I thought I would write an update to my GE 45T problems. Being frustrated by aftermarket 'repair' places and the sloppy work they seem to do; I decided to take the locomotive apart and try to see what the problem was. Cutting to the chase: One of the power leads (black) had become disconnected from it fastening point (as we say in Alabama; "It done broke"). I soldered the offending wire back where it belonged and put some tape over the end (did the same on the other wire (the red one). Tested the loco and it worked well. After reattaching the body (a 'fun job' especially those coupler pockets), I again tested the unit and [dang] it had a short!! OK, off came the body AGAIN. I lined the sides of the [metal] body with electrical tape, secured the TCS decoder and "Keep Alive", routed the new LED lights and tried again. Success!! OK, some 'take-aways' from this process: Make doubly sure NO wires can touch anything metal, secure any loose wires as they will work loose in time (I used a 'dab' of liquid tape) and very carefully reinstall the body. I hope this helps anyone else.

RAy

Hi Bill. I had the same problem with one of my Bachmann GE 45 tonners. All my locomotive's symptoms were the same as yours; so I hope my suggestion works for you. I removed the body and inspected the wiring. [I should note that I replaced the Bachmann decoder with one from TCS - along with their "Keep Alive" module" prior to the problem.] I found that one of the wires that connected the decoder to the split frame weight had come 'un-soldered'. Simply re-soldering the wire, reinstalling the body, and reinstalling those darn couplers (takes patience) did the trick. I hope this helps.

Ray

I had a popular vendor replace the Bachmann decoder (+ install a Keep Alive circuit) in both of my Bachmann GE 45 Ton locomotives (see my other post as things did not go smoothly with this vendor). OK, according to the invoice the vendor used a TCS 1425 M1-KAC silent decoder and a TCS 1454 KA1 Keep Alive Capacitor in each locomotive. One of the GEs runs very smoothly whilst the other so-so (some gear noise or "rattling"). I really wanted each locomotive to be sound equipped, but the vendor gave me an inordinate amount of 'push back' so I had to settle for the silent version. Oh, and gone are the dim, orange headlights...nice bright LEDs now.

Ray

Well guys, it always pays to do some research BEFORE making a statement. Mr. Bachmann, thank you for your reply; but I think I'm going to let you 'off the hook' on this one. This morning I did some research on the Whitcomb 50 Ton locomotive and, lo, it was only produced in narrow gauge (specifically 3' 3 3/8"). Therefore a standard gauge Whitcomb 50 Ton model would be un-prototypical. [Reference source - Eakin James S., Big Critters, Railhead Productions (2003).]

HOWEVER the Whitcomb 44 Ton locomotive was standard gauge (and 'sported' those wonderful Caterpillar D17000 engines). Of course since the Whitcomb 44 Ton and the GE 45 Ton locomotives were almost identical - just bringing back [an upgraded: Current Keeper + Tsunami equipped] GE 45 Tonner makes more sense...hint, hint.

Ray

I have used (and loved) my small fleet of Bachmann GE 45t switchers for years. Being retired, I find I run my trains almost every day - and this can [eventually] take its toll on these little locomotives. Alas, one of the fleet has ceased to operate; whilst another runs with a bit of noise. Procuring a new GE 45t is beyond my model railroad budget as prices have soared on those units still in inventory (a $100 loco is now selling for ~ $389). My assumption is that Bachmann has no plans offer the GE 45t anytime soon (which is sad for those of us with small or mini layouts). Today I came across the (new?) Bachmann Whitcomb 50t locomotive...it was love at first sight! Unfortunately this model was not equipped with those wonderful side rods...but what a great model it is. OK, Mr. Bachmann: Are there any plans on offering the Whitcomb 50t in HO? I really think there is a market for such a locomotive 'out there'. Since I am asking: Are there any plans on re-introducing the GE 45t (perhaps with sound and a "current keeper") [Are we ever satisfied?]

