As I continue to'dabble' in HO I got myself a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation. After running well backwards and forwards for about 5 minutes it suddenly locked up in reverse with the motor seemingly disengaged from the gears. The motor now just turns without turning the wheels. This is my first steam loco, so is there anything I should know before delving into the insides?? Regards David Milburn (North Yorkshire, UK)
It seems that having the axle of the driving gear 'spining' loose is a fairly common problem with some Spectrum steam locos. I do not have any specific experience with it, but I do recall there has been discussions in the past in here about it, and how to repair it. You will probably have to go deep into the HO archives to find them. Good luck.
Sorry to hear that David. I have two of these locos and both are perfect (as are my other Spectrum steam locos). Hope you find the problem and it is easily fixed.
Having trawlwed the archives - a loco with a similar problem was 'reported' to Bachmann but I couldn't find what happened after. Anyway - I can't email Bachmann US because I live in the UK; I can't return it to Bachmann UK because it hasn't got a UK dealer stamp!! So I telephoned - the answer is to return it to the US and they'll replace it OK?? No, they haven't got anymore Consolidatiions!! Questions -- I've got proof of purchase but does it make any difference when returning that I bought it new off ebay?? (I can even send back part of the shrink wrap) I can probably have another Spectrum loco, but which one?? 4-6-0 and Decapod are similar (but more expensive prices) - will they go round 15 inch curves?? (I am told the Consolidation will) Do I hang onto it and hope someone comes up with a 'fix'?? Any help/advice gratefully received David
As long as you are the original purchaser with proof of purchase you should be covered. Was there a ownership registration card with the loco? The Decapod is a 10 wheeler that was reviwed by MR April 2002. I suspect it will not handle 15" curves. Check out MR
Per MR April 2002, Minimum 18" radius. Here's the Bachmann Warranty language. Warranty card should be returned. If service is required within one year from date of purchase, return loco prepaid along with proof of purchase. If after one year, send pre-paid along with $15.00 and proof of purchase. "At the option of Bachmann, the loco may be repaired/replaced, except if repair and replacement are not practicable, then a refund of the purchase price will be made".
The decapod is a 10-drivered loco, which is a little different than a 10-wheeler. Unless some of the rivers are blind (i.e. no flange) or have significant side play designed into them, they will not make as tight a curve as the 4-6-0 ("ten-wheeler"), which is 6-drivered. My 4-6-0 is fine on Altas snap switches and 18" radius curves. David - if the loco is indeed brand new, do not open it! Take it back to the store to see if they will handle a return/exchange for you. If no, then go the warranty route. if you attempt to tinker with it yourself, you may void your warranty. Only open it if none of these courses of action work for you. Andrew
Were I to get a steam locomotive, I'd be looking for the 2-10-0 Russian Decapod. Frisco had quite a few, one of which (the 1630, the source of my nom de cyber) runs at the Illinois Ry. Museum. I've also seen the Consol in action- great little steamers (Frisco had a potload of 'em on the roster, and they ran the line between Ft. Smith and Hugo, up & down the Winding Stair grades.
Hello, I have experienced no problem with Bachmann concerning warranty repairs. If you are covered by the first year, and this loco was sold to you as new, send it back for repair. If it is beyond that time, send the $15 dollars with the engine. They may repair or replace (with another one) or send replacement of your choice. I once returned an early 4-8-4, I very much wanted it repaired, of course they had long since stopped making them and had no parts. What I got back was a Spectrum Pennsy K-4. Bachmann's philosophy concerning model problems appears to be make the customer happy. It sounds as though the spur gear has cracked and is futiley spinning on the driver axle. While you might consider replacing the the driver, with a new one from Bach., warranty repair would be easier.
Thanks for all the replies. A friend has offered to take a look at it, but I think I'll send it back to Bachmann in the US and see what happens. I hope it can be repaired as it is the 2-8-0 which I want. I see that Trainworld have the 2-8-0s on offer at $74.99 - I might try them Regards David
