Dallas, you are absolutely on the right track with the easy lube products.  As everyone has pointed out, use very small amounts.

What exactly would you like to know about the LGB Traction Tires?

Regards,
Tony

It is such a shame to see local outlets move away from our hobby.  In my area, the Philadelphia Metropolitan area, there are not any Hobby Lobby stores but there are Hobby Town stores.  The problem with these is that someone should educate the owners about discounting.  I find their prices insane.

We are fortunate in this are to be located close to Nicholas Smith Trains.  They carry a wide variety of all scales, new and used, sets and pieces.

Tony

Rich is correct, always use "advanced search".

For me the site is very tedious.  I would rate the service a 7.

Tony

Dallas, a couple items to remember;  this merchandise is guaranteed by Bachmann as long as it has not been tampered with or modified by the purchaser.  I would call Bachmann and relay all of the information you have along with the problem.  Believe me they honor their limited lifetime warranty!  Please remember, that if you disassemble this unit to troubleshoot it yourself, POOF goes your warranty.

Next, I do not know if your LGB sound is analog or digital.  Even at analog, it is not a fair comparison to the non DCC sound from Bachmann.  Now, if your engine is a Spectrum engine with DCC then by all means compare your sound to LGB.

I still have a 4-6-0 with the battery sound in Yellow Pass livery that is 7 years old and it sounds just fine!  Although a simple, clean engine and tender, it is one of my showcase items...and I do have examples from most major manufacturers.

Regards

Tony

Tom, all of the suggestions you received are good ones.  Start with Bachmann first.  Yes they do observe lunch between 12:00 and 1:00 pm EST.  Additionally you should make it a routine habit to be on the lookout at train shows for folks selling cars for parts, set yourself a purchase budget for "used parts only material" and go for it.  You will have a spare parts inventory in no time.  Last, when I am out of a particular part such as this, I fabricate the replacement out of metal for my trains and for my customers.  Take your time and try a small piece, you can do it too!

Regards,
Tony

Alex, again unless you are looking for a "Permanent" effect, it is best not to touch the train at all.  Over the years, my customers have brought in a few engines, pieces of rolling stock etc. where they had affixed "snow".  After a couple of seasons, they wanted their original piece back.  These pieces either had to be left alone as they where or completely taken down and re- finished if the customer wanted to go that route.  A few did, and they turned out very nicely, however the cost was a wake up call.

Regards,
Tony

Alex, while I do not personally own either of these sets, I have prepped at least two of the lumberjack and one of the prospector sets.  Our customers bring a number of their sets in prior to running them to insure they are properly lubed and ready to go.  They also like to see the sets run for the first time. 

If you have a small branch line or an elevated portion to your layout, these small gas mechanical Davenports are a nice addition to your collection.

Alex, depending on your preferences, set 90059 (White Pass) is a limited edition set and is equipped with an anniversary locomotive, metal running gear, I believe the smoke box opens for access to the smoke unit switch, the new description does not state battery or track powered lighting for the rolling stock, I am assuming it is battery powered.

Take care,
Tony

All, I received my e-mail newsletter last week.  In it was a very detailed description with photos of the tank car.  It also stated the delay was caused by new style truck detail and coupler.  I called Bachmann direct to confirm, they reported trying to ship as fast as they could and if you do not receive your car by the end of the month, please contact them.

Alex, Don is absolutely correct.  Unless you are fastidious about wiping down your engine following each session, the oil residue will settle everywhere.  We run our smoke units no matter what the gauge, one in three operating sessions, then the engines are wiped down along with the track.  Time consuming, yes, but worth it.

It's amazing isn't it Jack!  I am glad you had a positive experience similar to mine.

Tony

Over the past winter I had the occasion to visit the Bachmann distribution center and repair facility in Philadelphia, PA.  I had a large scale Pennsylvanian set that was over 10 years old.  The locomotive was not operating properly.  I suspected a faulty drive gear.  I brought the locomotive into the facility; true to their limited lifetime warranty, the folks there replaced the chassis, headlight and repaired the smoke unit.  (All this for a $ 30.00 bench charge).  Excellent service!  Of course they commented on how pristine the locomotive was, thank you!

Folks, the point is, we operate a repair / refurbishing shop and I took my personal train to Bachmann!  They were fantastic!  I just recommended Bachmann to two customers who wanted to reenter the hobby.

What a pleasure it is to find a company today with TRUE customer service in mind and the willingness to stand behind their products!

Hello Gary, if at all possible, please send a photo.  Thank you, Tony.

E-mail: skippystrainshed@verizon.net