Interesting.
...But with that, need to know what DCC controller you are using.  Frankly, if you are using the Bachmann EZ command controller (model 44901), then its F10, not F0, that will activate the lights.  Since I do not have those other controllers, I'll have to leave it to those who own those to support answering that lighting option.

Hope this helps.

QuoteSam Malone on August 16, 2026, 07:13:45 PM
...I'm curious, where did you get your 44 tonner at?...

I recently acquired this 44-tonner from a hobby shop in, of all places, Las Vegas, Nevada—and thank goodness that shop is still there! I had visited it years ago, but didn't expect it to still be open. My wife had a workshop to attend, so we drove up there for the weekend, and during my free time, I drove over to see if the shop was still in operation. To my surprise, it was. I stopped in without expecting to find anything great, but to my next surprise, they had this single model. I brought it home a few weeks ago, and was breaking it in on my layout when I noticed this forum issue.

One thing that you brought forward are the different versions (generations) of this model.  I frankly have no idea which version this model is, maybe the 2nd gen you mentioned.  That's what makes me think to send in that warranty to Bachmann.

So, after reading the "code of conduct" I wasn't sure if I could post the hobby shop's name or their website, but you know the location and hopefully this will not push the administrator to delete this response.  Plus, since the shop only had the one model, it may be of little or no help in finding another one.

Great buy for me, not so great for your friend

Pond is done, I added static grass to one side, it dried correctly and looks clear.

I have a brand new Bachmann GG1 i purchased. The unit came DCC installed with the Sound Value Decoder. The train runs great, the sounds are fantastic, however there are no lights. F0 does not activate the lights. Any thoughts or recommendations  before returning for service. 

Hi thewizard,

It should be Screw #10119, available here:

https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68_789_86&products_id=7483

But what if that set gets discontinued? How would we get that ore load?

Anyways, Bachmann's Facebook just posted a photo showing off the tankers in HO Scale. I said it before, and I'll say it again. Bachmann needs to retool the N Scale tankers so we can have show-accurate ones to replace the Graham Farish tankers that we got back when the N Scale range was in its infancy. With N Scale getting a show-accurate tanker tooling, we can get a much wider variety. Those Graham Farish tankers were made as a cost-cutting measure to give N Scale more rolling stock when it was new. I said it enough times, and I think I can move on to something else.

If the set with the ore loads gets discontinued, the ore load will simply no longer be available, like the Christmas 1-plank wagon with presents, and the Christmas-themed brake van, not the Naughty and Nice one.

Hello Mr. Bachmann,

I'm looking for the specs of a screw. It's on the underside of the Hudson, on the front, just under the leading truck. It's black, phillips head, 8mm long. It looks like it's responsible for keeping part H536X-00K01 in place. If you're able to look that up, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

The ore load that comes in that one set. I get why Bachmann wants it to be exclusive . But maybe making a different color .

I haven't really talked too much about the new reboot, as it seems pretty clear that Mattel continues to rebrand Thomas into something that it isn't. This is now the third time in a row where they've felt the need to reinvent Thomas into something completely different from what the franchise traditionally was.

I feel like All Engines Go left a pretty sour taste in many fans' mouths, and any positive reception I've seen toward this new reboot seems to boil down to, "At least it's better than AEG." Had All Engines Go never happened, I can almost guarantee that the reaction to this reboot would be considerably more negative. Even compared to BWBA, this feels like a significant nosedive, particularly with some of the cartoony character and rolling stock designs and the child actors portraying some of the characters.

That being said, there is one thing I really do want to emphasize: I'm glad Bachmann has publicly stated that they aren't going to get involved with making new products from this reboot. Personally I think that's the best approach, otherwise, it would just be history repeating itself with Bachmann's short-lived Chuggington line.

I think the most likely outcome for this new show is that it lasts three or four seasons, much like BWBA and AEG, before Mattel pulls the plug and moves on to the next Thomas rebrand they make. If/when that happens, Bachmann may as well continue sticking with what has already been working rather than taking a shot in the dark on characters and designs whose appeal could ultimately be short-term rather than long-term.

As long as Bachmann continues prioritizing characters with long-term appeal, like Hiro and Whiff, a new HO James, and N scale models of Edward and Duck, while keeping the designs consistent, then that's really all I (as I'm sure many others), could ask for as a fan who's just as passionate about the hobby as I am about the Thomas brand as a whole.

Fixed it. It's still drying, takes 3 days to get completely clear. I added a blue grey wash to kill off some of the green and then poured some more gravel into the pond and twigs. then another layer of gloss medium.