I'm curious to know if anyone is having problems with this latest Spectrum 2-8-8-4 steam release? The reason I ask is: I'm in the process for of returning my third engine to Bachmann. The first engine had a terrible bounce in the front drive truck. The second one had front truck drivers that did not contact the rails causing derailments. The third engine has binding in the front drive truck causing it to stall. You probably notice that these problems are all related to the truck. It has been three months from my initial purchase and I still don't have an acceptable running 2-8-8-4. It seems as though I have had to return at least 50% of Bachmann's Spectrum steam for replacement. I wander if Bachmann steam is even worth the effort. As a note I have Bachmann 8-40C's. With minor modifications the shells have been put on Kato drives. this was done years ago. having said this, Bachmann has been outstanding for warranty replacements. I wish they would tighten up their control prior to shipping from the suppliers. Although I experience problems, model railroading's diversity makes it a great hobby. Have fun and enjoy the railroading!
Here you go:http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?152917-Bachmann-B-amp-O-EM1 Lots to read. I would like to add I've had no problem with mine. Cheers, Bob.
I purchased two of them, but one is current back with Bachmann; the problem I experienced with it seems to be the DCC decoder. They both ran beautifully and exceeded my expectations. Eager to get it back on the layout.
First-run steamers from Bachmann are pretty notorious for their QC problems. I think that's why a lot of people just wait for the second run. My advice is to just keeping sending the bad ones back to Bachmann - you'll get a good one eventually. Cheers, -Mark
Thanks everyone for your replies to my post. I apologize if it was lengthy. I guess I was just venting. The engine I returned today was received yesterday from Bachmann. You would thing that it would be of the second run. Hopefully #4 will be the magic number. Have fun and enjoy railroading.
I purchased two of them and they both had gear bind. I sent them in about 6 weeks ago so far no news. I hear that's normal this time of year though.
I purchase one last week and it arrived this week. It runs and looks great. Pulls more cars than I can fit on my small test track. I need to get more work done on the big layout but other things keep getting in the way. I spent the whole day doing my taxes, yuck. Have fun, Mark
I agree with Mark "Spookshow" about sending locomotives with problems back to Bachmann or to whomever the manufacturer is. They have no other way to know that there are problems and the nature of the problems. Many large corporations have used the Six-Sigma program to reduce the costly defects that can occur in manufacturing, but it only works with data to analyze.
Thanks again to everyone for responding. A short update: Again, I returned the engine to Bachmann. I also emailed them and expressed my concern about receiving three consecutive bad engines. Got an email from Bachmann today. They already received the engine, tested it and promised to send a good by tomorrow. I though I went back to the 60's with this one. in this case, I'm sure "the 4th is the charm". Have fun and enjoy railroading, Ron
NOt to sidetrack, but to avoid starting another 2-8-8-4 thread. DOes anyone know if the decoder ahs been defined for JMRI and how to add it to my copy of decoderpro 3?
