Hey all,
I'm currently converting all my large scale models over from DC to DCC and I'd like to see about adding sound to the ones that I can.  My question is, where can I get sound modules or (in the case that I can't add sound) at least decoders for the following models...

- 2-8-0 C-19
- 1:20.3 2-6-0
- 2-6-0 Mogul
- 0-4-0 Sidetank Porter
- 0-4-0 Davenport
- Rail Truck
- 1:20.3 Long Caboose
- 2-4-2 Lyn
- 4-6-0 Big Hauler (mine would be the one before the anniversary addition I believe)
- Peter Witt Streetcar
- Speeder
- Eggliner
- LGB 2090

I'm not sure if sound can be added to all these, but at the least I'd like to fit them with decoders.  I've looked into a few models and have found that Bachmann recommends 1 amp decoders in models such as the Rail Truck, Davenport, and the Long Caboose.  Models such as the C-19 and 2-6-0 however do not appear to have decoders available from Bachmann.  Any help tracking down what would be best to use with each model would be appreciated.

-Rusty

Dear Mr. the Bach-man,
I recently received a large scale Toby model which is missing the paperwork, including the exploded diagram and parts list for the model.  I've referenced the Product References page, but found that there is information on every Thomas & Friends LS model, except for Toby.  Is there anywhere else that I can find this information?

-Rusty

First off, the whistling sound you are referring to sounds like the motor may be dying out, or it could be simple as there just isn't oil in the gears.  I honestly wouldn't really know without hearing the model and seeing it run first person.  Something I will recommend is that if you just recently got the model, get in touch with Bachmann's service department as they do offer a limited warranty on their models.  I believe it's valid for 1 year after purchase if I'm correct.

If it's just a case of simply lubricating the model, then it should be relatively easy.  From what I have reviewed with the exploded diagram, it appears there are 3 screws at the bottom of the model on the oil pan.  These will need to be taken out and the wires connected to it will most likely need to be unsoldered if you want to get to the gearbox.  Make sure to keep track of polarity for when you put the model back together.  There is also a screw that runs up through the chassis to (I believe) a post right under Emily's front footplate.  This needs to come out as well.  After that I'm thinking the entire chassis assembly should come out along with the gearbox, but you'll have to check at the back of the chassis and even inside under the oil pan to be sure there's no hidden screws still holding the chassis to the shell.  Do "NOT" force the model apart!

Once you've got that far, you'll need to remove a screw just behind the gearbox, which will allow it to be lifted out of place afterwards.  It is held on at the front by a metal tab.  After that you'll be able to access the gears for the wheels (which could also be accessed just by removing the oil pan) and some of the gears in the gearbox.  The motor however cannot be serviced unless the gearbox itself is taken apart.  If you're going to open up the gearbox to service it, I highly recommend laying it down on a flat surface, taking out the 3 screws on the one side of it, and then gently prying apart the 2 half's with a flat-bladed screwdriver.  I cannot stress how important it is to be patient during this procedure, as if you rush it and open up the gearbox too quickly, you'll have gears/parts flying everywhere.  Good luck trying to get everything back together after that...

Once the gearbox is opened you can clean, oil, check for issues, remove gears to examine them, take the motor out, etc.  You'll need to pay close attention to how it's put together and maybe take a few photos as reference to assist you when it comes to reassemble everything.  If you do not feel comfortable with attempting this, then I'd recommend getting in contact with Bachmann's service department to discuss sending the model to them to work on, but you'll have both a shipping fee and service charge ($30 for a standard HO model) on your hands, especially if the model is no longer covered under Bachmann's warranty.  In the end it's far cheaper to do the servicing yourself if you're capable of doing so.

Hopefully my post has helped you out and given you confidence to attempt this procedure, rather than hindering you to do so for the fear of damaging the model.  To be honest, I have serviced quite a few gearboxes in various scales over the years, and it's not hard to do, but you do need to pay close attention and take your time.  My perspective of the diagram may not be fully accurate either, so if you see something that doesn't match up with what I'm saying in my post, let me know and I'll go back over it again.  Good luck and if you need anymore assistance/advice, don't hesitate to ask.

-Rusty

Quote from: JLK2707 on June 26, 2019, 08:22:02 AM
Yeah. It is such a shame that they are just like once in a blue moon.

