Like every other Big Hauler the contacts are 2 x chuffs per revolution instead of the more correct  4 x chuffs per revolution.

Don't re-connect the pcb on the end of the motor.
It is at least one of the components on that pcb that was the cause of the problem.
Bachmann had to comply with the laws of the countries where they sell their wares, so they added motor "noise" suppression directly to the motor.  Mainly to minimise  interference to any nearby TV's.
The problem was that the assemblers often got one of the electrolytic caps in backwards.

I am not sure what the other pcb does.  If the loco works properly without it, eg directional lights, I would leave it off.

Check out the motor "noise" suppression pcb if the loco has one.
They sometimes fail.
I would rip it out anyway.

Hello David.
The original way I did it was with custom made 6 x cell ENELOOP hybrid AA batteries supplied by Master Instruments in Melbourne.
The latest version use one 4s Li-Ion pack using 18500 1.7 ampere hour cells.
Being Li-Ion, only 4 x cells are necessary and the pack fits easily in one tank.  The weights are left in the other side for balance.
However, compared to the more common 18650 cells the smaller sizes are a bit more expensive.
If you make the packs yourself make sure you fit a protection pcb in the pack.

So spin the pilot truck 180º. The arrow should face forwards.

As happened around the time the Heisler was made Bachmann, were using an early method of motor "noise" suppression with 47 mfd electrolytic caps.  Occasionally they were incorrectly applied to the pcb.  The loco would run correctly in one direction but not in the other direction.
It would be beneficial to remove the pcb's from each truck.  Not an easy task, but does solve the problems.
Other locos affected that I know of include:
The Spectrum 4-4-0, 2-6-0 and Connie.
Later locos had a different, very successful method of suppression using RF chokes and 3 x .1 mfd non polarised monolith caps.

So that kit is called a Pilot Rail set.
I thought they were called smokebox stays.
You live and learn.

Sorry Bachman.
No luck.  I have copies of just about all the small run and now defunct English and USA Large Scale mags, but not that Journal.
I moved about 5 years ago and thought I still had everything.

Might I suggest you make a posting at MLS, LSC and Freerails for assistance.

Kev is correct and I had copies of all issues published.
The trick is finding them.  I don't usually chuck anything out, especially magazines, so perhaps they are here somewhere.
I will have a poke around over the weekend.  Fingers are crossed.

Hello Peter.
Li-Ion 4s 1.7 a/hr pack split in two so two cells sit either side of the roof hatch.

Installed up under the roof.  They are invisible from the top and sides.

One lives in hope Bachmann will get with it and make some modernised versions.

Press and hold the volume switch one way or the other until the volume changes.  Release switch when desired volume level is reached.

I need a new demo loco so these will be of interest.
My only wish is they have at least one modernised version.  Road name does not matter.
As nice as the old timers are, they do not interest me at all.

dzldan
Nowhere have I seen anyone ask what sort of loco it is we are we discussing.
Please let us know. It could be the loco.

Agreed it is a way superior model to the first one.
To my eye the main boiler and cab mouldings are the same, but with added details.
In other words it is essentially still 1:22.5 scale, just like the original.

I have converted quite a few now to battery R/C.  They run superbly.