hi Dave,
go back to the thraed that you started on 30 jan titled'connie won't drive'..there u will find an attachment from 'ALTTERAIN' DATED 30 JAN which clearly details step-by-step procedure. open this link, and away u go!

i have successfully replaced my gear/axle using this guide. it alos pays to check your motor/gearbox mount as described, as mine was loose...

if u want, give me a call. 03 3298403

cheers,Brian A.

Hi from 'down under'.
I have seen much reference to KRYLON paints on various forums.

Could someone kindly enlighten me as to what it is ? ie chemical name/type.
presume it is an acrylic type spray ??

locally, i use Tamiya sprays...a light coat of matt black followed immediately by a ligh coat of semi-gloss, gives an almost perfect match to most factory blacks.

also we use an etch primer/topcoat in black called 'satinetch' (used for painting log-fire flues). this gives an excellent matt finish that will never show finger marks,grease,oil etc.

i have used WS dry decals over these finishes with no problems at all.

regards, Brian A.

hi from down under!

As you can see from Dave's approach to this topic, he has now won the attention of 'the Bachmann'. i hope it is  fruitful!

i have joined in several forums over the last couple of years and it always saddens me to see you guys sniping and stabbing at each other

thankfully, we are all different. we all have different points of view,and different approaches to problems/topics. the very least u can do is repect someone else's point of view. if u don't agree with what u see or read then slagging the author sure aint going to add any value to the situation !

we all share a wonderful hobby and makers such as Bachmann are bringing us better and cheaper products. Sure, there will always be problems like this with final drive gears , or something else, all makers have these situations and some will always appear to deal with them better than others.
just hang in there, like we are, patiently waiting for our replacement bits,
and, most importantly,ENJOY THE HOBBY AND THE CONTACT THESE FORUMS BRING

rgds,Brian Allison 

hi Dave,
have tried calling your number but no luck if u want, call me on 033298403 evenings.
rgds
Brian Allison
Christchurch,New zealand

hi from down under!

in my case, the connie was 'new old stock' from a retailer in the usa who has sold approx 200 of these and is aware of 8 having problems like this.
mine was received still factory wrapped in the original bachmann carton and packed in their usual foam plastic padding.
i knew right away what the problem was as i have encountered other bachmann locos with split final drive gears.

maybe they have a problem with the grease/lubricant reacting with the nylon/plastic.....this loco must have been sitting untouched in it's box for 6-7 years.
Aristocraft had problems with their lubricants cracking journal boxes in their heavyweight cars. maybe this is similar ??
interesting to note the comment from theBach-man that he was not aware of such problems with the connie !!!
still, a great loco, although a static display at present !

hi Martin,

I too have just received a Connie with cracked final drive gear but replacement is under way. if u look at the very centre of the counterweights you will see the head of the Philips screw inside....mine were a little loose and easily tightened.

agreed, a fine loco and can't wait to see those rods /valve gear/counterweights in action
rgds, Brian A. from New Zealand

hello!
well it seems that the faulty connies are coming to new zealand !!
i also have just received my outside frame 2-8-0 which does not drive.
the final drive gear on the third axle is split and simply spins on the axle. this is the second engine i have received with split final drive gear.

this nylon/plastic gear seems to be a press fit and appears, after time, to become brittle and split. my connie is brand new old stock.

i am new to this forum so apologies if this topic has been well covered before, but this is a frustrating fault and not particularly easy to remedy here in new zealand. i have just asked my supplier in USA to obtain a new wheelset ( part no. 82109, i think) so hopefully this is available