Mr. JLK, you honestly need to stop with these kinds of posts.  I mean really...  This has been brought up several times before and you have made no effort whatsoever to change.   The worst part about it is that I am not the only one who has called you out on this, and regardless who says anything you act completely oblivious to what they are saying and continue to keep up this obnoxious behavior.  What you are doing is not productive.  It's unnecessary, creates clutter, and contributes in no way to the forum or the topics people are discussing.  It was one thing when you were doing it in the Thomas & Friends board, but you've literally been carrying your trash posting across the entire Bachmann forum.  Why?

Let me tell you a little something.  I choose to spend my time in the Large Scale board for a few good reasons.  People here are informative and know a thing or two about Large Scale, people here share a common interest in the Large Scale hobby, and people here contribute to discussions on Large Scale topics.  I don't come on here to sift through your trash posting after you respond to something with either "Cool!" or "Good luck, Joe!".  Furthermore, what I am failing to understand is that you've been on the forum for a good 10 years, so why now do you insist on being obnoxious and posting trash?  If you're going to continue this behavior, do us all a favor and just go back to the Thomas & Friends board and leave your one word/one sentences posts out of other peoples discussions.

-Rusty

Hey all, I'm making some changes to my Large Scale railroad later this year and upgrading to DCC.  That being the case, I want to modify all my models to be compatible, but at the same time want to also change out polarity switches while I'm in there.  The first thing I'd like to bring up is some DCC conversions I'm looking into, but am unsure where exactly to start.

Most of my higher end models have the option for Plug-and-Play electronics, but models such as my Bachmann Big Hauler, 2-6-0 Mogul, and Speeder do not have this.  What I need to know is what would be the best option to add DCC to these models.  Sound is not a major concern at this time, but I am curious about what may happen to the speed synchronized sound which the models already have.  Some of the other models I have like the 0-40- Davenport and Long Caboose give the option to install Bachmann's 8 pin decoders which come in packs of 3.  I'm curious also if these same decoders can be used on models such as the 0-4-0 Porter, Rail Truck, and 2-4-2 Lyn.  Also, what would people recommend for a DCC module for the Bachmann C-19?  Something that possibly offers sound as well.

The last thing I want to bring up is that I would like to install 3 way polarity switches in some of my models to allow them to be switched to either NMRA STD or Large Scale settings, but at the same time I'd like to have the option to shut the motor off all together just like with my Spectrum models.  So the question (or questions) here are...

1. Can it be done?
2. What would be the best way of doing it.
3. Can I purchase 3-way switches from Bachmann?

Basically I just want the motor to shut off and not the lights on the models.  As I said before, my Bachmann Spectrum models offer this feature, so I'm aiming for the same results in my conversions/modifications.

Considering I've had very little experience with DCC, I'm still pretty much learning as I go along, so I haven't much of a clue what the easiest way of going about these modifications would be.  Switching over to DCC is something that I've wanted to do the last couple years, and considering most of the model I have in my collection these days are either DCC ready and/or DCC on Board, I've decided that now is time to make the change.  If anyone can help shed some light on the issues I've stated above, please do so.

-Rusty

I know I'm not on here on a regular basis, but when I do log on I want to see what's new with Bachmann and/or what the hot topics are that people are discussing.  I don't log on to see people posting things like "Cool Job!" or "Neat models, keep up the neat work!".  As Chaz already pointed out Mr. JLK, literally almost every thread on the first page has the last response from you, and what you respond with hardly seems worth posting in the first place, especially when you're brining back old threads that haven't been posted in for months and responding to threads you already responded to before.

All these single word/sentence posts are unproductive, create unnecessary clutter, and in no way contribute to the forum.  It wouldn't be that big of a deal if it was just this one time, but you've been told about this before by several members and you still do it.  The last time people called you out on your posting you acted completely oblivious to what they were saying and didn't even acknowledged that anything was said to you at all.  Like Mr. grandpuff said in his post, "make sure your posts are relevant or additive to the conversation or do not reply at all.".  Put nicely, please stop with the unnecessary posts.

-Rusty

Quote from: STL on May 29, 2019, 06:20:21 PM
Wha-What engines are you even talking about

He doesn't even know.  He's just posting random clutter yet again... 

-Rusty

Quote from: Rickenbacker 325 on May 26, 2019, 09:36:00 PM
Please stop responding to old threads and/or stop saying one word or two word responses to everything. It really gets annoying.

