotive, it will have the latest Version 5 chassis.  This is not always the best option if you have installed aftermarket sound or converted your locomotive to radio control and battery power. That is why it is critical to call them first.  If you send in a Version 6 Anniversary 4-6-0 for repair you will get it back with a Version 5 chassis.  Bachmann does not have version 6 replacement parts or chassis at this time.

The second option is to replace the entire chassis and running gear by purchasing one from the Bachmann Online Store and and remove and replace your old chassis yourself.  The cost for a complete replacement chassis is currently $69.99 and 79.99(check for current price) plus shipping.  This method is very desirable if your locomotive tender is loaded with sound and radio control goodies and is not stock.   This is also strongly recommended because all the wheels running gear, gear train and motor are all new and completely assembled giving you for all intents and purposes a brand new locomotive from the motor and gearbox down.  This replacement is not very difficult if you take it slow and note how you took it apart.  I usually photograph things as I take them apart, putting the little screws and parts in sandwich bags labeling and numbering them as I as I go. This makes it easier when you put it back together.  An Anniversary 4-6-0 chassis currently sells for $79.95. The Anniversary 4-6-0 chassis with the metal siderods makes for a very nice update to your Big Hauler 4-6-0, and usually goes back together with minimal problems.  Sice at the time of this update the price for an Annie chassis is about the same as for the Standard Line Big Hauler Chassis, you might as well go for the Annie chassis. As noted above, there are no version 6 chassis, available, so all the chassis for sale by Bachmann are Version 5.  Even tho all chassis prices have almost doubled I still recommend chassis replacement as the best option.  I suspect that chassis prices have doubled because stock is finally being drawn down.  Once they are sold out, there will be no replacements, so you might want to get a spare chassis while you still can.  

The third option is to just replace the broken part, motor, gears, or whatever, yourself.  I generally do not recommend this because it is kinda like replacing the motor in a 15 year old car.  You end up with a great motor but all the other things are probably ready to fail anyway.  Also individual parts, especially small parts are hard to find, and pretty costly in their own right.  You can spend hours of research finding a gear paying big bucks, and finding it does not fit. There is also the fumble finger problem, I have been guilty of it myself.  This is when while fixing one thing you break something else.  Don't ask me how I know all this !  If you go this option it may be a good idea to buy a parts locomotive or two. The problem with this method is you can't always be sure the parts locomotive has the same motor and gearbox yours does because their have been 5 different chassis versions. see bottom of this post for chassis identification.

I recently responded to a private message from a forum member who has a Bumble Bee locomotive. He asked if I knew a source to buy just a motor.  I made the following response:::

"Are you absolutely sure the problem is the motor. If not test it by applying power directly to the two leads right at the motor to be sure.  I say this because motor failure is very rare with the 4-6-0, but does occasionally occur.

I do not know of a way to buy just the motor, but you can currently buy a replacement chassis with the latest motor and gears directly from Bachmann for a reasonable price.  It is an exact replacement for your your locomotive right down to the correct colors on the steam chests.  I recommend the complete chassis, because the locomotive in set 90025 has an older more problematic gear box. Replacement of the entire mechanism/chassis will over the long run be the best solution, provided you properly lube it from time to time.  You did not say which locomotive was giving you the problem, the older one or the newer one, but I still think the replacement chassis will be the way to go, since you will get an entirely new latest version 5 complete chassis.

The link to the item in the Bachmann online store is:

http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_69_671_669&products_id=4095  " Since this chassis is now sold out you would have to buy one of the other available chassis and paint the parts needing the orange color.  Or you could go with an Annie chassis with the correct colors in the following link:
https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_623&products_id=4079&zenid=7nt7ec3hlsj8trgrg0m1lfkto4

END OF RESPONSE to private message.

TIPS ON BUYING A NEW CHASSIS:
This Bumble Bee Chassis noted above will be an exact match for the locomotive in Big Hauler Sets 90025,90032,90057 and 90058 and have the cab number 177 178 or 179.  The matching Annie upgrade chassis is item number 81088

To find the chassis you want, start by getting the product number of the set you have. say 90024.  Go to the chassis selections in the online store and see if it is available by looking for a chassis with the same number and purchase it.  In many cases the exact colors on the chassis you want are not available or yours is sold out.  All the chassis are the same mechanically with only the colors, pilot(cow catcher), and switches behind the smokebox door different.  You can buy the chassis with confidence knowing that it will fit your cab and boiler perfectly. At most you will have to paint the parts to match the colors on your old chassis.  If the one you get has the old time long pilot, and yours has the short more modern pilot, it is a simple task involving only two screws to use your old pilot on the new chassis.  Be sure to check the switches behind the smokebox door on your locomotive before buying a chassis.  Some early 4-6-0's only had a smoke switch, while later versions have a second switch which allows you to change the polarity.  You can still use the newer chassis and drill out a spot on the front of the smokebox for the second switch, or purchase a new smokebox front with openings for both switches. I am trying to verify if Big Hauler chassis with the new front truck are available from parts. Same for the Annie chassis and will update as soon as possible.

