I have searched on this forum as I know this is a common problem. I am looking to replace (augment) the pick up springs/contacts which only occasionally contact the rear of the wheels. Has anyone done this and could they point me in the right direction please. It occurs to me that a phosphor bronze or similar strip contacting the top of the wheels might be the way to go.

I have had good service from TrainWorld. tel; no. (if you have Skype!) is +1-718-436-7072 or emailorders@trainworld.com. Last time I looked they were charging about $110 plus postage of course. You might have to pay VAT when it arrives. Chris

Thank you both for your input. Chris

The rear drive shaft coupling of my Climax has broken. I appreciate that this has been a common problem and I understand there is a fix by Bachmann. Unfortunately the service dept. does not return my emails. Does anybody have a telephone no. and/or a name I could use to get a response or is there a third party fix? Thank you for any reply.

What is the problem with naming these people? Poor publicity might make them change their attitude. Are we all frightened of being sued for speaking the truth? I was ignored at Caboose Hobbies in Denver and felt insulted when they treated me as an ignorant foreigner - which I am (not ignorant just foreign). I didn't shop there again and purchased everything I needed on line. Excellent service and helpful telephone manner from both Trainworld and Charles Ro.
I recognise that Caboose Hobbies is very well thought of by many subscribers to this web site as well as my local club and therefore I will give them another chance. Hopefully I will be treated on my merits and the dismissive attitude was a one off. They lost about $2,500 worth of my business so who's the loser?
I feel badly for newcomers to the hobby and sympathise with any who get the treatment described by this post.

Chris

The State of California demands that particular sticker on everything - that way their sticky label industry is kept going during these troubled times.

Does anybody have experience of the Micromark switch tender? I am particularly concerned about noise (having tried other slow motion turnout motors) and whether the included frog switching contacts are reliable.

Your input would be most appreciated.

Chris

This thread is a good example as to why we need to STANDARDISE on either radius OR diameter. My own preference is radius as the smaller scales do.

Chris

Agreed, still getting "timed out" messages and although I am on broadband I can't use my 64 bit internet connection because Bachmann site uses Active X and it won't download the update?? Don't understand this but Yampa Bob will - no doubt. Please go back to original site.

Chris

Good idea Joe, but could we all decide if we are going to use diameter or radius and stick to one or the other --- please!!!!.

Chris

It's a cunning plan to make sure you preview before posting!

Chris

I suggest you ask in the Discussion Board  "Thomas and Friends"

This is really a reply to Rich. My original topic was intended to ask that we could be clearer and make an effort to write in English. I also wanted to point out that some people were not making the effort to understand the forum and posting incorrectly to the wrong board. I personally don't have time to trawl through all the boards in case somebody has posted an item of interest to the wrong board.

Also it is pure laziness to provide a heading that doesn't provide an indication of the content. However, I'm probably wasting my time as a glance at present headings will indicate. So what is "0-6-0" asking – if he/she believes that I am going to make an effort to reply (or even open the heading) he/she's mistaken.

I started this topic in a spirit of suggestion - I don't need to be reminded to lighten up. Sorry but some of us have less time than others to devote to this wonderful hobby and trawling through garbage is just plain annoying.

Chris

Could we all agree to post topics to the correct board?

Could we also agree to head topics with enlightening headings and not "help" or "santa fe problem" or "couplings" or any of the other shorthand that wastes peoples time?

Could we also agree to check our spelling and grammar before we post so at least to make it half understandable - we are not all texters.

Could we agree not to post comments and answers to genuine queries where we obviously have no idea ourselves? ( an answer given a few weeks ago was "I don't know but I'm sure someone out there will tell you")

Regretfully the message board seems to have degenerated of late. If we really wish it to be a useful tool we need to write clearly. If you need lessons on how to write to make yourself understood, then look at Curmudgeon's posts or Kevin Strong's.

I await with interest your comments and, hopefully, your support.

Chris

 Don't also forget that the prices quoted by internet sites in the UK are required by law to include UK tax. Hattons (for example) will deduct 17.5% from those prices when they ship to the US. Postage is added of course.

Chris