I just bought 3 of the neat little Bachmann gas side-rod locomotives. One runs perfect out of the box but the other two are very rough running and stall at low speeds. Does anyone else have experience with these. What are my best options? Do I need to send them back to Bachmann? If I take them apart, anything to look for to fix them?
I have one. It runs perfectly. Seems that I have heard about something which can go bad in their drive train. Gears? Anyhow, I'd not dismantle at this point, as that could void any warranty work. Boxcab E50
I have had similar experiences with other manufacturers... It seems like luck of the draw really, these days I order three locos of a given kind and pray that at least one of the three runs well. Its also not an issue of price. I have a $400.00 loco that doesn't run well.
I should have put 0-4-0 in the title, dang thumb typing! I think I might send them back in this time and see what happens. To bad I have to pay the shipping cost...
Bachmann is pretty good about honoring warranties. I think you should definitelt consider sending them back, especially if you're considering putting major detailing work into any of them.
First thing to check is make sure the side rods and counter weights are fully pushed onto the drive wheels. I have encountered rough running if they are not fully seated.
