This post is mostly for the "Bachmann". I've been wondering how long it will be before a new parts shipment arrives. I've noticed a LOT of items that are "sold out".....not discontinued, just out of stock and have been for quite a while. Case in point, i'm trying to rebuild a northern 4-8-4 bottom end that has seen better days but hard to do that when both the wheelset AND the complete wheelset and valve gear assembly (which is what it really needs) are BOTH out of stock. Rapido conversion couplers, motors, even traction tires are impossible to order right now because they've been out of stock for months on end.

Also if I need a motor for a 4-6-0 Baldwin, how about offering just the motor and not the complete frame or chassis assembly. Shouldn't have to spend $36 if all you need is the motor. Just wondering if we could get an update for those of us that are having projects/refurbishments being held up due to lack of parts.

Thanks!

Ok,

I have 3 of these 4-4-0 virtually new in the box that i've had for many years. These models are the generation where Bachmann went from the very large cup style driveshaft to the very small ball/pin style. I was running one (The B & O) to break in, and apparently there was very little lube in the sockets and after an hour or so of running, I had a lock-up that actually flipped the loco right off the track from the motor torque.

Lubed everything and ran the loco with a small power drill just to make sure no binding in the mechanism. The driveshaft itself had snapped in half. Ordered new ones and apparently this latest generation has a slightly longer drive shaft. I haven't pulled apart one of my undamaged 4-4-0's to actually measure the shaft so just asking if off hand anyone knows what the exact length the shaft should be. The latest version is 10mm. Looking at the pieces of the old shaft compared to the new version it looks like maybe somewhere between 1 to 1.5mm shorter. The longer shaft prevents the loco from sitting square on the track as the extra length causes the engine to bow up.

Since bachmann doesn't list this intermediate generation part, any idea where i can find the right sized shaft? Oh and the instruction/parts list that came with the loco actually listed the older hex cup style shaft, not the correct one that's actually in the loco itself. Maybe the "Bachhmann" can see if there's any NOS laying around? Thanks!

Just want to see if I can get a clear answer on this before I stop at the philadelphia facility later on this week.

I keep seeing references to needing reciepts for warranty coverage and whatnot. Does that also apply to older locomotives with the "lifetime" warranty? My Northern 4-8-4 front left driver will no longer stay attached to the gearbox (i'm pretty sure the plastic gear inside has cracked where the axel goes in), as well as two sickly 4-4-0 americans, one heats up pretty badly after a few minutes of running and starts to stall,  and the other is pretty much dead.

Does Bachmann REALLY expect to have a reciept after 17 years? Still have original box and all paper work with the locomotive purchased in 1991. A reciept wouldn't last that long anyway..they fade away after a year or two. Same thing with my 4-4-0's . Had'em for years with very little run time, One purchased by itself, the other from a set.

I need some replacement parts anyway to revamp some of my oldest locomotives but in all the times i've been there over the years i've NEVER had to bring in a reciept.

Or am I reading this all wrong and the reciept is only required for the "free" replacement or repair VS the $10-$15 charge for locos after the first year?

Anyway, I've still enjoyed seeing the shop area when i've stopped by in the past. Last time I was there i was asked if i'd like a job in the repair department... Wish I had had the extra time to take the position