I own a Bachmann two-truck Climax and it is one of the favorite locos in my collection. I am writing to tell you of a remarkable situation with that loco when the front truck ceased to operate because the drive line had become disconnected. When I examined it, the pieces would not go back together because something had broken. I contacted Bachmann Industries repair department in Philadelphia and sent the loco to them for repair per their instructions. I enclosed a check for $25.00 to cover the repairs, also per their instruction. When they received my locomotive, they called and told me that it could not be repaired and that it would be sent back to China. They offered to give me another loco (a modern 4-8-4) to replace it. I told them I would not accept anything other than another Climax like the one I sent to them. They explained that they had none and the 4-8-4 was my only alternative. I called them back and asked them to return my loco and my $25.00 check since I was not interested in their offer. They returned it and my check. I decided that I would attempt to repair it myself but I found that the parts required were not available from Bachmann’s online catalog. I could only obtain a couple of the pieces necessary to repair it. I would like to see it run again, but the manufacturer has been no help. Any suggestions?
With regard to the new three-truck loco, I would buy one if it was sold with out the DCC and the sound equipment. Apparently, there is no “plain jane” version available for those of us who don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars for equipme
I am not surprised that you were not offered another two truck Climax as that engine is no longer made. I am surprised that you were only offered the one engine the 4-8-4, was that a Spectrum or Standard engine.
The current three truck Climax does come with Sound and DCC and with DCC only. If one does not use DCC the decoder will run with DC power or you can remove the decoder and use the plugs which are supplied.
I am surprised that you were not offered the Spectrum three truck Climax with DCC for a few dollars more. I sent in an engine once to Bachmann a Doodlebug which was no longer made and it was offered a number of engines that were DCC ready and also for a few dollars more(I think it was $10.99) I was offered their newest Spectrum engine the 4-4-0 that came with DCC.
I would contact Bachmann again and explore what options you are offered. Being offered only one engine I find surprising.
I would also post this thread on the Bachmann board and ask the Bach Man for assistance.
They have the gears for the 3 truck Climax available on their on line website, I was under the belief that these gears and drive lines are the same as the two truck.I would call them and ask.
Contact Dave at NWSL. He mentioned at least a year ago he was going to develop replacement gears for the two truck Climax. I am on his mailing list. He may be waiting to get a loco to use as a guinea pig.
I have sent him a loco to develop a drive for the older Pittman drives used in many rod type older steam locos.
I think NWSL is working on the spur only…Don’t think they will spend the time & money on any other parts since the engine has been discontinued. I’m in the same boat as you are. My drive line fell apart also. Don’t like the new 3 truck climax. It’s a larger engine & doesn’t look right to me.
It’s amazing that we keep buying products that will eventually have split gears & not much support from the manufacturer. I’ve got some 50+ yr. old engines & not one split gear among them. Let’s find out how those guys did it.
Unfortunately that is correct, otherwise you have a display case only model. Not very satisfactory I agree, and who knows how long the replacements will last?
