We have permission to publish this (for those who want to try to create problems at Bachmann, I have it in print):
This procedure addresses one area of concern.
The wires from the power plug for the third truck are not strain-relief-ed sufficiently. This is very apparent in non-dcc versions, but also apparent in some dcc versions. Inspection indicates if both wire bundles are wedged under the decoder, the problem was minimized, but even then, vibrational issues with the locomotive bouncing through frogs can cause issues at the board as indicated below.
If you remove the fuel bunker and move the third truck side-to-side while observing these wires (or just the plug to the third truck), you will see the wires move at the board.
They will break if not secured.
This procedure is written to allow the consumer to enact strain reliefs on the wiring harness from the third truck where these wires enter the locomotive main body and attach to the circuit board.
Remove fuel bunker. Two screws, in rear corners of bunker, accessible from under unit.
Lift bunker at rear and unclip front from chassis. Set bunker and screws aside.
Inspect wires along left rear side, or fireman’s side. (see attached photo).
These are 8 wires in a row from the back of the board forward on the left.
Not the wires along the back.
Make certain all wires are attached without pulling on them.
Hot glue the wires, both the bare wire and the insulation (important) to the board.
Allow to cool for a few minutes. The attached photos show the front 4 wires hot-glued, the back 4 not hot-glued so you can see the difference.
Now, obtain a small, narrow tie-wrap.
On the floor of the locomotive, at the