Hello! I'm new and searching...

[mb2000inc]

Hello, all!
My name is Mark.  I'm new here, and to trains.  Well, that's not entirely accurate.  I had a train set as a kid, back in the 1980's and recently came back into possession of it when cleaning out my parent's basement.  I can't find any information on it - ANYWHERE.  I was debating on either setting it back up or selling it (and all the extra accessories I had to go with it - that were purchased separately  from Bachmann.), and I just want *any* kind of information - ANYONE can share with me.  Value, where to find parts (if needed), why there's no mention of it anywhere online, was it a limited run,  etc.

ANY information would be helpful and appreciated.  Thanks, in advance. 

[mb2000inc]

I tried to upload a picture, but it kept telling me that I couldn't.

[rich1998]

I tried to upload a picture, but it kept telling me that I couldn't.

Look down  in General Discussions on how to upload a photo. You need a photo hosting site like photo bucket.

Rich

[rich1998]

Hello, all!
My name is Mark.  I'm new here, and to trains.  Well, that's not entirely accurate.  I had a train set as a kid, back in the 1980's and recently came back into possession of it when cleaning out my parent's basement.  I can't find any information on it - ANYWHERE.  I was debating on either setting it back up or selling it (and all the extra accessories I had to go with it - that were purchased separately  from Bachmann.), and I just want *any* kind of information - ANYONE can share with me.  Value, where to find parts (if needed), why there's no mention of it anywhere online, was it a limited run,  etc.

ANY information would be helpful and appreciated.  Thanks, in advance.  

What is the name of the set? Generally Google can find an answer with the name of the set and some here can also. Even a photo or two can work. Some here know quite a lot about Bachmann history.

Rich

[mb2000inc]

The name of the set is called, "The Rock"

[jward]

As others will probably tell you, a used HO train set probably isn't worth a whole lot.

The locomotive you have is a Bachmann U36B. I believe there were two versions produced. One had all wheels geared "8 wheel drive" which had a chassis with the motor in the center and the wheels driven through worm gears on either side of the motor. This is similar to the way most locomotives are set up to-day. If this is the one you have it is probably a decent runner.

The other, cheaper version has only 4 wheels driven through a truck mounted pancake motor. The other 4 wheels are free rolling and can be easily spun by hand. If this is the version you have it is a notoriously poor running locomotive. Bachmann has greatly improved the quality of their locomotives since then.

http://ho-scaletrains.com/bachmann-general-electric-u36b/

[rich1998]

Yes, it is a tough one but I see a diesel. No idea which one. Might be a pancake motor on one end. 1980's kind of points to that. HO Seeker would have a loco diagram I think. Usually a poor running motor and noisy. I had a couple steamers with that motor. Open the shell.
Bachmann uses the same loco and cars and renames the set over the years. Eventually upgrades the loco to a can motor.
I am still looking.
If the cars are ok, buy a new loco. The track might be steel and rusty. If not rusty, then they would be nickle/steel. Power pack, no idea. Resale not much from what I have read here. There is a link somewhere on that issue. Some just like to collect complete sets. Ebay.
Good luck.

Rich

[Hunt]

Click Here info in the Bachmann 1979 catalog.

[mb2000inc]

That's cool.  I wasn't thinking I'd get much for it if I sold it.  Still debating on it.  I have the original tracks plus a bunch of extra tracks, extra cars, a "train station" with a microphone/speaker attachment, some landscaping things, etc... If I can make room in my house, I'll probably set it back up.  But, if I can't - well, the wife will want me to get rid of it, and I'll have to sell it.

So, there's that.  But, hey! Thank you all for the info - very helpful.  Though, I don't understand why I can't find anything about that particular set online anywhere.

[rich1998]

These sets were nothing popular.. The pancake drives were rather lousy. You had to run them fast to keep them going.
Today the locos have a can motor in the center driving each truck.
In fact Bachmann trains had lousy reviews for some years back then. Bachmann has really improved a lot. I have seen this in different forums over the years.
Bachmann would repaint the loco and give the set a new name. There were many names over the years. More or less accessories.
I even looked at You Tube. I guess the set just did not sell well.

Bachmann sells a lot on the other side of the Pond in train styles that suit modelers there.
If you get bored, search for Bachmann Industries. Lots of good history.
Good luck.

Rich

[mb2000inc]

Hey, thanks, guys!

I appreciate all the info. It really does help to know there are other enthusiasts out there, willing to help out a newbie like myself.

[Trainman203]

Start over with new equipment, like one of the Bachmann  DCC /Sound sets.  You can use everything else over again (possibly needing coupler change out on the cars) except the engine and the power supply.  Today's engines run smoothly and you'll never regret doing DCC and sound.

[rich1998]

Just stay away from the EZ Command DCC set. It can only program the loco number and run locos. Not change CV's. Right in the on line manual which some new buyers have missed.

Rich

[Trainman203]

I respectfully disagree and say get that DCC/Sound set and use  the EZ Command until you get used to DCC.  After awhile you will get a sense of whichever advanced DCC system you may choose.  EZ Command gave me over a year of DCC enjoyment until I was able to make what seemed like a formidable leap.

[jward]

I must respectfully disagree. For what you pay for an EZ command, you can get a DCC command station that is not only capable of full programming of decoders, but is also expandable. EZ Command's fatal flaw is that it is a stand alone, dead end system with extremely limited capability. If you know you're going to have to replace something in a year anyway, why not get the better system to begin with. Especially of the cost is similar.