Thank you, Mr. Rickenbacker!

-Rusty

Definitely a long awaited model and it's good to see Rusty is finally in stock.  I will admit I was a little skeptical about the model when we first saw the product image, but after seeing photos others have posted and reading Chaz's extensive post on the model, I've pretty much forgot about the few issues I had with the model and appreciate it for what it is.  As others have pointed out already, Rusty didn't exceed expectations, but that the same time he did meet them.  Personally I don't see where the model is anything but another great addition to the range.

The only real issue I had with the model was that compared to Skarloey and/or Rheneas, it looked as if Bachmann had taken a shortcut with Rusty considering he didn't have an open cab.  I can see now where his size would have made it difficult to fit a motor into just the front portion of the body, and therefore I understand why the cab is not open.  The face in the product image was also kind of a nagging issue for me as it just didn't look right, but after seeing photos of the model that worry is gone too.  The face may or may not have been photoshopped just to get a product image out sooner, considering Rusty's product image was updated later on.  I have to say that I quite like the face on Rusty now, despite the big debate many others have about it.

On the topic of scaling, that's something I didn't realize was an issue until I saw comparisons of Rusty next to Skarloey and Rheneas.  I will admit when I first saw photos of the models side by side, I couldn't help but feel like Rusty looked smaller than he should.  Maybe he is a little smaller than his CGI counterpart, but still looks to be the same size as Midlander (which would make sense since that's where Bachmann got their measurements) so it doesn't seem that big of an issue.  I don't know, personally the size of Rusty is something that still doesn't take away from the overall appeal of the model in my books.

Considering how underwhelming announcements were in 2017 and the fact that only a portion of them actually made it to production, it's nice to see Bachmann has pulled off a gem such as Rusty.  Despite the few issues I had with the model at first, again I'm alright with the choices Bachmann made and look forward to adding Rusty to my Narrow Gauge collection, given that I can ever get the funds to start buying more model trains again.  In addition to that, the narrow gauge coaches are another thing to look forward to later this year. 

By the way Mr. JLK, you really need to quit it with the one word posts.  All you're doing is creating unnecessary clutter...

-Rusty

Quote from: Rodimus Supreme on April 25, 2019, 03:09:56 PM
And that Sir Topham Hatt idea is absurd, TBH.

Absurd, yes... impossible, no...

Introducing Bachmann Sir Topham Hatt w/ DCC sound! 


The sound module is also available separately and can easily be plugged into the already existing Bachmann Sir Topham Hatt figure and features 10 phrases and realistic sounds such as "You have caused confusion and delay." and "It's no good arguing with policemen."  Can be operated on both digital and/or analog systems.  Sir Topham Hatt w/ DCC Sound is $179 and the module itself is $80.  Both are expected to start shipping Fall of 2019.  Preorder yours now!

Clearly this is why I don't have real friends...    Anyways, hope you all a good laugh.

-Rusty

Quote from: MoarCrossovers on March 19, 2019, 01:51:19 PM
What if, to save costs, Bachmann decides to make Smudger next year?

Quote from: Zekeism on March 19, 2019, 06:04:13 PM
Barely anyone will buy it though? Just a waste of time making a character who appeared in just one episode.

Quote from: angelob6660 on March 19, 2019, 07:13:06 PM
Plus we don't really know if he was a real locomotive or someone that Duke made up.

I don't know if I should be putting fuel on this fire or not, but I'm going to go along with it either way.  Mr. Moar brings up a good point with Bachmann making Smudger to save on costs, as the overall tooling is already there only requiring the addition of a new face tooling, which apparently isn't that big of a problem as we've seen with characters such as Grumpy Diesel and Paxton back in 2018.  You also have Mr. Zekeism saying Smudger isn't worth producing as he only appeared once, but keep in mind the Spiteful Brakevan only appeared in one episode, yet he manged to find his way into the Bachmann range.  I think this alone shows that Bachmann isn't afraid to produce classic characters from yesteryears, but again (and I know I'm going to get flak for saying this) their decisions have to be approved by Mattel first.  Lastly is Mr. angelo making the statement Smudger may not even be a real engine, but the simple fact he was seen in Season 4 is enough cause for a model to be made.

