I had a most pleasant experience. I sent back a Plymouth Switcher (weathered perfectly {for my standards, anyway}) that emitted a wisp of smoke one day and died. I had also purchased at Trainland (while getting grandaughter some Thomas the Train things, a hands on necessity) a Northern. Trainland tested it on their extensive two foot straight N track for me. After three engines, I chose the one that ran ok on that two feet stretch. I was told this was the new Spectrum (it was in the plastic box) and not the older, first run, regular Bachmann which was in the white box. Needless to say, I did not check the plastic box. It never said "Spectrum". I put it on my less than perfect best main line of about 18 running feet and it would not stay on the tracks at all, derailing at about eight different spots. I turned it over and examined it under a magnifying light and it sure as hell looked used to me. I sent it back to Bachmann with a letter and a $20.00 check stating what was wrong with each and to use the $20 for replacement of the Plymouth, or if not, just to examine the Northern and tell me if looked like it had more than 20 minutes of use. I also said I have no intention whatsover of suing Trainland for the price of the engine since it was not worth my time or effort in doing so. If used, I asked that it just be returned to me and I will paint it and install it in a shed. If the $20 was not required, I asked them to apply it to a repair for an N scale person who could not afford a repair that was requested. Results- New Plymouth Switcher New Northern that runs decently on my trackwork Return of the $20 check. No charge for anything. Bachmann, however, never answered my question re: new or used on the Northern. I have absolutely nothing but praise for its service department. I have never needed anything from a dealer/manufacturer except Bowswer kingpins which were sent by Bowser directly without charge.
Mark: It's nice to hear about a pleasant experience from N scale mnaufacturer's for a change. Stay cool and run steam.....
I had a very similar experience several years ago so the details may not be clear.. I had a old Bachmann Steamer that the engine just up a quit. I thought about it for a while and decided to call Bachamann and find out if they had a replacement. It comes to pass the lady I talked to said "no problem" and sent out a replacement. Inside the package was a note wrapped around the motor that said "If rhis is the right one send Thirteen dollars otherwise send it back". I sent the thirteen dollars and it is still running today.
