My father-in-law presented my son with a Bachman Red Comet train for under the tree. It is a used set and needs some tender loving care to get going I think.  I've already found some missing parts and the set didn't come with a manual.  How can I get the owners manual for the set and a parts list so I can figure out what is missing.  Thanks in advance.

What scale/gauge is the set and do you know how old it is?

Cant find any date on the box...but it is a "G" Scale Bachmann Big Haulers "Red Comet" item number 90012.

    * LS ANNIVERSARY EDITION 4-6-0 STEAM LOCOMOTIVE
Go to Diagrams under Product Reference and look up a parts diagram for your particular locomotive. I would suspect that the owners manual for this set would be similar to an owners manual of set that Bachmann currently produces, so I would try calling the service department and inquire about a manual.

ekwheel,
Don't worry about the long list of locomotives that ABC has posted.  Only one of them, the 4-6-0, ever came with a Big Hauler set.  The Anniversary 4-6-0 (or Ten-Wheeler if you prefer) is the latest in a long line of 4-6-0 locomotives, each a little better than the previous release.  It was released a few years ago on the 25^th anniversary of the original radio controlled, battery power Big Hauler.  The Anniversary Ten Wheeler (also referred to as an "Annie" by affectionadoes, is easy to distinguish from its predecessors - it has metal main rods, side rods and valve gear.  The preceding edition, which is likely the one you have, has a bump on the bottom cover but no oil hole.

The track that comes with the Big Hauler sets was designed for indoor use only.  It is readily available on line and at hobby shops.  Matching turnouts ("track switches") and crossings are also available if you want to expand your set.  If you (or the kids) would like to run the train in the back yard next summer, you might consider some outdoor track with UV resistant ties and solid metal rails made of Aluminum, Brass or Stainless Steel.  Aluminum rail is by far the cheapest and works quite satisfactorily if you lightly (very lightly) oil it with a conductive oil from the hobby shop.

There is one problem with Big Hauler sets that I must mention to you.  They are addictive.  My wife bought me a set about 20 years ago.  The first year, we ran it under the Christmas Tree.  The next summer, it was a small oval of track in the back yard.  Now it runs around the whole back yard.  The original Ten Wheeler from that Big Hauler set is still running but now shares the work with a fleet of locomotives, mostly Bachmann steamers with a few Aristo-Craft Diesels.

Jim

Thanks to everyone who answered.  Got a lot of good information and believe I'm on the right track.  I called the service department and have to admit got absolutely no where with who I talked with although she did quantify that "everyone was at lunch". 

I was able to determine the crucial piece i was missing...the track terminal clip (did i mention I was new to all this).  Everything else with the train and track set looks absolutely mint even though this set was made in the late 80's I was told.

Technically, this is my son's train set....he's only three.  I never had one as a kid (was a slot track addict) so I hope I don't wear it out before he gets old enough to drive it.

Good tip on the outdoor track...i guess this hobby could get expensive.

thanks again

You don't really need the terminal clip......you can just solder the wires to the outside of the rails. That will have you in business a lot faster than trying to locate the part.  Have fun.

Quote from: ekwheel on December 03, 2009, 01:11:07 PM
... and believe I'm on the right track. 

Use a pun, go to prison! (for those old enough to remember the Use a gun go to Prison ad campaign, which I haven't seen for a decade or more.)

ah...sorry about the pun, it wasn't intentional.  I really couldn't 'engineer' a pun if my life depended on it.  As for the tip to solder the wire....didn't even have to do that....just pinched the leads between the two tracks and sent the train on it's maiden voyage around the tree.

Wow.  I am amazed at how realistic this train sounds as it travels over the track and i can clearly see what you all find so endearing about this hobby.  I hope my son enjoys it so I can have an excuse to expand our set.

thanks again to everyone except I have one question...does the EZ Command system work with the "G" Scale trains?  I couldn't find a reference to it.  Also, how do I make the train horn blow?

This train has no whistle...just chuff sound.  This train is not DCC equipped, so it will not run with a DCC system.

Quote from: ekwheel on December 04, 2009, 10:34:04 AM...does the EZ Command system work with the "G" Scale trains? 

Yes, you can operate G-scale trains with the E-Z Command system if
(1) your E-Z Command system includes a booster to increase the amount of available power, and
(2) your locomotives have decoders in them.  Some Bachmann large scale locomotives do come with a decoder.  Bachmann uses the term "DCC on Board."  Other locomotives require that a decoder be installed.  Actually, if you use E-Z Command, one locomotive can be run without a decoder if all the rest have decoders.  Some restrictions apply.

Once you are running with DCC, there are many different DCC compatible sound systems that can be installed.  The better are absolutely incredible.  Even the cheaper ones will blow you away. 

Jim