I just bought a brand new, in box Mikado. Now before you all start I know it is an out of production model. I had one before and loved it but had the same problem I have with this one. I sent it to Bachmann and they replaced it with a different model ($15.00)

This one I want to keep as they are my favorite so here's the thing. The gear train cracks on all of them, I thought I would try again but this one has the same problem. Why can't Bachman replace the gears to correct this problem?

Does anyone have a fix for the problem that is simple? I know of one fix but it involves a good bit of work. Is there any replacement gears available in metal? I have found this same problem in other steamers as well such as the 4-8-4's. I have a few Bachmann steamers and it scares me thinking this will happen to them all because of bad plastic gears.

Thanks for any help,
Jim