Mr Bach Man,

I recently purchased the new HO Spectrum 50 ton, 2 truck Climax; awesome little engine.  I also purchased the Sound Module for this engine; easy installation.

Problem:  I can't locate the CV default listing for this sound module.  The instructions that came with the sound module said a copy of the CV listing could be found on both the Bachmann and SoundTraxx web sites.  I've searched both web sites high and low and have found nothing.

Question: Could you please provide me a copy of the CV default listing?  It's rather difficult to adjust CVs without knowing what's supported.  Also, why isn't a copy of the CV listing included with the sound module, it can't cost that much more for a single sheet of paper?

Thanks for your help,
Rod in PA

Hello to all,
Does anybody out there have any experience or know anything about Bachmann's new DCC equipped  2-8-0 Consolidation (not the Spectrum version)?  I've searched the Bachmann site for a parts diagram and found nothing.  I've searched the web for any reviews of this locomotive and again found nothing.
I would like to add a 2-8-0 to my roster of Bachmann steam and diesel locos which are now all DCC and sound equipped.  I'm trying to determine if this 2-8-0 can be readily converted to DCC with sound?  For example, does the tender have a molded in speaker mount, does the light board support a plug-and-play type NMRA socket, is there enough room in the tender for the addition of the sound electronics, and so on?
Also, any info on the performance or running characteristics of this loco would be helpfull.  This engine seems to be pretty well detailed from the on-line pictures I've seen of it. 
For Mr. Bachmann, is there any chance that the new DCC Equipped 2-8-0 parts diagram is the same as the DCC Ready Spectrum 2-8-0?
Thanks to all in advance for any info and help.
Rod in PA   

Hi to all, including the Bach-Man.
I'm looking for a source to purchase a "connector set", Bachmann part #H84011.  It's the connector between the HO steam loco and tender of the Pennsy K4 (4-6-2) item #84011.  One of the wires that goes to the motor broke off inside of the female portion of the sealed connector.  I've called Bachmann customer service and left messages and sent emails but no one has responded to my request for assistance.
If anyone out there knows of a source for this part, I would forever be in your debt if you would share it with me.  Until then my Pennsy K4 will be out of service due to lack of parts.
Thanks to all and have a great day,
Rod in PA.

Mr Bach-Man,

I noticed a problem when typing a long post.  Once the initial page is filled with text, the scroll button will appear to the right.  After typing about two more lines, the screen continually jumps back several lines as you type and you can't see what you are typing.

Am I not doing something correct when typing a lengthy post?  Or is there a software problem within the program?

Please help,
Rod in PA

Does anyone have a cure for back to back shorts?

I have a Bachmann HO DCC Pennsy K4.  One of the front wheels of the tender causes a short circuit  whenever it passes through the converging direction (curved portion) of a turnout from the point end (I hope that makes sense).  Depending on the direction of the curve, left or right, the corresponding front wheel of the tender shorts between the stock rail and the point rail.

I'm not sure it the problem is with the turnouts or the locomotive, or a combination of both.  The problem doesn't occur through all turnouts, and the distance between the rails are in gage.  I've noticed that the drawbar between the loco and tender seems to be a little short, or maybe its just the design of the connection, but the tender seems a bit tight following the loco through the curved portion of turnouts.

If anyone has experienced this same problem and has any recommendations for correcting it, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Rod   

I'm currently running a dual cab, direct current, 8' x 10' HO scale layout.  Each cab has a hardwired DC ammeter and voltmeter.  I'm thinking about converting one of the cabs to DCC.  My question is, can the DC ammeter and voltmeter be used with a DCC system (I'm 99% sure I am going with the MRC Prodigy Express)?  Any help or info would be greatly appreciated, thanks. 

Hi Mr. Bachmann,
Just wanted to pass on my appreciation to the folks at Bachmann customer service.  I requested a return authorization from an on-line hobby dealer for two locos that didn't operate properly (they were to be Christmas gifts).  I didn't hear anything from them, so I submitted service requests to Bachmann asking if they had any idea what the problem might be with the locos.  Two emails and one phone call later, I received two new replacement locos; an FA2 with sound and a 44 ton switcher.  Both work great.  The FA2 is my first on-board sound loco and it's awesome.  Can't wait to add more to my roster.  I know there are several other sound value locos soon to be available, and hopefully a lot more to come.  I also would like to see Bachmann make available a plug and play sound decoder that could be used to upgrade existing locos.  I believe there would be a great market for such a product.  Any comments or insight for such a product? Anyways, pass on my thanks to the customer service department (they must be part of Santa's helper squad) for their quick and reliable assistance.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. 

Question for the Bach-Man,
Will the new ALCO FA2's with "DCC Sound Onboard" function on a direct current (DC) layout?  If so, are there any control limitations?  Thanks.

I would like to upgrade the headlight on my Bachmann DCC ready K4.  I've found some info on how to do the upgrade, but I'm not sure how to get to the PC light board inside of the boiler shell.  Does anybody know if the shell can be removed without taking the engine completely apart?  Thanks ahead of time for any help, Rod in PA.