I had a 2-8-0 Consolidation that began binding just slightly now and then.
Finally, it just stopped. When I picked it up, I saw that the forward rod on one side had completely separated at one end.

My suggestion, barring any better idea offered, would be to Contact Bachmann Service and send it back for repair or replacement.

I have to agree with siener.  I have two layouts, one with 15 switches and a smaller one with 6 switches(6, only  because I couldn't find a 7th switch in my "collection" of switches that worked). I have lost count of the number that I have either given up on and tossed in my junk box or sent back to Bachmann. Something, I only do with the more expensive switches because Bachmann  only covers the shipping one way, so it is cheaper to just replace the lower end switches.
Bachmann's quality control has REALLY gone to you know where. I have had to replace three locomotives, new out of the box, this year alone.  So, I have pretty much quit buying Bachmann, other than rolling stock. I would like one of the new 2-6-6-2 locos(when and if the sound model becomes available), but I'm so concerned about the quality control that I will probably pass on it.

Some one needs to get the message to Bachmann's top management, that they need to do something about their quality control.

Cody,

I concur with CNE Runner. I have had VERY poor results with the EZ Mate Magnets.  I currently use the wooden skewers.

I didn't know about the Richo uncoupling tool, but I am going to look into it.

CNE Runner--does the Richo tool  seem to work better than the skewer?  Are they easily obtained?

I'm on my second Spectrum 2-8-0 DCC and neither one lasted 3 hours.  The first one, the forward rods on one side came apart.
The second one developed a loud grinding squeal first running forward, then backwards. Allowing for the time delay with Bachmann Service, I now have nearly three months invested. I'm running them on a loop with only straight track, 26" radius curves, and two #5 turnouts

Am I "snake bit" or is the 2-8-0 a problematic unit?

For the most part, my experiences with Bachmann warranty service has been quite good.  Fortunately, as current Quality Control is another matter.

I had one replacement steam loco have a mechanical failure after less than an hour of use, but that can happen with anything mechanical.

My only real complaint is Bachmann's use of regular Parcel Post for return shipments. The average time from the date Bachmann told me the shipment was made until I received the package has be 3 and 1/2 weeks.  I was told the  replacement for the loco mentioned above was shipped on March 30. It has still not arrived.

To give folks a reference, we ship quite a bit of packages back and forth between Honolulu and Los Angeles. We use USPS Priority Mail and that is averaging 10 days from LA to Honolulu---slightly less for packages shipped from Honolulu to LA.

I couldn't begin to imagine using Parcel Post, but that is what Bachmann chooses to use to ship from the East Coast to Hawaii.

Go Figure.

Quote from: train with no shame on April 06, 2009, 09:58:34 PM
i don't know how many 90 degree crossings i had to buy . to get the 2" straight pieces .when i was racking my brain .to get the layout i WAS BUILDING  i found 2 online the nickel silver and i think i bought out all of our local hobby 90 degree black ez track 90 degree crossing to get the 2" pieces . i did find that when i put 2 sets of # 5 switches in parallel and then the standard turnout switches on the inner mainline i had to use the 2 1/4 pcs to get a propper fit along with 3" pcs . thats the misprint on the marx layout on thortrains i was told about .it says _____" pcs .and it is a 2" pcs .and like everyone says .BACHMANN WE NEED 2" PCS. and i had derailing problems because of the short pieces . i got rid of the s turns .that was pointed out to me . . anyways we need 2" pcs . i give you my corperate bone us bachmann . if you get us 2" pcs

If Bachmann won't include, a piece of paper that explains the cutout scoring and how the turnout is fitted to the EZ track,  in the package

with the #5 turnout , I don't hold out much hope for ever seeing the 2" track sections made seperately available.

Thanks Joe(and Bach-Man.

After reading your post, I found the scoring on the underside and had no problem installing the turnouts.

However, this leaves me curious about one thing.   There were more than ample instructions on how to use the frogs(at least

two sets of directions with each turnout, but NO directions of any kind regarding the underside scoring and no directions

that the scored areas were to be removed to allow the EZ track to fit the turnout.

My guess is that less than a quarter of those that buy the #5 turnouts use the frogs, but quite likely that near 100% of the

buyers need to know about the cutouts.

I place this up there along with the 2 inch track sections. More folks probably need the 2" track sections than need the only way

Bachmann make them available-----with a crossover kit.

I just bought two #5 Turnouts.  When I tried to add them into my layout, I found that  the two track end would not fit any Bachmann EZ Track that I had, only then did I realize  adapter stubs were required and  had not been supplied  with the Turnouts. Does Bachmann supply  adapter stubs with the #5 Turnouts??  If not, why don't they say that stubs are required give a reference number for the stub?

A qiuck search of this discussion group reveals that I am not the only person who has had this experience. 

I guess that I might as well fess up to my mistake, before someone reads my initial post carefully and realizes why I couldn't find the post myself. I spent several hours looking for how to mate a "hook horn" coupler to a knuckle coupler.

Oh well, that's what getting old does to one.

Thanks to all three of you for the information on the old time cars.

I went to the Roundhouse site and the Overton 34' set looks like the answer.

Bob, it looks like I am going to be waiting till May.

Ray, thanks for the history and background on the Jupiter. Some of it I knew, a lot of it was new to me.

Thanks, Joe,

I have a Bachmann 4-4-0 American---the Jupiter version.

I have been searching for cars that are compatable,  both mechanically and in appearance.

Does any on know of any sources?

So far I haven't found much.

Don,

If that's the case the HO Tech support people at Bachmann don't know anything about it.

They were in the dark and said they would research it, talk to others in the department, and then get back to me by

email if they figured it out.

Bob,

Your already one up on me. I ran out of ideas several days ago.

I saw the note, plus, any time I work on ANYTHING electrical, I unplug it first. A throw back to my Ham gear.

Some of those transformers could really "bite".