Obviously they are not. Unless Plasticville has motors for a 4-8-4, and a Vandy tender front piece.

If they were the parts, I wouldn't have said "mystery package", or said they are nothing I ordered, or that they were meant for Minnesota (which I mentioned in the first post)


Hmmm... unless... I wonder of a motor for a 4-8-4 would make a good replacement wall for a Plasticville blacksmith/livery stable? (what? We've all kitbashed things before!)

Yeah... I sent an e-mail to Bachmann earlier today...

I went to the post office to see about returning it, but, because it was opened (the package was labeled and addressed to me, and though I wasn't expecting anything, I had inquired about some Plasticville parts about a month ago) the USPS said that it's "legally mine" now, and I would have to pay the postage to return it to Bachmann. So Ill see if they will send a return post label.

I just got a package from Bachmann, that I never ordered... I'm in the San Diego area, and they sent me a package of parts, that were meant to go to Minnesota (according to the packing slip)

Now what? Do I just write "return to sender" and walk it down to the post office? Does Bachmann need to be informed, so they can take care of the actual customer that paid for these parts? Will they figure it out with me returning the item, or should there be a note?

This is the SECOND brand new, unopened Plasticville building I've bought that is missing parts right out of the box... it is SO frustrating. It is the Blacksmith/Livery Stable set #2909... it was sealed, with the parts sealed on their board and bag inside as well... but, it's missing the Chimney vent (2 pieces) the chimney (2 pieces) Std. door, 2 loft pulleys, hanging sign, 3 windows, and the stall front! (I'm guessing they are all on the same parts tree)

Is there ANYWHERE to get these missing parts? Near as I can tell, this set of out of print, so I honestly don't expect much. It's just really frustrating is all.

Been watching you over at MRH, and DAMN I love your layout!

This is one of the ones I really do admire!

I have found that I can use any image I posted on deviantART (they have a free, and paid account... I use paid, but both work) as well as any of my photos posted on Facebook.

It's easy to do... just right click on the photo you want, select "copy image location" and then copy it between the "img" prompts, just like you did with photobucket.

This one is on deviantART:




This one is from Facebook:



This is also from Facebook (because I'm just kinda showing off now)



Seriously, pretty much any (as in most) social media you use that allows you to post a photo, can host that photo for here.

Oh, sure... understandable, but, doesn't really answer the question, and as I pointed out, you can't assign a loco, or dim the lights of a Bachmann loco with it.

  Okay, so... weird question, and maybe the Bach-Man, or someone else could answer it...

I recently got hold of the EZ Command Walk-Around Companion from eBay (finding one of these things is NOT an "EZ" task!) I'm really enjoying it, don't get me wrong, but, I noticed that some of the function buttons are... well... even more limited than the EZ Command itself.

Buttons 6 (F6) 7 (F7) and 8 (F8) can be used to select a loco, but, cannot be used in function mode (I have a few Digitrax equipped locos that have sounds on those functions)

  Now, at first I thought it might be a malfunction, but then I read the instructions (which, contrary to popular belief, I *DID* read before installing) and a part that didn't make sense in the instructions made more sense to me. It wasn't a malfunction, it was designed that way.

The instructions read as follows: "Additional programming functions transferred to the Companion are limited to functions F1, F2, F3, F4, and F10 (lights)"

Now, this is just fine with my "Sound Value" engines, as they don't really have much after those first four buttons plus lights anyway (bell is F1, whistle is F2, short whistle of F3, and steam release of F4, and other than F6 to dim the lights, and F8 to mute, there's nothing more to see there) However, other decoders it's a bit of a bummer, as I really like using the thing... I have it connected to a panel in the layout (Oh yeah... for those who know me, I built a layout in my absence from this board)

So my question is... "why?"

Why are those buttons limited? (why isn't that in the advertising... never mind that question...)

I'm curious if it was a programming issue? Or what the deal was?

Does anyone know? Maybe the Bach-Man can ask someone, if he doesn't already know?

Again... I'm not dissatisfied with it... i love the thing... I'm just really curious as to why the limitations? (the emergency "Stop" button doesn't do anything either, nor can you assign a loco with the Companion)

The curiosity is REALLY going to bug me! (I will have to assume that because it was designed that way, there is no fix either... like "Hey kids! You know what's better than a limited controller? One even MORE limited! w00t!")

My apologies for the snark there... I really am kinda laughing over it... and I would buy another Walk-Around Companion if I found one.

I love the older stuff... I do HO, but the older Plasticville "Old West" collection... they are using the same molds for the new stuff, sure, but the colours are all wrong, and they no longer include the little plastic people... those are all sold separately.

Fortunately, I was able to get all of the classic Old West buildings (well, most... there were a few that were exclusive to sets) from the local hobby shop, and eBay.

Cool video! If it didn't say it was On30, I would swear it was an outdoor, large scale garden railroad!

I've seen a few of the Plasticville old west buildings updated, and modernized. Someone has the Saloon up on eBay right now that looks a bit like a Vegas attraction, or some little tourist trap.

It might not be the drive belt. I had the exact same issue with mu 2-8-0 Connie (which, internally, has a similar construction) and the issue ended up being the gear on the motor itself. The plastic in some older models was a bit substandard, and the gear would shrink, and crack close to the shaft. The solution given was to replace the entire motor assembly, however, I found a different solution. The gear sits flush with the flywheel, and I figured, if they were sealed together, the problem would be solved. So a tiny drop of CA glue on the gear (using a small sewing pin) sealing it to the flywheel solved the issue. It's been three months now of heavy use, and it's still running strong!

My theory was this... if I screwed it up, I would have to replace the motor assembly, but if I didn't try my solution, I would be replacing the motor assembly anyway... so it was a win win, either way.

I ended up getting the Echo Valley set from Amazon... it was $186 (still is) which was less than buying the 2-6-0 by itself (though I did buy one by itself anyway) and it came with more EZ track, the loco, and the DCC controller... and I love every minute of it!

I have run the sound value engines on both DCC, and DC, and though the sound is great in DC, it's a whole new world with DCC. If all you're doing is a train around a tree, then the Bachmann DCC Commander (controller) is perfect. It's easy to use, easy to hook up (just hooks up like the DC controller) and just plain easy all around. Is it limited? Sure... but it's not like you're using it to run a railroad empire. It has what you would ever want for what you're describing as your railroading needs, and then some.

I totally would have bought it, had it ever been made! (provided it would be under $200, of course)

Quote from: ACY on May 22, 2017, 03:50:12 PM
I would like to hear more about this "wi-fi interface"
I am only familiar with a computer interface through the standard I/O port, I had no idea anyone had a wi-fi interface, and I never knew Bachmann intended to originally support such an interface just the standard computer interface.

It was called "Bachmann EZ Command Smart Interface", and was a project that didn't get much further than showing it off at a few shows. Bachmann wasn't just going to support it... they built it! I don't know why it was canceled... I can only speculate that the cancellation may be related to EZ App...

Here's the information on it from Bachmann themselves: http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/docs/E_Z_Command_Smart_Interface.pdf