I've got a brand-new Bachmann remote turnout that buzzes nicely when you throw the switch but does not switch the track.  The power/switch/connection stuff is fine because it works with other turnouts.  So is this something I can fix or another brand-new Bachmann product that has to go back for service or replacement?  Thanks.

Thanks, guys.  I know the 4-6-0's never wore period stacks but they're the closest to period-lokes I could find with factory dcc/sound.  I'll look around but if all else fails, I have a really beat up Riv loco which no longer runs but could be cannibalized for a funnel.  Then if the transplant doesn't look too hideous, maybe I can chase one down on ebay or at one of our local train shows.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

I'm using Bachmann 4-6-0 locos -- love the look and the sound -- on an "old west" layout currently under construction.  I'd like to give those lokes a more-period look by altering the stacks to funnel or onion-bulb design.  I know some Bachmann engines come with switchable stacks but for obvious reasons, not the 4-6-0.  Anyone know of an aftermarket source for period-style stacks that would fit the 4-6-0?   My thanks.

I'm running a Spectrum HO 2-8-0 after-market equipped with an MRC sound decoder.  It runs fine with my Bachman controller but I can't figure out how to adjust the sound with that equipment.  The MRC manual offers a very convoluted process for sound volume adjustment but it won't work with my Bachmann controller, one reason being because it asks me to use an F0 button that I do not have.  Anyone know if one can raise the volume on this thing with a Bachmann controller?  My thanks.

Given the growing consensus here about Bachmann quality assurance, shouldn't Mr. Bach Man be chiming in with some comments relating to the company's viewpoint, reaction or remedy?  Just a thought.

Is there any way to increase the speed of my Bachmann On30 Shay?  It's brand new and it's a great little chugger and I know it's not supposed to be a highballer.  But still, it could use a few more mph if there's any way to do that.  Not talking speed steps here but just out and out velocity.  Thanks.

For what it's worth, I have the same problem.  I just added two EZ track turnouts to my HO layout and in both cases, I'm losing both locomotives and rolling stock over both turnouts, sometimes in both directions.  Either I get a simple derailment or worse, I find the lead truck of the loco or the lead truck of the car trying to take the turn when the switch is open for the straightaway.  I'll try all the solutions suggested here but my frustration leads me to wonder -- since these are brand-new turnouts and they ain't cheap, why should I have to repair them right out of the package and where the heck is the quality Bachmann used to be known for?  And since Bachmann is supposed to stand behind its products, maybe I should send 'em back to corporate HQ and ask for two that work.  Those are questions for you, Mr. Bachmann.

Just to close the loop.  I've tried just about everything.  In fact, this morning I sacrificed a chicken to St. Giselius, the patron saint of turnouts.  But nothing has worked.  So I'm stuck with the fact that three other locos, including a little guy (2-truck shay), are having no problems.  So I am concluding the short is in the Forney and sending if off for testing to my pals at Bachmann.

Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions.  Much appreciated.  If you were in the neighborhood, I'd buy you all a beer.

The trailing truck is the power pickup.

Nice dialogue.  I'm learning a lot and trying all the suggested solutions one at a time.  These are powered turnouts, by the way. 

In the meantime, since this is starting to appear like a design problem, meaning a small footprint loco is going to have frog problems crossing a crossover turnout, one question remains:  why would Bachmann engineer a loco that is somehow incompatible with one of its track items?  Shouldn't the packaging for both include a warning -- "Beware, our $360 Forney locomotive will usually sputter and die while passing over our $60 crossover turnout"?  Just a thought.

Bill:  That's a good start and I appreciate it.  But wouldn't a short or open circuit affect all passing locos similarly?  This seems to affect only the Forney, maybe because it has a much shorter wheelbase than the 2-6-0 or the 2-8-0?

Mike:  Now that's an interesting thought, especially since it appears that the frog is where the break hits.  Still curious why it happens on two of my crossover turnouts and not on the other four.  In any case, it might explain why it affects only the Forney, i.e., maybe the wheel and truck configuration causes the double contact you describe.

Anyone else, please jump in.  When it comes to electricity, I'm the village idiot.

I've got a new and annoying problem with an almost-new Forney that's begun to sputter and/or stop consistently at two places along the right-of-way -- both of them when it reaches a crossover junction with the optional turn in its direction.  The track and wheels are clean and the engine operates perfectly everywhere else.  Also, my other loco (2-8-0) has no such problems passing over the crossover junction.  I'm running the basic EZ command station with DCC and sound in both locos so there should be plenty of power.  The engine behaves as if it hits a dead spot -- sometimes stopping altogether and sometimes sliding past the problem and starting up again.  Any ideas?

Thanks, guys.  I remain in awe of all the people who take the time to answer what must be very simple questios (aka dumb ones) from strangers. 

I can't find it on the site so I'll ask.  What's the turn radius in inches for the Bachmann G-scale standard curved track?  And will all Bachmann large scale locos negotiate that radius?  Thanks.

Can you adjust sound volume on a DCC/Tsunami-equipped locomotive using the Bachmann Dynamis Infrared DCC system?