Ray

One of my trusty GE 45T locomotives ceased to run and I decided to send it to an [unnamed] vendor for repair. A bit of history: this locomotive has already had its decoder replaced as well as a "Keep Alive" unit installed. After 4 months waiting, I finally received the repaired locomotive back (there were several email requests for its repair status sent over the waiting period). Yesterday I finally received the locomotive via USPS. Upon opening the box I discovered: 1) all the cab windows were 'crazed' and nearly opaque, and 2) BOTH exhaust stacks were broken off (with one lying in the box). Understand that I shipped this locomotive in its original packaging and inserted the packaging in another box - securely wrapped in bubble wrap (the vendor returned the unit similarly packaged).

In deference to this Forum's rules I cannot mention the vendor...but it is one of the well-known ones. What is happening to our hobby? I can understand a GE 45T can be difficult to work on (well, not really); but to inflict the damage that was done on my unit? My message to you is to be wary; as apparently craftsmanship can be hard to come by in the model railroad repair industry.

Mr. Bachmann, why isn't this wonderful locomotive (GE 45T) still being produced? There used to be small switching locomotives produced by Walthers, BLI, and Bachmann...now there are none (not excepting the GE 44T that is a bit larger than the GE 45T). I guess the demand just wasn't there (on Ebay a new Bachmann GE 45T will set you back ~ $350+.) These are excellent running machines that only require the addition of a "Keep Alive" unit.

Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to 'vent'.

Hair, fur, and other 'fuzzies' are [unfortunately] very common on most layouts. I spend a lot of time cleaning the track area (track, roadbed, and about 1" to either side), have a good air cleaner in the train room and still get fuzzies. The Bachmann GE 45-ton locomotives have side rods...which love to pick up debris. I find I have to remove the connecting (side) rods on each side of the locomotive occasionally; and, using some of the tools shown above, remove the offending fuzz. This is a time-consuming project that is made easier with a magnifier. [Could it be that, at 75, I can't see as well as I used to? Nah.]

Regards,
Ray

You may have to change your scale to OO (assuming you model in HO). There are a limited number of listings in the U.K. for Irish Railway stock. I think I would purchase a copy of Railway Modeller magazine and check out the ads. E. Hatton's is an excellent source of European model trains (they willingly ship to the States). Good luck.

Ray

Hi Jonathan - Gosh you are so right...it has been a very long time since I have posted on this forum. I was 'cleaning out' some old bookmarks and decided to see what was going on in the 'Bachman world'. So many of the old 'regulars' have gone on their final ride. I will make every effort to not be 'missing in action'.

The Monks Island Railway is now the Monks Island Railway & Navigation Co. You probably remember the original Monks Island was a 60" x 11" shunting plank (Phase I). With time, all things change and the M.I.Ry. is one of them. I now 'inhabit' our ex-guest room and Phase II of the M.I.Ry. grew to 144" x 15" (I added the other end of Monks Island: Sweethaven). The Island Commissioners decided to expand the layout by adding 2 - 48" x 24" extensions on either end (hence Phase III). The left-hand extension houses a complete harbor scene - featuring a small, two-car ferry (the railway's connection to the outside world). The right-hand extension houses a lighthouse and a row of houses (the Monks Island residents have to live somewhere). Switching (shunting) is still my modus operandi and the layout continues to keep me busy.

I send my best to all of you forum members. I still get outstanding service from my two Bachmann GE45 tonners. If you are still having your trains 'chase their tails'; why not give small, switching layouts a chance? On the original Monks Island Railway, I could keep you busy for at least an hour (and that would have been a relatively easy switching problem).

Keep em rolling,
Ray
[What little hair is left on my 'hill' is definitely white.]

Maletrain has given you some excellent suggestions. My wife and I have 'vendored' at numerous train shows for years (we now only do 1 show per year). Frankly, the sale of model trains is chancy at best. Old Lionel trains are almost not worth the table space they take up. Old "antique" N or HO-scale trains aren't much better. We have an "under $3" box that holds numerous 'treasures'...most of which we take back home. [BTW I will not sell broken items.] The problem with eBay is that the buyer has to pay shipping. Many times the shipping costs are more than the item! Do you see where I am going with this?

Each year (after the show) we donate some of our 'overstock' to a local thrift store (owned by our local Hospice). Good luck with your situation. Oh, another 'throw away' are the piles of brass (and old Lionel 3-rail) track one accumulates at garage sales.