PUT AN ANNIE CHASSIS UNDER YOUR BIG HAULER BOILER
If your old Big Hauler needs a new chassis and you want to put it on an Annie Chassis check out the following link for some great how to tips photos and video's:

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,37779.0.html


TROUBLE SHOOTING SOUND PROBLEMS

If your factory sound is not working, remember the loco must be in motion for the chuff chuff sound to work and there are no bell or whistle sounds.  The first step is to go to the manual and make sure you follow all the steps for turning on the sound.  Be sure you have installed a fresh battery (some new batteries are not great) under the tender hatch and the hatch is firmly closed so the battery is in full contact with the tabs at the bottom of the opening.  Make sure you have inserted the battery correctly(the polarity must be correct). Early versions of Big Hauler Locomotives only have a red on/off switch on the bottom rear of the cab. It must be in the down position(on).  Later versions of the 4-6-0 including the Anniversary 4-6-0 have the same switch on the loco, but also have a second switch on the bottom center of the tender.  This on/off/volume switch must also be on and up to full volume. Turn this switch clockwise to turn it on, keep turning it til it stops to get maximum volume.  Now run the locomotive and you should have sound.  

If you do not have sound, you can troubleshoot as follows.  Starting with the tender, disconnect it from the locomotive and carefully pull the plug(it will say sound)  for the chuff sensor from the locomotive.  Be sure a fresh battery is inserted correctly. Make a thin jumper wire and insert one end in one of the openings in the plug.  Now take the other end of the jumper and touch it into the other end of the plug.  If you hear a chuff sound, the problem is with the locomotive not the tender. If you get no sound check the following: Is the battery really good and inserted properly?  Is the volume switch under the tender really on?  If still no sound then you will have to remove the tender shell and check to see if the metal tabs under the battery compartment are making good contact with the battery.  Gently bend  the tabs up to make better contact with the battery.  Reassemble the shell and repeat the chuff test.  If you still get no sound the problem is with the locomotive or the sound board is defective.  Sound board failure is very rare.  Go to the locomotive and check to be sure  the red sound switch is on. If you still get no sound the problem is with the chuff sensor.  The chuff sensor is nothing more than a trigger for the chuff sound.  It is located on the rear driver and to get to it you must open up the bottom cover on the locomotive.  Before doing this triple check all the other options first!  Once the cover is removed or lifted up at the rear you will see the sensor drum on the rear driver axle. it will have metal bars going across it. You will also see two copper arms which must be in contact  with the drum to activate the sound.  if these arms are not in contact with the drum remove them and carefully bend them down and reinstall the arms.  If they are in good contact reinstall the cover you should get sound.  If after carefully rechecking everything you still get no sound the problem may be a sound board and you will need to replace it.  When you go thru the trouble shooting process do it in the order stated above.  If you have a multi-meter you can and should use it to make sure the 9V battery is good. Never use an old battery without testing it with the meter.  A low cost multi-meter is available from Harbor Freight Stores and even free at times with a coupon and another purchase. It is well worth the low cost.

BIG HAULER 4-6-0 DISASSEMBLY
courtesy of George Sheyer.  Thanks George!!

The Bottom Side

   Prop the engine on two scraps of wood under the cab roof so that it also rests on its smokestack. This prevents the whistle and dynamo exhaust from being damaged.
   The bottom cover comes off with four screws down the center line of the bottom cover. Remove all four screws
   Pry out the pilot support rods from the sides of the smoke box.
   Carefully lift off the bottom cover and place it sideways in front of the cylinder saddle.
   Put the long screw back in the middle of the cylinder saddle so that it helps hold the saddle in place.
   Do your work inside
   Reassemble in the reverse order. Be very careful not to pinch the wires to the lead truck when you reinstall the cover. Also watch for the hook at the rear as it tends to flop to the side and when in that position it makes getting the cover back on difficult.

