You may be right Mike, but this does not effect the pulling ability.
All of mine pull a bear and the 2-8-0 is wellknown for a good pulling power.

What exactly wrong is with this engine..........who can tell but there is of course something not in order.
If recently purchased I would return it to get back a working loco.

Regards
Mathi

HI!

DCC works like DC as well on open tracks therefore it must be another source for the troubles.
I would bet it was just a feeding issue to the rails which was cured when you changed the track work.

Regards
Mathi

Are you talking about this one:

http://www.trainworldonline.com/catalog/category/detail.php?id=5076&back_url=%2Fsearch.php%3Fbymanufacturer%3D176%26checkbox

• %3D120%26bycategory%3D91%26x%3D44%26y%3D10%26PAGEN_1%3D2&find_section=176
  
  BTW:
  I proudly can say I own a good handful of these 2-8-0 engines from different runs and they are ALL better than a swiss watch!
  
  Regards!

Hi Fred!

Why don't you grab an unlettered but painted 2-8-0 DCC-ready but no decoder on board from this source:
http://www.trainworldonline.com/catalog/category/detail.php?id=5070&back_url=%2Fsearch.php%3Fbymanufacturer%3D176%26checkbox

• %3D120%26bycategory%3D91%26x%3D41%26y%3D4%26PAGEN_1%3D2&find_section=176
  
  The price is nice and if you are willing to cotton up with a roadname on it you can save 20 more bucks.
  
  Regards
  Mathi

Hi!

There is not a lot to do due to the manufacturers settings:

Address change and setting the start speed by CV2 and a value for ACC / DEC by CV3+4 after a large break in time.
IMO there is no need in other changes.

Regards
Mathi

Hi!

I own some of these lokies from the first and the second run and they all make the curves.
Derailing of the first truck was easily cured by sorting the two power wires from the truck to the lokie. If those are not properly folded between both parts that will hesitate the truck to move wide enough in curves.
So please take a look at this point before you send it back for repair.

Regards
Mathi

The DCC ready locos are easy to convert, just follow the manual instructions.
Here is a spectrum SD45 example:
http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/N_Scale/Bachmann/Spectrum%20SD-45/Bachmann_Spectrum_SD-45.htm

Hi!

A DZ125 is cheap and is doing a great job!

Regards
Mathi

Hi!

Reset does not depend on the DCC system you are using but just the decoder settings. You want to reset the decoder to the standard factory values. CV8 to 8 schould reset the decoder and the loco usually answers to address 3. If not you might call again!

Regards
Mathi

Absolutely!!!

Bill,

you are completely right, Dual mode means it can be run either DC or DCC.
All of the nowadays decoders are dual mode, selecting the approprioate values in CV29 are you able to turn the DC function off and the loco will only run DCC.
Bachmann ships his decoders with default dual mode so you can run it DC or DCC without any changes.

Regards
Mathi

Hi!

It seems to be substantial and not just a solitary case, carry on Bachmann!!!

Regards
Mathi

Oh, I'm alone on Mars

Hi there!

I would like to say a "Big Thank You" to Jennifer at Bachmanns parts service / customer care!!!

It was not the first time that I was in need of spare parts and she was my hero!

Whilst in the US I always purchased some engines over the last years and when back in Germany and they came into service I experienced some issues (Well, most of my Bachmanns and Spectrums are fine) with very few of them. I've got always uncomplicated help. My latest bunch of lokies was bought with a big seller in Brooklyn and then shipped to me in Germany.
First time on track a2-8-0 Con. had a clicking noise and the reason was a dented tooth in the drive wheel gear.
The other issue was the motor of a 4-8-2 Heavy which gave up his gost after a short time of running.
Jennifer sent me the spares (no costs due to warranty) to Germany for free in speed of light, I dropped them in and now those engines work like swiss watches.
Such associates like Jennifer makes it a real fun to buy Bachmann stuff and any other company should lick their fingers for good and responsible staff!!!

Best regards
Mathi