Just an update,

Bachmann has emailed me and will replace my controller since its still under warranty. 

Thanks everyone for your help with this issue.

Quote from: Doneldon on March 04, 2013, 11:48:07 PM
Shado-

Bachmann doesn't return anything when you send in the warranty card. If the set is only a couple of months old the warranty is still in full effect. It doesn't make any difference what you paid for it; the warranty is good for a year after first purchase. I suggest sending a copy of your receipt even though they should have the information they need. This little detail might save a bunch of headaches later.

You can find the return address on your documentation or elsewhere on this web site.

You should be back in business soon.

Thanks Donelson. I've emailed Bachmann service with my issue, I'll give them until Friday to get back to me. If they haven't by then, I'll call and make arrangements to return the controller for repair or a replacement.

                                                           -- D

Quote from: jward on March 04, 2013, 04:55:58 PM
fi you want to be sure it's the power supply and not the locomotives, turn each of them around and run them. if they still run fine forward, but not reverse, the problem is in the locomotive. if they now run well in reverse but not forward, the problem is with the power pack.

just a thought....is your set still under warranty? if so, then you should be able to get the power pack replaced at no cost to you.

My train's actions match your description of a problem with the power pack.

I sent in the warranty card right after I bought the set, but never got anything back from Bachmann. Does anyone know if they send you a card or something. I bought the set back in January and still have the reciept, but bought it clearance at a Hobby Lobby so I can't take it back there.

I emailed Bachmann with no response yet   

Thanks for the replies everyone 

I may try to replace the switch first to see if that does the trick. I always like to start with the cheapest and easiest (and safest!) solutions first.

If that dosn't do the trick, my LHS has a good selection of used controllers I can choose from. Also saw some controllers on eBay for cheap too. May just end up having to take that route.

What's wierd is that all three of my locomotives will run just fine in one direction, but not at all in the other. Makes me think its the direction switch.

Thanks for the help. Yes I definately think its a bad switch in the controller. I'm not any good at repairing electronics so I might go the route of getting another controller (preferible the old style power pack) for the train.

Hello all,

I have a Bachmann Santa Fe Flyer HO set with the standard controller. We were running the train tonight and the locomotive ran fine. After a short while I ran it again, now the locomotive only runs in one direction. When I switch the controller's direction switch, the locomotive will either run very slowly backward, or not at all. The locomotive runs fine up to full speed, the other way. I did notice that the controller did have a hot smell to it. 
,
I checked my other locomotives and they do the same thing, so I assume its sometning with the controller.

Has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas on a solution? Thanks.