The Top Side

   Pry the pilot support rods from the sides of the smoke box
   Remove two screws under the cab
   Remove two screws from the sides of the boiler near the lower center of the boiler
   Remove the long screw under the cylinder saddle
   Remove four screws from under the air tanks. The tanks will fall off.
   Carefully lift the shell off. Be careful about the wires to the smoke unit and headlight.
   Do your stuff
   Reassemble in reverse order.

CONCLUSION
I have droned on long enough on this subject, but if you follow this advice, I believe you will end up with very dependable locomotive, providing you properly lube it after each 10 hours of running with plastic compatible lubricants, with special emphasis on the points where the wheel axles enter the chassis.  If your side rods are binding stop your locomotive and find out why to prevent damage. If you need more help, post your questions as a forum item.




4-6-0 CHASSIS IDENTIFICATION:
   
Modified on June 10th 2021 Hi All Members,
Thanks to Adam, Teddy and RailMan63 a new chassis 5A and 5Bversion were identified. We owe them three cheers.  Reports also indicate that the new 5B  chassis may be available in the Bachmann parts store We will report more as new info becomes available.  Thanks to Stan Ames for his info on the chassis differences.  As a result we will call the new PNP Big Hauler 4-6-0 chassis Version 7
 
Big Hauler/Anniversary/PNP Big Hauler Chassis Version Identification by Bill Canelos  Copyright 1995-2021 by Bill Canelos All rights reserved.              
Version 1  1988-1990  Battery Powered R/C Units                              
Version 2  1990-1994  Smooth Bottom Cover  You can turn drivers by hand and motor will turn.                          
Version 3  1994-1998  Smooth Bottom Cover You cannot turn the drivers by hand.                              
Version 4  1998-1999  Large wide hump dead center between the rear drivers on bottom cover.                              
Version 5  2000-Pres  3/8th inch wide hump offset between the rear drivers and a plastic lubrication plug the size of a dime to the rear of the hump and has the old style slotted front truck. Has plastic gears and metal siderods.  The original Annie Chassis.


Version 5A 2000-present?    3/8th inch wide hump offset between the rear drivers and a plastic lubrication plug the size of a dime to the rear of the hump and has the old style slotted front truck. Has plastic gears and plastic siderods.


Version 5B  2012 -pres 3/8th inch wide Hump offset between the rear drivers and a plastic lubrication plug the size of a dime to the rear of the hump and has the New style swing front truck. Has plastic gears & siderods.

Version 6  2011-Pres  New Chassis for Annie only, has metal gears and new front truck.  It is identifiable only by the new front truck which is a floating swing style front truck rather than the old style which rides in a slot on the chassis.    Note Anniversary 4-6-0's have only Version 5 or 6 Chassis    

Version 7 2021-        PNP Big Hauler 4-6-0 --3/8th inch wide Hump offset between the rear drivers and a plastic lubrication plug the size of a dime to the rear of the hump and has the New style swing front truck. metal gears & side rods. The chassis has an all new Pittman motor, gear box and chuff sensor, and is visually identifiable as follows: All have the three window cab, metal Walschearts Valve gear, front rust color coupler, the firebox door on the backhead opens, and the loco has two sets of multi wire plugs between the loco and tender.  These allow identification of the loco even when separated from the tender. The tender it is identifiable by the new coal load and new trucks.  Has latest PNP socket  and a speaker in the tender.  Per Bachmann This is NOT identified as an ANNIE but as a new product in the Big Haulers line, so PNP 4-6-0 or PNP Big Hauler 4-6-0.

Note that the new 5A, 5B and 7 chassis ID is a work in progress and subject to change as new info becomes available.

                 
Note that the dates overlap and as of June 10th, 2021 have not been fixed more precisely, but all new sets introduced in 1999 with the VHS instructions have the version 5 chassis locomotive. As of this update the only known Big Hauler set Loco that is version 5B is North Pole & Southern #12 in set #90037 in the latest run only.                  
                             
All Big Hauler 4-6-0's manufactured after 2000 have the version 5 chassis, all new sets after 2000 have it as well.      

Loco Bill   

Hi All,

If you need anything at the Bachmann online store, you can get free shipping on orders of $50 or4 more.

Here is the link to the specifics and the coupon code.

I also noticed the some of the 4-6-0 chassis are on sale again for those who got left out when the sale went away last time.  This is the best ever with free shipping!!