Personally I think if Bachmann wanted to continue on the trend of doing recolors, a yellow Rheneas from Blue Mountain Mystery would be a better option than Smudger in my opinion, but that's just my thoughts.  An Original Thomas and Original James from the Adventure Begins would also be a nice option for engine recolors, but I'm kind of getting off topic now.  Anyways that's just thoughts on the Smudger topic and if anyone want's to contribute to what I've said, feel free to do so.



-Rusty

Quote from: Griffin on March 17, 2019, 07:57:00 PM
Any word on the new Christmas set? I really wanted to get the old one but I can't find it anywhere.

Not sure if it'll work for what you want or not, but this is what I was able to find on my end.  #00721 must have been a popular seller to be sold out everywhere.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=Bachmann+Thomas%27+Holiday+Special&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_sop=15

-Rusty

Quote from: the Bach-man on March 07, 2019, 09:31:59 PM
Dear All.
Since we want younger fans to be able to have the
Thomas characters, the figures have to be large to
avoid being a choking hazard.
Happily they work great with Large Scale!
Have fun!
the Bach-man

Personally I say some items in Narrow Gauge are pushing the boundaries of trying to avoid choking hazards, but at the same time I do believe the range may have never been intended for the younger fans, and more for the older ones.  On the subject of the larger figures working with Large Scale, that statement is more than correct.  After all, someone needs to step in when Percy causes confusion and delay.



-Rusty

Quote from: rjmets41 on February 28, 2019, 06:41:48 PM
I don't know how many of you guys have seen this but, this is Bachmann last fall (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrkkJVVSqzE&t=398s). Basically, Bachmann is saying the market is not there to put out new toolings and mentions that Bachmann milks the Thomas and Friends line in order to help pay for its other projects. Don't be so quick to blame Mattel.

Saying that Bachmann milks their Thomas & Friends line to pay for everything else they do is basically like saying they use the range as a crutch to get them out of trouble with collectors of their other products.  That's pretty harsh if you ask me...  Jack clearly says that the Thomas & Friends range helps to "subsidize" (if you don't know what that means, look it up) all the other ranges that Bachmann offers.  It's no different than Bachmann taking profits from ranges like HO or N and investing said profits back into the Thomas range.  All the scales Bachmann produces share a common backbone, and regardless what brings in better sales the money all goes to the same place.

Then we get on to the topic of new tooling's, which is not going to happen simply for the fact the cost of everything has gone completely out of control.  As another member mentioned in a previous post, the prices for the ranges (or HO at least) have gone up over 200% within the last 10 years, and it's ridiculous to pay over $120 for a model that you could once pick up at your hobby shop in yesteryears for only $35.  That was the main cause of Hornby's downfall as the models they produced were too expensive for what they were, considering some of their tooling's had been around since the 1950's.  While I don't know if this price issue was caused by Mattel's doing or not, I'm in no way pointing fingers at them.  Getting back to Bachmann and present day, I can honestly say (as will others I'm sure) that models such as Thomas and/or Percy are not worth $100 for what little they have to offer.

At the end of the day you have Bachmann trying to produce what little they can, while dealing with the uprising production costs and throwing money away trying to afford a license to produce the Thomas ranges.  Then you have Mattel over in the corner losing their shirt because of their own recklessness, and "we're" suppose to feel sorry for them?   Furthermore, I just read last night Mattel has yet again had another setback recently with an 18% stock drop, claiming that the toys aren't selling.  I know Mattel clearly has a problem, but Firemen have problems all the time.  Ever seen one throw gas on it?

-Rusty

Well before the month is over I wanted to get my thoughts out there on the 2019 announcements.  I was kind of holding off till the catalog came out, but everyday life got in the way after that.  Anyways, this is my thoughts on what we got this year.

Let's start with the HO range.  I'll be honest and say that the fact we didn't get a new tooling this year is in no way a surprise.  I'd say the biggest positive here is the fact that the flatcar has made a comeback, and this time with a more desirable load at that.  Considering the demand for it, it's nice to see Bachmann has taken into consideration that this was a piece collectors really wanted to see return to the range.  It's also nice to see that Rosie's livery was updated, but still doesn't take away from the fact that she's just a recolor (just like everything else the past how many years) and no I don't consider the addition of a lamp to change that fact.

