Well gentlemen, it would appear that Bachmann do have quite a problem with these plastic gears. I have contacted Bachman through the Website and they have asked me to return the entire Loco for repair. That is all very well if you live in the USA. New Zealand is quite some distance from there so returning a very large and heavy loco plus a $50 service fee is a way over the Top.
            I had a computer generated reply from the service Dept with an E,mail address but when I tried to send a message to them asking for the parts required to repair the Loco myself, the message was returned. ;unable to deliver: Makes you wonder,does'nt it.
     If this message gets to the " Bachmann" at all, can you please consider the plight of people in this part of the Planet and make your service dept a bit more accessable for your many customers in New Zealand.
        All I am wanting is a small final drive gear, is that so difficult?

                           Dave Cole
                            Waikino
                              New Zealand

Yes, I have a Connie with a split final drive and broken Cow Catcher. Hope I can get a new gear from Bachmann as would love to see this Loco in Action. Have E'mailed Bachmann a couple of times but still no reply.
      We need a Bachmann service in New Zealand. I'll be interested in doing that.

                 Cheers
                    Dave Cole
                    Waikino
                     New Zealand

I recentley purchased a Connie from USA only to find the final drive gear was broken. I have E'mailed the Bachmann service Dept but have had no response . Have just sent another E'mail to Bachmann hoping to get a reply as to the possibility of getting a gear for the Connie. Hope somebody can help me here as it is a pity to see a great Loco sitting in the roundhouse unable to move, considering it was Brand new.
   
             Keep up the great work Bachmann

                          Dave Cole
                          Waikino
                           New Zealand

Gidday there Brian,
           can you give me a ring on 07 8637147 as I would like tohave a bit of a chat about the Connie.
                   Cheers
                      Dave
                       Waikino
                         BOP

A friend of mine recently brought,from Ebay, what was meant to be a New Connie. When he got it and eagerly put it on his track for a Demo it would'nt drive. I have just pulled it apart and have found that the Final Drive gear was split in half.
      As we live in New Zealand the option of sending it back is not available due to the excessive postal rates in both our countries.
      Can anyone advise me as what is the best course of action to get this great Loco going and if spares are available,where can I get them.

                         Many Thanks

                            Dave Cole
                               Waikino
                                 New Zealand

What about some sound in a Z Gauge.

Try burning Incense cones in the smoke stack. You will have to replace the plastic stack with one made of Brass or copper and put a platform half way up the stack. They burn really well and if you get the right stuff you can take a trip without leaving the Garden Railway, I have fitted one to my Climax. Good thing is that when you stop to shunt, or whatever, the smoke just keeps on going.  A good cone will last about 20 minutes and you can have the Fragrance of your choice.
           Now to work out how to Tie-Dye my Climax.

                 Cheers
                      Dave in New Zealand

Hi there John,
             Have sent you an e'mail about the couplers. I have about a dozen sets plus bits an pieces.
                Dave in New Zealand

Greetings gentlemen, and any of the Fairer *** who may be partaking in this Forum.
     A Friend of mine here in New Zealand purchased a Connie from a Retailer in your good Country and when it arrived here it would not perform as one would expect from a New Locomotive. The motor makes all the right noises but there is no drive to the wheels. He has contacted the retailer but was told to contact Bachmann.  That is probably good stuff in USA but not here in New Zealand. We don't get a lot of response here.
  My question is, Has anyone else had this problem and if so, can you advise as to what would be a solution.  TOC, is this your field.
         Many Thanks everyone
             Dave Cole
                Waikino
                   New Zealand

Thank you everyone for your replies.I think i will go for the 2-8-0 Sierra Sound. Now to find a supplier that will send one to New Zealand for me.
                  Cheers
                       Dave

Greetings Gentlemen,
                      can anyone tell me what is the accepted Sierra Sound that is closest to the Annie. Although the Factory sound is ok I feel I need something a little more realistic.
                Cheers
                     Dave in NZ

Gentlemen,
       I recently purchased four Flat Car Kits and they also had no Knuckle Couplings.  I contacted the shop where I purchased them from and they contacted Bachmann who replaced the couplers. It took about 4 weeks but considering that I live in New Zealand I reckon that was ok all round.

             Dave Cole

Another for the Bachmann,
                         The missing couplers arrived today. Many thanks for your reply and also to Bachmann for sending me the Couplings.
                 
               Cheers
                  Dave

This is one for the Bachmann.
       I recentley purchased Four Flat Car Kits From Trainworld and there were no Knuckle Couplers. I E'mailed Trainworld and after some discussion as to to the where abouts of the missing couplers they finally agreed to contact Bachmann and send me the missing Couplers. This was good stuff I thought but when the Box arrived it only had one set of couplers. I have since Emailed both Trainworld and Bachmann to see if I can get my missing Knuckle Couplers but have not had any success from either.
       Would it be possible for you to check up on this for me as due to the Time difference I am unable to contact Bachmann by any other means than E'mail. I sure would like to get my rake of Flat cars going but its a bit difficult without the couplers.
             Many thanks for your time
                  Dave Cole
                  Waikino
                  New Zealand

Gidday there Danny,
               How is Queensland?  I have moved to NZ and are setting up my Railway again. Lots of Railway stuff around here in the Waihi area.
        Cheers
            Dave Cole    ex  Marong, Vic