Thank you for the info.  On the 2-10-0, I did remove the bottom plate from one and installed an insullator which allowed it to run.  Then it stopped with the motor running at high rpm.  It sounds like the motor is disconnected from the drive gear.  Is this something I can fix or does it require a factory fix?

I have not insulated the other two (2) yet as I want to get the first one running.  These two engines ran less than ten feet before stalling - after being returned from the factory as "no problems found" - I do not have have much confidence in their ability.

I am looking to purchase two(2) Vanderbilt oil tenders, med. tender SP 89903 and Hicken tender SP 89912.  Which engines will they hook up to and run.  I know tenders must be matched to specific engines to run, but do not know which engines will run with which tenders.

Engines I have are 2-8-0, 4-8-2, 2-10-2, and 2-10-0 (do not run, svc. dept will not respond to email or phone calls).  All engines look great and all except 2-10-0 run very well.  I want to convert to SP oil tenders for these and future engines.

Thank you for the help.

In an earlier post I described how my new 4-4-0 would only run in reverse.  Though I missed it at first, all of my DCC equiped engines will only run in reverse when my power supply, MRC Model 500, is in the "pulse" position.  When the power supply is in the "full" position the engines run in both forward and reverse but at a high rate of speed. 

The MRC Model 500 power supply is from the 1970's and regular DC engines run without any problems.  Can anyone tell me how the DCC circuit works so that a pulse only lets the engine run in reverse?  Is it possible to get speed control when in the "full" position or will the engines always run fast?

Two additional questions while I am here.  (1) Does the 4-4-0 have any space to add weight and give the engine more traction?  (2) My new SP GS4 4-8-4 seems very large compared to 2-10-2 and 4-8-2 engines.  Are these engines built to scale?

Information will be greatly  appreciated.  Thanks, Larry Smith.

I have just received (5:30 pm) a 4-4-0 #83402.  It looks great.  Runs in reverse great.  Problem - it will not go forward.

I took it out of the sealed box, hooked up the tender, and it only ran in reverse.  When I put an Athearn GP35 on the track (to test the power pack)to run with it, the 4-4-0 ran both forward and reverse, just like it should, along with the GP35.  When I was running them both forward I removed the GP35 from the track without touching the power pack and the 4-4-0 stopped and then ran in reverse.

Summary:
There is no problem with the power pack.

The 4-4-0 will only run in reverse when it is the only engine on the track.

With another engine (no DCC) the 4-4-0 will run both forward and reverse.

Question:  What is hooked up wrong and how do I correct it?

Over the past year I have Purchased 11 diesels, mostly Spectrun, and 8 steam engines, (1) 2-10-2, (2) 4-8-2, (2) 2-8-0 AND (3) 2-10-0.  All engines, with the exception of the 3 - 2-10-0's, look great and run great.  The problem is the 2-10-0's.  On a scale of 1 - 10, I would give them a score of minus 10.  All three shorted out and would not run.  I sent two (2) back to Bachmann and after several months got them back with a note that nothing was wrong with them.  They ran for 2 to 4 hours in 20 min sessions ok but now only run 2 to 3 feet before shorting out.  If pushed about 6 inches they sometimes start again for a couple of feet.  I have not taken these engines apart.  The third engine I took the bottom plate off and added a piece of plastic bag for insulation.  It no longer shorts out but derails on curves with the center, none flanged, drive wheel derailing to the inside of the curve, effectively pinching the wheels into the rail and stopping the engine.

I am a senior citizen on a limited income and have reached my max frustration level with these engines.  To me they are junk at this point and I have a substantial amount of money tied up in them that I could use else where.  If anyone who can make them run would like trade for 2-8-0's I would be very interested.  No one at Bachmann will return my calls or e-mail, though because of medical problems I gave up trying to contact them last fall.  I have just spent the last 2 hrs. I will spend on these engines before writing this message.  With all of Bachmann's great engines out there they don't need junk like the 2-10-0.

Thank you Bo.  I model the Southern Pacific after a fashion.  I like their engines and cars, but my layout, under construction, is free lance.  As I have a lot of free time, if a model does not come in SP colors, I enjoy getting a blank one and finishing it.