On another note, the Mining Wagon, Sodor Coal Co. Wagon, and Sodor Scrap Co. Wagons are a nonevent in my books.  2 of them just seem like a waste with the already exiting Coal Wagon in the range, and that being the case leaves the scrap wagon as probably the most desirable out of the 3, but not by much.  The Mining Wagon's design was obviously a push by Mattel, as it is the same mediocre logo we saw on the Trackmaster rolling stock in later years.  Really there we're far better options for rolling stock recolors, but this was the best we could get.  I wouldn't go as far as to say Bachmann has overused classic rolling stock, as there's far more simpler and desirable pieces they could do, and if that statement causes backlash then so be it.

Lastly there's the new Thomas' Christmas Delivery set, which in my opinion is a downgrade from what preceded it.  I'll agree that the color choices are a turn off in my books, but my biggest complaint is the price you pay for a set which now has 1 less wagon.  Personally I would have been fine with this if they went with using the flatbed (now log car) with a Christmas tree, but that's only because it's a larger piece of rolling stock.  Yes people want to argue that the set contains the discontinued RF Container Wagon, but who in their right mind would go out and pay $239 for a set just to rob one piece out of it?  On second thought, no one answer that...

So overall the only real positive side to the HO announcements is the Sodor Logging Company Flat Wagon with Logs, and Red Rosie comes in at a close second in my books.  As for everything else, I'm hanging a white ribbon and calling it a day.  New tooling's (especially engine characters) for the range have a slim to none chance at this point and (I've said this once before) that ship has sailed and sank too.  I know the whole Stepney and Daisy topic is a must for some of you, but it's time to start thinking realistically.  This is the point in my post where I'd say Bachmann should focus their attention on Narrow Gauge instead, but I think you all know why I'm not going to say that...

Moving onto the N scale range,  I do see potential in this, but not to the extent people are making it out to be, which I'll cover in a bit.  The simple addition of just a couple engines and rolling stock is a great way to start the range off, even if some say James should have been in the lineup as well.  As others have pointed out though, it is odd to not see a starter set, but at the same time I think this may have to do with the fact that starter sets seem to be a dying trend in the range.  I only say this because HO is now down to only a 3 sets, when once it had over twice that amount.  Still a simple set with Thomas, Annie, and Clarabel would be something for Bachmann to consider in the future.

As a mentioned earlier, I think some are getting a little too ambitious with the N scale range, when honestly it could end up in the same state as HO.  When also considering the range just started, I wouldn't be getting hopes up for characters like Gordon, Henry, Rebecca, Spencer, Hiro, etc just yet.  I will say that depending on how the range does (in addition to other factors), I could see Bachmann acquiring the O Gauge rights someday if their competitors ever decide to fork them over.  So while it was a range that wasn't in high demand, it does open up the door for people who can't afford and/or don't have the space required for the larger scales, but at the same time is nothing to write home about.

Although Narrow Gauge and Large Scale got the short end of the stick this year, I think some honorable mentions are in order nonetheless.  I'm not going to lie, Narrow Gauge was honestly the only range I had hopes for at this point, but after seeing the 2019 announcements, I'm starting to have second thoughts.  Maybe the delay on Rusty and the Coaches is what held up new announcements for the range this year, or maybe it was the new N scale range.  Regardless I feel Narrow Gauge should have had priority over N scale, considering there was more of a market for that range.  I want to remain optimistic and think Narrow Gauge will be redeemed next year, but that little voice in the back of my mind says otherwise.

Sadly I feel Large Scale has reached the end of the line considering the last new engine was Toby back in 2013 and the last new tooling was back in 2015 with Winston and the Ice Cream Wagon.  As I mentioned in a previous post, Diesel would have been the saving grace for the range, but we all know what happened there.  Over time the announcements have just gotten worse, and I honestly thought at the least we'd get something simple like the Red Coaches or another Troublesome Truck.  Considering this is yet another year Large Scale gets nothing/nothing I want, I think I'll focus my attention on converting my James, Emily, and Toby (once I get him) to DCC and purchase a DCC system.

So my final thoughts on announcements this year is this.  The Sodor Logging Company Flat Wagon with Logs and Red Rosie are the top 2 announcements for HO and the N Scale range is a welcome addition, but I feel that's attention that should have been focused towards Narrow Gauge instead.  All I can say at this point is I'm pretty much done making predictions (or even suggestions) as announcements seem to be all over the place anymore and it's just not worth the time and effort I put into my posts.  So while these weren't the worst announcements we've gotten, I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm impressed with them either.  That being said, I'll end on that note.

-Rusty