Scot,

Don't get so uptight.  I was only trying to reconcile the fact that the display indicates the loco has metal siderods, wheels & detail parts.  You are right Bachmann has done some strange things in the past, and this looks like one of them.  I am trying to document the set for a book I am writing.  Many people have in good faith provided incorrect information to me in the past, so it is important to me to be absolutely sure, and verify everything.  

There is often confusion when a new item comes out, and this is no different.  I appreciate your input and still need answers to the other questions about the set.

Scot.

Are you absolutely sure?
Look at the upper part on the EBay photo of the display.  It clearly says right on the display that the side rods are metal.  Look at the third picture and supersize it. The Exact wording is "Metal Wheels, Siderods, and detail parts"


http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Northern-Lights-Christmas-Train-Set-Large-Scale_W0QQitemZ230177127107QQihZ013QQcategoryZ19152QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If you are right and they are plastic, it is at best false promotion!

TOC, Barry,

Is there a real difference between the Version 5 Big Hauler Chassis & Motor and the ANNIE Chassis & motor. 

Some suggest that the Annie should be listed as a version six because it has a seven pole motor while the Big Hauler does not.  Others say the motor is the same in both.  As I understand it all the Chassis parts are exactly the same in the Big Hauler and the Annie, and I was under the impression that the motor was the same as well. 

As the guys that tear them apart, I felt that You would be the best source of accurate information on this.

Since I am writing a book documenting Bachmann Large Scale, I need absolutely accurate information on the differences between the two drive trains.

So..........

Is there any difference in the motor and drive train in the Annie and Version 5 Chassis?

As the originators of the versions, were motors a factor in establishing the original versions 2 through 5?

Should the Annie Drive be designated as Version 6.

Anyone is welcome to chime in on this, but Please give only VERIFIED information, not just something you heard secondhand.  Bear in mind I am only trying to document absolutely accurate information.

Thanks

Wade, all,

The picture of the store display does reveal some interesting details!!

A close look at the locomotive in the store display picture on Ebay reveals that the gold side rods are metal.  Also the siderods and valve gear appear to be Walshearts rather than the Sam's site photo which shows a different set of siderods & vale gear.  The promo on the display also says metal wheels, siderods, details on the loco.  Anyway IT MIGHT BE an ANNIE after all.   The loco number is 12 on the display, but looks different on the Sam's site photo.  The box would be the first with dual language info on the box.  The caboose in the display does not seem to have LEDs on the side of the caboose that is showing.  Kennywsp has a good question on the caboose issue!

There is a number on the end of the Gondola but I cannot make it out.  I think I see North Pole & Southern in gold on the letterboard of the caboose.  I can't see a car number on the Reindeer Transport car. 

If the loco is an Annie, it would be perfect for using the Annie Chassis under some of the older Big Haulers with the cheap chassis like the Royal Blue or Liberty Bell.

Wade, 

Thanks for the tip on the new Ebay listings.   I found it very interesting that the gondola in the display is different that the one in the Sam's online listing.  It has dual candy canes on the tan & green car rather than the white car with single candy cane.  The letterboards on the stock car are also different than the ones on the Sam's site, single letterboard on the left versus two on the Sam's site. Still can't make out any numbers on the cars or if they are NP&S.

From a collectors point of view the loco & Tender with the LEDs the Baloon Stack with the coal tender, the caboose, and the gondola are actually new items, which may never be sold seperately, it will be interesting to see. 

Let me know any car numbers or other details you find, I will do the same.

Thanks Wade and all who are providing details.

Hi Wade, 

Thanks I will take a look on Ebay later.  Did you see my other post with the set number?   If not it is 90061, but I still can't make out the number on the Loco or see any lettering or a number on the caboose.  I'm guessing no change on the other two cars except possibly the Blt date. 

Boy my weak eyes sure messed up on my last post!!!!

Thanks Reainman.

I a;sp it from a secomd source that it is not an Annie,    Were there any  markings or lettering on the caboose or just the candy canes and leds?

Thanks

Thanks!  Any DEtails on the OSH set.  Passenger, freight, special  cars?

Hi! Bach man

Now that the SAm's set is out I am wondering if Boscov's or OSH will have a special set this year?

The Sam's set does not appear to have an Annie. Bach man can you confirm?

For those that keep track of such things the Sam's Club set Bachmann Item number is 90061 according to an EBay source.

The set is showing up on Ebay already.   199.99 plus outrageous shipping!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Northern-Lights-Christmas-Train-Set-Large-Scale_W0QQitemZ230174778229QQihZ013QQcategoryZ19152QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Dan,
You should be able to run two or even more powered trolleys as a train with little or no trouble.   There can be some differences in speed, but it should be minor.  I have no experience with the trolleys,  but I do doublehead Bachmann 2-8-0 Connies all the time with no problem.   In my HO scale days I found the differences in speed occured more when I mixed brands.  I used to run four SD-40-2 with no trouble.   I ran Athearn and Atlas locos together and there were differences in speed, but it was minor and I would put the fastest unit on the front of the train.  When doing this it actually seemed to polish my track and keep it clean, although I am not advocating doing it.

Bill

At a price of $149.95 I would at least hope the set has an Annie in it.  It is certainly not the bargain that it has been in the past if it does not.  I also wonder what couplers will come with the set, and if the LEDs blink on and off or just stay on.   It will be interesting to see what the set breakers on EBay get for the individual parts! 

In past years I have bought 2 or three sets, and used at least one for repainting or bashing, while keeping at least one intact.   This year I will get only one set. unless they give them away in a fire sale after christmas.   The christmas sets are definitely great as a parts supply if nothing else. 

Hi Guys,

This set will definitely be one for the collectors, even if the "serious" G scalers turn up their noses on it. 

Looks like the gon is the same as the one from the Night before Christmas set, and the reindeer transport set is a rerun car as well.  Looking as the valve gear on the loco I would say it is probably NOT an Annie.  The candy cane scheme on the caboose looks new, but I am away from home, and cant get a large picture on this tiny computer I am working on.

I want to definitely document this set, so whoever gets one first please post the details, like is it an Annie?,  The set number, Loco number,  and car numbers including the caboose number if any.

I will eventually get one, but would like to get a close up view in the store first.  It is listed by Sams as available online only,  so it may neve show up in the stores.

Wade,  did you order one yet?

Merry Christmas to all and to all..................

Bill

HI Guys.

I want to rewire a connie and battery power it.  I have searched My Large Scale .com for a how to,  but could find nothing.  I am told there was somthing online that explained disassembly and wiring info, but I have had no luck finding anything.  Can anyone steere me in the right direction??

Thanks

Hi All.

Was this an oversight?  Will it be corrected?  Is this true of any of the other kits??