Quote from: James in FL on July 26, 2020, 09:41:14 PM

Obviously you're not an N scaler.
This will be only the fourth time this model has been released in plastic, since the very beginning of N scale itself.
Twice in the sixties, once in the nineties.

The K4 only once back in the seventies.
Bachmann's release was the second time for a K4 since the beginning.

So how is it you feel they are both overcooked?
What is your criteria?
A least some of us feel they both were long overdue.

James, I agree this is a long awaited steam locomotive for N scale. Just a friendly reminder to the original poster, not everyone models the Union Pacific or Santa Fe. Some of us folks model and collect railroad locomotive that once saw service here on the East coast. I currently own two of the Bachmann K4's, a Nickle Plate Berk, a WM Consolidation and look forward to adding this classic locomotive to my collection.

If you multiply HO scale track plan dimensions measured in inches by 0.544, you'll be very close to the size needed for N scale layouts. Example, a 4' x 8'  HO scale track plan would require approx. 27" x 53" (values rounded up to nearest hole number).  Hopefully this helps in your track plan search.

I'm Sorry Mark, but If you have to hard wire a DCC decoder into the locomotive, it's not DCC ready. If that were true, then Athearn Blue Box locomotives would be DCC ready.  Quite honestly, a DCC ready locomotive will either have a light board that can be replaced with a DCC decoder or has a socket that a DCC decoder can be plugged into.

I'm still thinking Wills 2-8-0 is the 2001 version, in which case this product sheet is going to be the closest one he is going to find online

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/N_scale_2-8-0_Consolidation.pdf

Hi Mark, My Spectrum 2-8-0 Item Number 81156 is in a Jewel case and I would not consider it to be even close to being DCC Ready. I wonder if this is the DC version Will is looking for? If it is then this Product Sheet  https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/N_scale_2-8-0_Consolidation.pdf is very close to the instruction sheet in my 2-8-0 Consolidation. The part number on my instruction sheet is N811X-IS001   

Thank you Bachmann and Yardmaster. I'm using my JMRI software and PR4 to reprogram the decoder and when I query the decoder for type, it comes back as possibly being both the 2 function and the 4 function decoder. Since it's the non-sound locomotive you've answered my question, I should select the 2 function decoder type. Thank you both for your help.

Cheers,
Rich S.

Hello Bachmann, Does the N scale RS-3 Item #64254, come with a 2 function or 4 function DCC decoder? Thank you in advance.

Mark, Thank you for the prompt reply and photo of the new model.

My understanding the latest version has a hidden motor, is this correct the motor is no longer visible in the cab? Although it is disappointing the model still does not have an operating front coupler.

I first need to preface my reply by stating I have Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and I'm deaf at the 4300 Hz. hearing range. I can hear sound above and below that range, but not at 4300 Hz. So if your locomotive is making a nose at that range I do not hear it and apologize, but all I hear in your video is the normal Bachmann Sound Value sounds. I hear the constant sound of steam escaping, it's the shhhh or hiss sound that is fairly constant. I also hear the air pump thump thump occasionally. If you press the F8 function key, does the buzz continue or stop? Have you changed any of the CV values? And this may seem like a silly question, but is the throttle set to zero or stop?    

Hello Bach Man, Is there any chance we will see N scale versions of the just announced HO Scale Bay Window cabooses? I'd love to see these cabooses in N scale in the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Jade Green paint scheme along with the P&LE New Image yellow schemes.

Thanks in advance,
Rich S.

Hi Group,
    Maybe I'm missing something, but if I press F8 on my Digitrax system, the sound is silenced on my N scale K4. Even when I turn power off, return a few days later plugging the system back in and moving the mode toggle switch to run, the sound is still silenced.  What I have found, if I clear the engine number from my active throttle, but leave the sound off, then remove the engine from the track, when the locomotive is placed back on the rail, the locomotive sound system will be enabled until I re-enter the engine number, then the sound once again is silenced.  I understand the primary point of this post is, folks want the sound to be disabled by default. I just mention this as my experience seems to be different, my Bachmann sound equipped K4 seems to remember the sound is turned off, either that or my Digitrax system remembers I turned the sound off?

Regards,
Rich S.
 

Quote from: Fish on January 29, 2017, 01:42:56 PM
To add to my problem I just discovered that one of the motor shaft couplers has come off.  I believe I now need to replace the motor.  However the parts store says the GP 40 motors are out of stock and / or discontinued.  I wonder if it possible to solder the coupler back on to the motor shaft?  Otherwise I am open to suggestions.  Hate to lose the engine.  it cost $35 to purchase a new under chassis.  Almost the cost of a new GP 40 diesel. I hope I am making myself clear as to which part is broken. It holds the plastic propeller shaft that connects to the trucks.

You cannot solder plastic, I'd try a small drop of CA (Super Glue) to attach the coupling on the motor shaft. Be careful not to get any glue in the motor or you'll be done. Also as another poster mentioned. make sure the bronze wipers in the truck side frames are properly contacting the frame halves and are not dirty. If one of the bronze wipers (labelled on the drawing as truck pickup shoe) is dirty or not contacting the frame, it will cause your locomotive to stop running at a turnout or crossing.  One more suggestion, do not over tighten the frame screws when putting your locomotive back together, a very light pressure snug is good enough, to much and you'll strip out the plastic screw holder. Hope this helps?

When you increase the voltage to the track, does the locomotive run smoothly or is it jerky with the lights turning off and on? Have you tried cleaning the rails with a bright boy or a piece of cloth and 70% Isopropyl Alcohol?

Have you tried cleaning the locomotive wheels as shown in the attached video link?
https://youtu.be/__yHj-XUruU

If your locomotive is still experiencing problems, you'll want to contact the Bachmann Service department

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/service.php

Douglas, Several manufactures make rail joiner's for Code 80 rail. Most state they can be used on both code 55 and code 80 rail. Personally, I always try to stick with joiners that are labelled for the rail type I'm using.

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Atlas-N-2535-Nickel-Silver-Code-80-Track-Rail-Join-p/atl-2535.htm

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Peco-N-Metal-Conducting-Rail-Joiners-p/pec-sl310.htm

On your existing rail joiners, check to ensure the metal tabs on each end of the joiner is not too long or bent, keeping the rail joiner from completely sliding on the rail. Sometimes if the rail joiner tab is too long, it may contact the tie, causing a gap in the track sections?

Sorry Bach Man, but in my opinion, this is a neatest tool to come down the line in quite a while. It's a tool for adding rail joiners to track sections, no more sore fingers.
http://shop.atlasrr.com/p-48003-all-scales-rail-joiner-sidekick.aspx

Regards,

Hello Bach Man, The Williams by Bachmann Fall 2016 Announcements email I received contains an invalid (Click Here) link. I receive the error message "Server not found" when I try to click on the link in the email.

Thank you in advance for looking into what might have gone wrong with the email.

Kind Regards,
Rich S.