Bill

NOTE: FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE, THE NEW POSTS AND UPDATES START ON PAGE 2.
Hi Bachmann friends!
 
I have had several requests for photos of my new layout under construction.  So I thought I would send out a little report of how things went thru Mid February.  If you have any interest I will go ahead and do a second report through March.

As some of you may know I have moved to Colorado.  Tore down both my indoor and outdoor layouts in Missouri and have a new railroad under construction in the basement and crawl space of our new home.  Tough starting over at the tender young age of 75, but it has been interesting meeting new challenges.  Moved into the new place in late November 2014.  

The first task was to finish the basement exterior walls with sheetrock and add electrical outlets every 10 feet along the walls.  I also brought in a new circuit for the new overhead lighting and a second for track lights along the aisles (someday)  I them surfaced the unfinished concrete floor with a gray epoxy paint.  I got this part done by Jan 15th.

I was anxious to unpack my tools and set up a workbench and add some shelves for my trains.  I found some good used base cabinets and added a laminate countertop which can be seen in photo 1.  I also put up some one by six shelving for trains as I unpacked them and set my parts cabinets up (on the right).  This was complete by Jan 21st.

Photo 1:

With this done I wanted to get some track laid so I could at least test my many loco's even if I could just go 10 feet.  Since I had my trackplan was ready, I went ahead and put up some benchwork to the left of my workbench which will eventually become my engine facility.  Currently it is in use as a very very small yard for test trains.  I use OSB board for a base and closed cell foam  and sound board for the roadbed.   I had to sort out all my salvaged track an make repairs to some of it.  After 15 years in the ground some of the ties on my outdoor track deteriorated very badly. and had to be replaced.  It was great to have a workbench and test track in place and really great to unpack all my tools I got this far by the end of the month.

Photo 2:

In early February I finally got going on a thirty three foot extension along the south wall of the basement.  It is shown with my Annie #97 some of my custom painted tank cars and a kitbashed shortened Bachmann 8 wheel caboose

Photo 3.

I had to make a removable bridge so I could get access to the water softener, Radon removal system, and basement sink shown in Photo 4.  It simply lifts out for the access.  I also had to make a lift out in the south east wall window well seenn in the distance for the fire escape access.

Photo 4:

I got this far by mid February and hung the mountain view poster as a reminder that some day there would be scenery instead of a wall mural.  Couldn't resist a photo with my version 6 #97 Annie posed in front of it (photo 5) and another of Missouri Western early RS-3 diesel at the same spot

Photo 5:  

Photo 6:

That is it for now, let me know if this is worth your time and I will post more.

Loco Bill

We have settled in well after our move and I finally got my basement ready for layout construction, and have started benchwork.  Unfortunately I have lost all  my specifications for track spacing,  bridge clearance for over and under tracks and tunnel portal clearances etc etc .   Somewhere online was a listing of all that information for 1:20.3, 1:22.5, and 1:29 which I had kept for reference. I have tried several searches but have had no luck finding it again.

Anyway I am hoping someone can point me to the link or related links so I can start track laying.  in the next few weeks.

Than ks,

Bill

My son did a weekend run on Friday from Denver to Reno on the westbound CZ and as I write this he is riding on Train 6 eastbound returning to Denver.  The train is running 6 hours late due to a fire on the brakes of one of the coaches.   The Train was about an hour east of Elko running on time when the fire was discovered when one of the two coaches filled with smoke.  The train stopped on the main and the crew put out the fire. The passengers in the coach were moved to the remaining coach.  After about an hour the conductor(assuming after discussions with management) decided to back the train three miles to a siding and cut out the coach. This decision was made because if the bad ordered  coach were to remain on the train it would have been restricted to a max speed of 40 MPH due the fact that there were not enough working brakes to allow faster speeds under the rules.

The rules also required that the last car in the train had to have all brakes functioning.  This set up and elaborate switching operation at this remote siding in the middle of nowhere because the last sleeper did not have all the brakes functioning.  My son's sleeper was the one with all good brakes next to the dining car.

