Thank you for your help kaisutha, I will check into the possibility of MB Klein, My railroad is still early in the construction process, with track-laying being the principle activity right now, so I do not need to fill up my roster just yet. Thank you nonetheless.

I do prefer to buy from a physical hobby shop whenever possible, and I am somewhat wary and intimidated by online shopping or even mail-order distributors. I am a freelancer, so the factory painted roadname is of no matter.

Hello,

I was just wondering when, if at all planned, the next run of n scale 2-8-0 spectrum line consolidations would be release. My growing railroad requires a significant roster of them (six actually) and so far I have only been able to find one from a local hobby shop. Any hobby shop I have gone too has insisted they cannot get any of these locomotives from any distributers because they have been out of production for so long. Is this true and if so, when can I expect the next run?

Dear Mr. Bachmann,

I have recently purchased one of your n scale spectrum line 2-8-0 consolidations. I have since equipped the locomotive with an nmra dcc decoder and modified the external shell  of the tender and locomotive for the sake of appearance. The locomotive has sense failed to operate properly as it did before any of my modifications or even after the installation of the decoder.
This degradation of operation started after I test ran the locomotive with the decoder installed and apparently when I secured the decoder to the frame of the locomotive and replaced the modified shell.

The locomotive is now beyond my ability to repair and I wish to send it to bachmann for servicing, but I wish to retain my modified shell.

Is this possible and what should I do?

Thank you for your help in advance,

ncc1701

Does the spectrum on30 steam porter locomotive come as dcc ready, meaning that only a decoder is required for a plug-in connection?

I noticed that it was not listed as dcc equipped. Any assistance would be appreciated.

NCC-1701

I know a friend through my local hobby shop that recently purchased a brass import of a Q2 (4-4-6-4). I took it that it was an older run and this was a refurbished model. It has given him FITs!
The model takes a 48" RADIUS to turn 180 degrees. Also, this friend detected a short in the unit which caused it to move slowly even while the throttle was completely stopped. If you are desperate enough, you could try to find one, but be aware, this fussy locomotive.

Why would you want such an engine anyway? It was known as a horrible performer because it had such a long driver wheel base. Only on the plans did it perform adequately, and thats why they drew up the Challenger.

     You mean they discontinued that light mountain?!! Thats a shame. A guy I know has one weathered very nicely. I even considered buying one at one time. I wonder why bachmann discontinued it?

     To all who have volunteered advice, I thank you. I haven't been on the web lately, but i discovered by putting the locomotive through her paces on the loop that the clicking sound slowly disapated after each driver revolution and concluded that it was part of the break-in process as it has not returned since.

     As for the headlight issue, I discovered that the led was simply very dim. I as considering replacing the headlight.

     Again, thanks.

Has bachmann considered manufacturing models of Donald and Douglas. Both engine and tender shell could come from the same tooling, and the 0-6-0 running gear would be virtually identical to Thomas, as well as James; minus the lead trucks.

Even so, those prices on ready to roll express coaches are nothing compared to what you would spend for north american heavy weights.

To anyone that has experience with bachmann sound-equipped steam locos; I have a few questions for you.

I found a bachmann k4 with sound. It's the old 1920's original paint scheme. The loco is new, and is for sale by a bachmann hobbyshop dealer. I ran it on the test track but was confused by a clickity click sound made by what I believe to be the motor. Can or will this sound go away after break in?(it's been is the window case for a while) and is the the headlight pickup on the last set of drivers?

I would appreciate any help anyone can give and I thank you.

A word on track: EZ-track does not make for a good permanent layout. In my opinion, you should check into flex track with roadbed separate. What you have is good for a temporary layout, so it's up to you.