I had the same experience. I was happy with its looks and eager to run it but it was dead.Sent it to Bachmann and 5 weeks later they sent me a new one.It appears to be a newer run.It runs decent and seems to get better the more I run it.

I received mine back in 5 weeks.I was told 6-8 weeks .

I recieved a new replacement for my lt. mountain yesterday. It runs and looks fine. Took 5 weeks.

I own a new light mountain and have the same type of problem.Since it was brand new I sent it tp Bachmann for repair.They tell me 6-8 weeks. This was my first purchase of a Bachmann product and  I will wait and see what happens with the repair before making another.I am not optimistic.