I purchased a Bachmann N-scale 2-6-6-2 Steam Loco last month when in LA.
When I got back home I attempted to run it on my pike however it would not stay on the track so I checked the wheel gage and found every wheel was out of gage.
I corrected the wheel gage problem only to find when attempting again to run the unit that the connecting rods now hit on the valve gear on both sets of drivers and on both sides[:(].
This is a beautiful loco (and will run on Atlas Code 55 Track if the Connecting rods would clear the valve gear) but I want it to operate correctly.
The reviews that I have read (prior to making the purchase) indicated that the Locomotive’s wheels conform to the NMRA standards but the one that I purchased did not[:(].
In doing a web search I discovered that I am not alone with this problem, however I did not see any fix[V].
Is Bachmann aware that they have a problem with these Locomotives?
I contacted Bachman and they said send it back and they would repair or replace it.
I have several other locomotives that have run right out of the box; however the wheels on them were all in gage (not Bachmann)[^].
I returned the locomotive to Bachmann and today I received a new replacement in the mail (10-06-2005).
I was excited, took it down to my hobby room checked the wheels with my NMRA standards gage and found that all of the wheels were out of gage, I corrected the wheel gage put, it on the track and attempted to run it, well the tie rods hit on the valve gear on this locomotive the same as the first one[xx(].
Now I would like to know why this locomotive’s wheels are not in gage, this
is the same problem that I had with the first one and now the problem
persists with the replacement.
It dose not comply with the N-scale NMRA standards when checked (Not even close)[:(!].
If I correct the wheel gage so that it meets the standards the connecting
Bachmann,in my experience,has an excellent after sale service,in fact much better than I expected in my case.It is obvious that they simply picked up another new loco and sent it to you without testing it themselves.An obvious miss from them,but I believe they will correct this also.
I’ve read many comments on this model and it seems that there is no middle…meaning that they are either very bad or very good,probably depending on batches I guess.I suggest that you allow them a few days as they probably will send you a tested one.
The 2-6-6-2 seems to have a 50-50 chance of having a bad model. That’s what the steamers on Nscale Net report. You get a better chance of getting a good one with their 2-8-0 Consolidation & 4-8-2 Mountain.
Don’t understand why Bachmann is having this problem. They may be using a different factory in China? They should have checked the loco before sending the 2nd unit to you.
At least they do have good customer service. The problem is you may need it with the Mallet.
I would return the new loco, as well. Include a note asking them to please check the gauge and the clearances on the valve gear, including running it on track with curves, before they send you the replacement. I’d bet they won’t bother, but you will be justified for being overtly peeved with them if you have to return a third one!
Thanks for the suggestions; I have sent them an e-mail to see how they want to handle it.
The loco is a very good looking unit and I would like to be able to operate on my layout.
Bachmann’s turn around time to get me the replacement was very fast about 2-1/2 weeks or so.
I will suggest that they check the next one before shipping it.
Send them a copy of your sales receipt (you DO keep sales receipts, don’t you?), and add a little note that says if they can’t check a new loco before sending it to you to just refund your money. Then suggest that it would be better for you to buy a different company’s product than to have to continue returning defective locomotives.
Maybe send a copy of your correspondence to the corporate office, too. You want to get somebody’s attention, otherwise you may be receiving and returning locos 'til the cows come home.
I do not want my money back, I want the same type of loco but in running condition.
Bachmann is the only company to offer a 2-6-6-2 that I am aware of and for the most part it is very good looking.
If they can send Model Railroader a good one that complies with the NMRA standards they should be able to supply me with one.
I will give them another try and report on the out come.
Update; I was contacted by Ginny of Bachmann (I think that she is only a shipping clerk).
She said that the replacement was from the second batch and that there was no problem with them.
Then she advised me to contact Lee Riley the engineer that designed the locomotive and talk to him about my problem.
She went on to tell me that Lee is out of town most of the time.
I ask for a phone number were I may contact him and e-mail address, neither of which did she have or was willing to get for me.
This next week I will attempt to get a phone number and or e-mail address for Lee Riley and contact him to see if there is any resolution to this.
Were the flanges to wide or to narrow? I have read that some of the multi axle locomotives are made with the center axle / axles narrower to permit them the operate on sharper curves. Could this have been the case?
The wheel spacing was too narrow and the wheels almost fell between the rails and would not roll through the guard rails or clear the points at the turn outs.
Keep in mind that I am using Atlas Code 55 Track and to get anything to operate on that track it has to be right on (in gage) be it locomotives or cars.