I have a Bachmann 2-6-0 Alco a fine running engine. I also realize it's a small and light steam loco. I have 1% and 2% grades everywhere on my layout. I can pull 4 cars (40 ft. boxcars all smooth and free rollers) with this loco, any more than 4 and on a grade the engine doesn't move, just spins. I'm not trying to be unrealistic that it could pull 15 cars but would like to pull 6 or 7 cars with this engine. It doesn't appear there's much room to add weight to the engine. Is there any kind of traction that can be added to the wheels that work, or would it just gum up the wheels with little or no improvement? Haven't added weight to the tender, think that would help? Just trying to pull a couple more cars. Open to ideas. Thanks, Bo.

I have a small outdoor layout, 40'x 15' and this year I added the Bachmann plastic pier set, to change it from an all flat layout. I only run an "Annie" 4-6-0, one year old as my only Loco. Never had an issue of the pilot wheels derailing before on a flat surface, but now when it comes off the pier the Loco goes into a curve right away ( space issue ) and the pilot wheels flip off the track. Should I add weight to the front pilot wheels, do you think that would help. I can buy these 1/4 oz. stick on weights from the LHS. Thought I would ask the pros before buying the weights. Thanks.

I have a Bachamnn Alco 2-6-0 and would like to switch to metal couplers. I tried the Kadee #5 but they don't fit in the Pilot or tender boxes. Has anyone tried Kadee's in these steam loco's, and which ones did you use? Thanks.

Mr. Bachmann, do you have or where could I buy an HO scale tender DCC ready for a Spectrum 4-6-0 Steam engine. Preferably unlettered but any road name is OK too. Thanks.

A friend of mine is thinking of buying a new generation 6 Big Hauler "Annie" set for Christmas and asked me a simple question which I had no answer for as I've only had my Big Hauler for a few months. The question was " how many hours running time can I expect to get out of this engine ". I said I'll ask the Bachmann forum as the members have been running these engines for years. So, if you can help him ( and me ) how many running hours on average can we expect ( when the engine is well cared for and maintained ) to get from a Big Hauler? Thanks.

Trying to find old time turn of the century people figures (about 1900) standing and sitting. They would go great in Bachmann passenger cars, cabooses, train stations etc. I see pictures of them everywhere on websites, but after a search of where to buy them, I come up empty. Could someone give me a lead where to get them? Thanks, Bill W.

Apparently Bachmann made 2 kinds of valve gears for their Annies and Big haulers, Walschaerts or Stephenson valve gear. Is one slightly more reliable than the other, and how can you tell which one you have on your 4-6-0? Thanks, Bill W.

My Anniversary 4-6-0 White Pass steam engine has a dummie knuckle coupler on the front on the engine. I would like to put a Bachmann working knuckle coupler on the front. But the dummie coupler on the front looks about half the size of a regular knuckle coupler. Before I take the dummie coupler out would like to know if a working Bachmann coupler would fit. Has someone done this with Bachmann couplers. I know Kadee makes a coupler that fits the front with some minor alterations. If Kadee is the only way to go, will Kadee couplers couple with Bachmann couplers? Thanks, Bill.

I recently purchased second hand a Bachmann White Pass G scale boxcar, green with yellow lettering. I knew when I bought it there was a large stain on the green part of the boxcar which reflected the price. Is there anyway to match the color from a Bachmann color chart ( if that even exists ) or is it just trying to match the best I can using Floquil paints for example? I don't want to repaint the entire car as a  close paint match would be okay. I'm fairly new at this and would like some ideas and suggestions. Thanks, Bill

I have a few Bachmann G scale cars ( not the spectrum ) and need replacement wheels for some. Bachmann makes metal wheel sets in "small " or "standard". Which ones would I need for a 4 wheel bobber caboose and a 8 wheel  boxcar? Would like to order the right ones the first time. Thanks.

I have a spectrum 4-6-0 steam engine, the 2 wiring harnesses from the tender to engine are connected but the headlight doesn't work. I run DC only. Anyone know what I should be looking for to get the headlight to work? Thanks.