When the train reached the siding the conductor decided to swap the sleepers first.  The train was running in the latest configuration of baggage, lounge, coach, coach, dining car, sleeper, sleeper.  The last sleeper was backed into the siding and cut off.  the second sleeper was then set out on the main.  They then went back and got the sleeper on the siding and backed it up on the main to couple on to the other sleeper putting my sons car last on the train.  All this time the ventilation and heat was disabled and the cars got pretty cold. At this point they uncoupled the two sleepers and the dining car leaving them on the main.  My son then went to the door on the diner hand had a good look at the remaining switching operations thru the window on the diner door.  They then set out the bad ordered coach.  At this point a UP maintenance truck showed up and assisted the Amtrak crew.  After the car was set out the baggage had to be moved from it to the remaining coach.  Since the coach had to be left behind, all the fluids had to be removed from the car to keep it from freezing up in the desert cold.  At this point they backed up and coupled up to the diner and sleepers. Once coupled up all the HEP cables and brake lines had to be reconnected and inspected under the rules before the train could proceed.  After all was in order and the train began to proceed it was over six hours late.

My son was excited at seeing all this action and is happy about the delay because he will now be going over soldier summit in the daylight.  He has already seen a Utah Railway train pass his train.  He was unable to get a shot, but the units were painted in the Utah Ry colors which was a surprise since they are using so many lease units.

So the train will get to Denver around 11 PM with only one coach, if there are no further problems, and some of the lost time is made up.   Due to the loss of the coach, passengers expecting to board at Glenwood Springs will be bussed to Denver.   As always on these trips we befriend the conductor and in this case my son did as well.  Turns out the conductor is on an Amtrak working group dedicated to improving service.  He told my son that the train has been rearranged because with fewer baggage cars and sometimes no baggage cars there were times when the sleeper passengers complained about diesel smell in their car.  Turns out that in many cases the baggage compartments in the Superliners are enough to accommodate all the baggage without the need for a separate baggage car.  So for now the lounge car will be first in the consist after the baggage car(if any)and the sleepers will be at the end of the train.

I wish I could have been with him on this trip, but have been stuck with following the train on the Track a Train feature on the Amtrak website and frequent cell phone reports.  Even at that it has been an interesting few days!

All you model railroaders who are into operations might have fun including this scenario into one of your operating sessions

Loco Bill

Hi Bach man, Yardmaster,

Is the large Scale 4-6-0 chassis sale over?  I could not find any at the sale price and do not want to mis-advise anyone on the forum.

Thanks,

Bill

Hi all, got back up on line today and if is good to be back with such a great bunch of guys and gals.

The move went well and unpacking continues!!

On the day of unpacking at my new home I looked out in the back yard and saw what looked like an outdoor train along the fence    I quickly learned my son found an old off brand G Scale train set and set it up on a short section of track just to pull my leg .

Now it is back to track planning and figuring out how to build a helix to get my trains up from benchwork in the basement up to the outside ground level and thru the side of the house via a vent that can be converted to a tunnel.  I will have to frame out the basement walls and get some sheetrock in along with some decent lighting, before I can start with the bench work.  the helix will be in a crawlspace that willlbe prefect for the purpose.  On my old layouts in Missouri they were too far different in height and distance to have them connected so I am looking forward to this new layout.   

Anyway if anyone has goood info on the geometry of building helixes, please let me know.

Thanks to all who gave me good wishes on my move!  I appreciated all your gracious comments, and it is good to be back with such great friends, especially those who help the newbies enjoy this great hobby!!.

Cheers & Beers

Bill

Dear Fellow Bachmanites,

I will be out of touch for a couple of weeks, and may not be able to respond to questions on posts I have made to the board.

Just wanted you to know what is going on with me, and don't want you to think I am being rude by not responding.

We will be returning to Colorado form Missouri and the trains are coming with. It is a big move for me and I have torn down both my large outdoor and my indoor railroad as well.
It is amazing what a large pile of trains I have been packing up to move.  67 years of collecting train stuff is a long time and I still have some of the trains from when I was a kid in 1947.

I do have a basement in our new home and I will build there first, but my son is pushing me to build outdoors again.  Maybe I will if I can get him to lay the track .  The hands and knees work has become somewhat difficult for me. My son has perfect track on his large outdoor layout and runs the full length California Zephyr on it with virtually zero derailments, so I have no problem with him doing the work.

Enough Blah Blah

See you all soon.

Cheers & Beers,

Loco Bill

There are new folks asking questions about the Big Hauler 4-6-0's.  I will re post the info for their benefit.

So you have a Bachmann 4-6-0 and you want to know which chassis version it has.  Here is how to tell.

