I'm wondering if perhaps, just perhaps, we got an early run of the 2-8-0's that may have "gone bad" just by sitting on the shelf?  I see that all Bachmann 2-8-0's are now DCC equipped.  Mine wasn't...

If it's fairly new--return it.  That's what I did.  It's 100% covered under the warranty for the first year.  Providing of course you've saved your receipt.  If not, you'll have to fork over some dough unless you sent in the warranty card, which I had no time to do since the unit failed early.

I was discussing this with a modeler on another forum and he told me this much:  Either these things will work right out of the box, or they won't.  It's as simple as that.  IOW, if the loco works fine and gets through the initial "break-in" period without any problems, then you're in good shape.  If not, send it back.  We pay good money for these things and should be treated accordingly.

-Brad

Mine ran fine right out of the box, it was only after a few hours that my problems started.  First it started off as a "grinding" noise, kind of like the gears were stripped or it needed a serious lube job.  Took the bottom plate off and there was PLENTY of lubrication on all moving parts...  After trying again, the unit ran slower and slower until BOOM-she just quit dead in her tracks--literally.  Nothing. Nada. Zilch.  Not even the faintest buzzing sound coming from it.  The headlight went really dim and the "overload" protector tripped on my power supply...

Strange.  I'm wondering just how widespread this issue is, and whether or not it is confined to a specific batch of bad units that somehow slipped by quality control?  We'll see when I get the loco back.

-Brad

Just DC for now.  Not really going for DCC yet...  I still don't think the "bugs" have been ironed out for DCC.

Thanks, Sheldon.  Reading these forums has given me great confidence that Bachmann will take care in making sure I get a good replacement.  For the record, I model mostly Athearn/Atlas/Intermountain, but the Spectrum steamers sure look nice...  I strongly suspect the motor has shorted out--which would explain the "burning" smell, and why the headlight barely comes on.  I should also add that it tripped my power supply too, which strongly suggests an electrical fault/malfunction somewhere in the unit.

Thanks again.  Will keep everyone advised as to the situation.

-Brad

 

Hey all,

I purchased a Spectrum 2-8-0 two weeks ago, and after running it for awhile for the initial break-in period, the unit has exhibited serious problems. After only a few hours, locomotive started losing power and eventually seized up. Headlight burns very dimly. The loco also emits a peculiar odor almost resembling burning plastic... Lubrication provided no help. Upon closer examination, motor seems frozen or bound up.  The gears appear intact, but it's too hard to tell.  I've tried various troubleshooting techniques, all to no avail.

Out of curiosity, has anyone else received a bad 2-8-0 and sent it back for repair/replacement?  This is my first experience with the Spectrum line, and so far I'm less than impressed....  FWIW, I have sent the loco back.  Just wondering if I did get a bad unit and whether or not Bachmann will make good on the repair/replacement.


Regards,
Brad