I put rerailers on each end of my bridges.  I have a 54" curved trestle over a gorge, (Yes I cannot reach it), that I would hate to have my engines fall into.  I put a curved retailer at the connecting ends.  They are not able to be seen and work beautifully.  You need to place these rerailers as you lay track.  It was harded to later add them.

I have one that I MIGHT part with.  Contact me off list, and put "Overland Limited"  in the subject line.

I would contact the seller, and see if you can exchange it....  Or Contact Bachmann service, get a reference #, send Money, and have them fix it.

I would also consider the HO Shay.  I use one on my layout to pull excursion rail fan trips.

It IS slow.....   But it pulls a dozen old time (late1800's- early 1920's) passenger cars easily!

Curver will not be a problem.  It is a dependable loco...  Just my opinion...  of course!

No problems when I installed a decoder in mine.  I opened the tender, and just put it into the 8 pin slot.  I DID have to cut the capacitors, though. (Little yellow round-globs on the circuit board).  There are pictures at several web sites.  Do a Google search....

There are UP 4-8-4's, # 844's available.  Search for it on Ebay.  I have the Rivarossi ones from 2003 runs.  They are great engines....

I have the Lionel HO Challenger.  I have run it on as small as 20" curves.  It does not have problems of derailing.  (of course I am at slow speeds!!)
It is a superb engine.  I bought it at a steal, and wished I had bought more.

I use Trainworld, most of the time.  I have NEVER had a bad experience with them.  It does depend on what you are purchasing though, as to the TYPE of store you use.  I have only used them to purchase my motive power, and a few accessories. 

NarrowMinded,
When I lived in San Diego, I use to ask the general contractors in the area if I could have their "leftovers".  Most agreed.  (If you do not ask, it is trespassing...)

I never was able to get full sheets, but a lot of good size ones.  Plus they discard MANY other things, we can use, in their dumpsters!!
My wife hated me "Dumpster Diving", but it saved me A LOT.....

I love my 2-10-0.  It is just right pulling my "Old" passenger cars.  My Shay is the BOMB!!  I have NEVER had any of the problems that others seem too...  Then there is my Light Mountain...(Waiting for more to be produced!!)  I just received the Doodlebug for Christmas.

Did I mention I run my Shay more than any other of my engines.   

I do have 15 other Bachmann Plus ones...  I have enjoyed them ALL.  I had to learn how to make them DCC ready....  I have many Bachmann engines, and they are all good dependable runners.

My absolute favorite engine of all 44 engines on my pike is the Spectrum 0-6-0 tank engine. 
Now there it comes DCC Installed!

Thanks MR. Bachmann!!

That is why we, as Americans...  Can and will thrive.  People helping people.  Thanks for the video.  It started my year off right!

If the decoder went bad, or is "Dislodged" from the housing, the symptoms you describe WILL happen.  I agree...   Open her up and see what may be visually wrong.  If nothing use a decoder tester, and check it.  If you do not have one, send the unit back to Walthers.  Contact them FIRST, get instructions, then send it.  It also helps to get a NAME at Walthers, so you have a contact.  And yes, I have run trains all  Christmas long...  and still loving it!!

I have this exact engine.  It would derail ever so often.  I was told to put a washer (As weight) on the lead truck.  I did this, painted it black, and that fixed the problem.

Great to see you back on Yampa Bob!!  I missed your help  .  I also missed your quick humor!

SOOOO...
The motto of the season is......







"SAVE THE TRAINS!!"