Big Hauler 4-6-0 Chassis Version Identification  by Bill Canelos                 Copyright 2002-2015 by Bill Canelos All rights reserved.                  
Version 1  1988-1990  Battery Powered R/C Units                                 
Version 2  1990-1994  Smooth Bottom Cover  You can turn drivers by hand and motor will turn                                 
Version 3  1994-1998  Smooth Bottom Cover You cannot turn the drivers by hand                                 
Version 4  1998-1999  Large wide hump dead center between the rear drivers on bottom cover                                 
Version 5  2000-Pres  3/8th inch wide hump offset between the rear drivers and a plastic lubrication plug the size of a dime to the rear of the hump..                                 
Version 6  2011-Pres  New Chassis for Annie only, has metal gears and new front truck identifiable only by the new front truck                                 
Note that the dates overlap and as of Feb 1, 2012 have not been fixed more precisely, but all new sets introduced in 1999 with the VHS instructions were version 5                                 
The following sets released in late 1999 were Version 5 Chassis 90031, 90032, 90033, 90034, 90035 and 90037.                                    
All Big Hauler 4-6-0's manufactured after 2000 have the version 5 chassis, all new sets after 2000 have it as well.                                 
As of Feb 2012 Sets have version 5 chassis but all new Annies produced from late 2011 have the version 6 chassis it remains unclear if version 6 chassis will be included in sets at some future date         

Hope this helps.

Loco Bill

Hi All,

A week ago my friend Wade Colyer discovered a Bachmann Set previously not known by the group. The set was sold by a catalog store called Seventh Avenue with a home office in Monroe Wi. It also has two Brick and mortar stores One in Monroe and the other in Davenport Iowa. The set with the Bachmann number 90063 is a Christmas set.  The Loco #25 with "North Pole" on the tender has cab roof decoration and candles all around the top of the balloon stack.  It is an Anniversary 4-6-0 with Stephenson valve gear.  The Gondola is white with holly leaves and other decorations.  The caboose is a Bobber caboose with the words North Pole on the letterboards and the slant script Merry Christmas on the sides like in other christmas sets.

We do not know when this set was introduced or how many were made.  We need pictures of the box from various angles and pictures of any documentation showing the number 90063.

Any of you out there who can help with info on this set please help us out.   Wade and I would appreciate it.

I will try to post pictures we have soon

Bachmann does not announce these uncataloged sets and sometimes we wonder what other sets are out there we still do not know about.   I am hoping the Bach-Man can help us with this one.

Bill

Hi all,  

I thought it might be fun to get some videos of our Bachmnann Large scale trains posted.  Add a link to your personal videos but please lets keep this to Bachmann Products as the major feature.

Here is one on my Missouri Western indoor layout using the version six Annie and a kitbash from a bachmann 8 wheel caboose to a drovers caboose.   I will also be uploading a passenger train in the fog video.

http://youtu.be/KebZD9Gf818

Click on the link or paste the above into your browser.

Bill

As many of you know I have been doing my best to maintain a database of all Bachmann Large Scale Locomotives and Rolling stock.

My question is should I include the Lil Big Haulers and the Thomas product lines as part of the project?   

I have for the most part stayed focused on the adult aspect of the Large sale line, but if there is interest I would consider including them fully.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Loco Bill

Well the catalog for 2014 is out and I found it interesting to see that the new North Woods logger set 90122 has the Industrial Mogul as the power.

Looks like we also have a new painted unlettered coach which will be great for those wanting to add their own road name.    A new beer reefer and Dairy Reefer will also be available.

Nothing new in 1:20.3

There is still no announcement about using the version 6 chassis mechanism in the set 4-6-0's as new runs are made.

Here is the PDF for the catalog for 2014:

http://www.bachmanntrains.net/Catalogs/2014/2014_Bachmann.pdf

Cheers & Beers

Loco Bill

Hi forum members,  You may want to order these now that they are back in stock!

My thanks to Parts & Service for quickly shipping my Connie  brass gear and axle replacements. 
Glad they are back in stock with the other Connie gears.



Cheers & Beers

Bill

For those not getting emails from Bachmann.  Free shipping offer.

http://us.mg.mail.yahoo.com/neo/launch?tos=1&ncrumb=6XnnJyNWSpr#mail

Bach man, Yardmaster,

I just had to ask, will there be any special sets for retail stores this year?  Bass Pro, Boscov's, Sam's, or similar?  The Bachmann set collectors need to know

Thanks

Many of you may have not picked up on this limited time offer for 20% off on Bachmann Parts ordered online(min $50 order).   Coupon code "treat"

I cleaned out my list of parts I wanted and easily came up with the $50 minimum.

Get it while you can!