Thank you,   Larry

I use GP35 engines on my layout, both PLUS and Athearn.  I am looking to upgrade my roster of GP35's.  Bachmann has DCC GP35's in their STANDARD series (part # 60711) and I would like to know how they compare to Spectrum engines - handrails, detail and running qualities.  I have 8 Spectrum diesel engines and I like their operation and quality.  Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Larry

I have 2 sets of the Hogwarts Express - 2 engines + 6 coaches.  I was thinking(?) of adding detail and interiors to some of the cars to match a prototype and was wondering if anyone had done this, and if so, what prototype and what detail parts?  I have 3 other Bachmann English steam engines and "Blue Ribbon" freight cars - OO/HO - and they all run great on my HO layout.  As I have limited funds and a whole lot of time I thought(?) this might be a way of adding prototype passenger service.  Then again, do Hogwarts Express sets have more value as originals?

Helpfull thoughts and comments on where to get English prototype info and on this possible converson would be very much appreciated.

Thank you,
Larry Smith 

I have two #56508 HO 2-6-0 Mogul engines that stall on the frogs of Atlas "custom line" 4 & 6 turnouts.  Can anyone tell me which wheel is the power pickup wheel and how I can add additional pickup wippers to the engine drive wheels?  Help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Larry Smith

I have just received a new Spec HO 2-10-0 unlettered #81701 that ran beautifully for a whole day - no problems.  I then installed the head light and tender light, and now the engine is dead.  Through limited testing, I determined that there is a short circuit in the engine, the tender is fine.  Is this the problem described in the Feb. forum about a wiper shorting the rear drive wheel axle?  If it is I do not want to take a brand new engine apart and start soldering on PC boards to make it run.  I do not have the equipment and my hands are not as steady as they once were.

This is the third 2-10-0 I purchased.  At least it ran for a while before quiting.  My first two were dead when I received them and are now at Bachmann for repair at 8+ weeks.  While I was hoping to get 3-5 2-10-0 engines for my fleet, 3 duds in a row make this seem unlikely.  I was wondering if I could trade them in to Bachmann for 2-8-0 engines, I have these and they work great.

Anyhow, if someone could say where they think the short circuit is in the engine I would appreciate it.  If it involves soldering boards then this engine will have to go back to Backmann and join the first two.

Sincerely,
Larry

I just today received 2 - 2-10-0 engines #81706 & #81708 and I have problems with them.  The first one runs well for a few feet and then stalls, and the head light goes out.  Pushing the unit several inches restarts the engine and it will run another several feet and stall again.  It acts as if something is not making contact.

The second unit is completely dead - no lights, no movement and no motor attempts to run.  It is as if there is no power to the tracks.

The tracks are clean and my other units, Spectrum 4-8-2, 2-6-0, 2-6-2 and all my diesels run just fine.  The two new 2-10-0's may have the same problem with one intermitant and the second never connected.  I am asking for your opinion before I return them to the seller.  If there is a bad connection I can fix it would save everyone time and money.  The units look beautiful and I want to make them run.  Your advise would be greatly appreciated.

Than you,
Larry Smith

Can you tell me the quality difference between DCC equiped standard engines like #60711 or #60904 and DCC equiped spectrum engines.  I located a GP35 in DCC standard but not in spectrum.  I have a DCC spectrum SD45 and it is a beautiful engine.  I would like to acquire DCC equip. spectrum quality GP35's.  Please advise.

Thank you
Larry Smith

I have 3 Plus diesels and 6 Spectrum diesels and they all run great.  I was just wondering what the actual factory difference is between the two lines.  Can DCC be installed on both Spectrum and Plus engines?  I understand that Spectrum has greater detail than Plus but what are the actual differences?

Thank you,
Larry Smith

I have just purchased today a Spectrum heavy mountain 4-8-2 #82501 in a factory sealed box.  Putting it on the tracks for the first time the tender wants to derail on 22" rad curve and the engine wants to derail/ jump up on the frog of turnouts.  None of my other engines do this - Bachmann 2-6-0, 2-6-2 and several other steamers.

Is this a break-in problem? Are parts too tight and binding?  My track is in guage and other engines do not have a problem.  Please advise.

Thank you
Larry Smith