I think all of us are still asking that. The main purpose I see for these stupid bands is so that the model manufacturers could produce a lighter, cheaper product and make more money. With the bands, they figure it can pull just as much or more. However, it cuts down on power pickup, dirties the tracks, and the bands wear out, especially in the Arizona heat. I still do not own an Athearn belt driven locomotive, or ever hope to because these bands quickly dry up, break, and are not as efficient as other drivetrains. I can't believe that Bachmann would degrade their top line with this practice. Of course, it woludn't be the first time...
Hi Guys, I'm new to the hobby and heavy into the procurement cycle. Can you tell me how to contact Dave for quotes? Thanks, Jim
Hi Jim, and welcome to Trainboard We are happy to have your membership and participation! You can get the info you need by going to: dlaho.com Dave has his address and telephone number there. Good luck.
B.C. & Benny, back when engines were what I call good quality, they were all metal except the insulation on the wheels. It was not unusual to have a Pacific engine that weighed two or three pounds. My Big Boy weighs 6 pounds. When the manufacturers began cutting the quality of their products, the engines had more and more plastic and less and less metal. These engines we refered to as "Toy engines" made for kids. These light weight engines wouldn't pull three cars and a caboose, so there were a lot of complaints too. About the same time, some bright bean counter decided that they could cheapen the product even more by making the steam engine drivers out of plastic too. That is the hub, spokes, tire and flange is all one piece. That took care of insulating. To get electrical pickup, they nickle plated the tire and flange. Now nickle is more slippery than brass, and looks better, but the engine is even lighter. The plastic or rubber bands or tires became a fix so the engine cound pull several cars and complaints slowed down. Now even Lionel uses rubber drive tires. Mr. Cowen is probably turning over in his grave for how baddly they have cheapened his products. Its a shame, but you have been educated to feel good about paying high prices for so-so quality for years.
I did state before.---- No rubber tires on this model, all metal wheels. Runs perfect, quiet, and smooth. Now got two of them, and they are excellent.
Hey guys, I just checked up on my sourse for model railroading supplies in New York (Trainworld) and they have the Bachmann Shay for $109.99 on SALE!!!! I believe i'll have me a second! But you guys mean to tell me that the Shay is Belt driven???? Thats nothing new with Bachmann [ 09 March 2001: Message edited by: 7600EM_1 ]
Sorry guys, I just realized thats the start out SALE price on the Shay when Trainworld gets it. After they get it I can't say what the price will be then. But as of now you can pre order it for $109.99 and they will ship it to you as soon as arivial to them for that price and that doesn't include shipping so.... Your looking at $120.00 I guess. -John