The next time you are at a model railroad show, take a look at the attendees. In all likelihood they all have gray hair (or none at all). Younger modelers (if there is such a thing) are definitely in the minority. Those aforementioned 'gray hairs' (all male BTW) have the disposable income to afford the 'nicer stuff'. All the best to you.

Ray

MarklinofSweden has a number of excellent tutorials on YouTube. Definately check out his easy method for water surfaces. [Hint: He uses toilet paper, glue, and high-gloss polyurethane. Another plus to his videos is his enthusiasm.

Regards,
Ray

We run two GE 45-tonners on the Monks Island Railway (#4 & #5). I chose this particular locomotive because of its short length (slightly shorter than the 44-ton models). My Bachmann 45-ton locos run virtually everyday and have never given me a moment of trouble. If you have a short, switching layout the 45-ton locomotive is just the thing...plus the moving connecting rods add a measure of interest to the loco's motion.

Regards,
Ray

Crash - I used a small drill bit to make pilot holes and inserted the sign brackets within (after first putting a small amount of CA on the brackets). In place of CA, you could use some styrene-compatible glue. It has been years and the signs are still in place. Any glue should be applied to the BACK of the structure walls - so it isn't seen. I hope this helps.

Regards,
Ray

Sedfred - I think your track plan has merit...with some changes. You could vastly 'uncomplicate' things a lot by eliminating most of those run-around crossovers. May I suggest that you label (or number) all the tracks on our plan so we, the peanut gallery, can efficiently add our comments to specific areas of your layout plan?

Simply put, turnouts equal money...more turnouts equals more money. Additionally, turnouts are (many times) the source of electrical woes (therefore: less turnouts = less woes). Assuming you are having rolling stock enter/leave the layout via cassettes; where would said cassettes be located? Is it possible to eliminate some of the trackage with sector plates (or a traverser)? The plan leaves little space for structures - leading to the question: what is the purpose of this section of railway?

If you do a search of this website (Bachmann Forum) for the Monks Island Railway, you will see that I am a 'switching operation fan' (especially on very small to micro plans. With this in mind, I strongly suggest that you visit Carl Arendt's excellent website...and especially go through the extensive "Scrapbook" pages. Carl's website is owned by another person (Carl has passed away); but the flavor of the project remains intact. [BTW: Is the Monks Island Railway perfect? No. Are there problems with some of the plan? Yes. That is why I am currently rebuilding the layout to eliminate most (all?) of said problems. Remember, a model railroad layout is never completely finished.]

In summary: More track does not necessarily make a better model railroad experience. Your plan has some similarities of the old "Switchman's Nightmare" plan of yore. I suggest:

• Have a definite theme to your railway
  
  
  • Make a full-sized mock up of your track plan and place some actual model rolling stock upon it...does the plan still work?
    
  • Determine what the main purpose of your 'section' of said railway is (does it serve one industry, several industries, a harbor, etc.)
  • Carefully look at the length of your sidings (how many cars will each hold...is that enough for operation?)
  • Can your track plan be made simplier (and, therefore, more fun to operate)?
  
  The hardest step in building a railroad 'empire' is in the planning stage. No track plan is perfect (that is why those of us who have been in the hobby for many years have built several [many?] layouts...after 50+ years in model railroading I have built my share). Try to get whatever track plan you like to be as close to YOUR preception of perfection as possible. [DISCLAIMER: Your perception of perfection will change over time...trust me.]
  
  All in all this is a good first attempt. May I suggest you join other forums and elicit their suggestions. An excellent, non-threatening, forum is Free Rails. There is a lot of help available on that website (among others).
  
  Best wishes,
  Ray

OK, I'll jump in here. I'd like to see Bachmann make their On30 Plymouth switcher in HO scale. A well-running 0-6-0 tank engine would also work for me (although Mantua and Rivarossi already make such a model). With the proliferation of small, mini-layouts today - smaller industrial/dockside locomotives should generate considerable interest in the hobby...whether or not that justifies the expense of tooling, etc. remains to be seen.

Regards,
Ray