Hi,  I just talked with Bachman and they indicated I would need to but an entire engine block for the Christmas trolley as the lower gear isn't available.  Anything available aftermarket.  $85 is a lot for a couple of worn out plastic gears!  LOL

Hi,  I have a Christmas set from probably back in the 90's.  I gave it as a Christmas present and now the family is downsizing and sent it back.  It needs some repair. 

1.  The Tender battery door box is missing.
2.  I ordered a new 4 wheel truck for the front but not sure how to get the wires snaked to the motor connection. (no manual)
3.  The front light doesn't work.
5.  The Christmas trolley stripped the small drive gears.  I didn't see any listed on the Backman site. 

Any advice or help appreciated.  I am a Lionel guy but used to repairing things. 

Good morning,  I found the battery this morning and promptly removed it.  That battery has probably been in there for 10 years.  Eveready brand so give the company a kudo because there was no leakage.  I will replace tonight.  I am assuming the headlight runs on track voltage?

Thanks,
Bob

Wow.  Were is the battery?

I fired up the Christmas Trolley for the first time in many years.  It seemed to run great.  It would be nice if there were some lights inside the trolley.  I am sure someone has did some modifications.  I also noticed the headlights are pretty dim at slow speeds.  I am guessing an LED conversion might be a good plan. All help appreciated.
Bob

Things are partially up and running.  I need more track but first I need to replenish the bank account.  I did notice the Big Hauler Locomotive headlight is out.  Anything special I need to do to replace it?  I also noticed the tender makes noise a long time after the power is shut off.  Is that normal?
Thanks,
Bob

The track cleaning is going well.  A scotch pad, Bonami, and a soak in white vinegar really does the trick.  I looked at the front carriage and I think I have it figured out but the two rubber?? slides that hold the axle are cracked.  Is the best source for replacement Bachmann?

Thanks for the lead.  Lots of great information there.  I think this is probably like getting a free cat.  I am pretty sure the costs are going to keep on coming.  I am going to work on cleaning track tonight and then I may get the Christmas trolley out and see how it runs.

Bob

Hi folks,  I am creating a loop around the game room and hope to run a 10+ year old Bachman Christmas set around the loop.  I also have a Christmas trolley.  I had originally gave the set to my sister for her Christmas tree but she relocated and didn't have room so it is back at my house. 

My initial try at running the train presented a problem with the front truck wanting to derail.  The front wheels drop off the rails.  Is there something I am doing wrong?  I didn't do any maintenance on the unit since it looks like brand new and I don't think it has ran an hour in it's existence. 

All help appreciated.  I have an O Gauge layout and do a lot of work on Lionel but this G is a new thing to me.  I am also cleaning a bunch of LGB brass track if anyone has recommendations.  It appears I can make the Bachman track work with the LGB by pulling the slot pins.

I have some spectrum cars now running on a 22" radius track that are the old style couplers and they have a tendency to unhook on the corners.  Are the new scale couplers better on that issue?

I am working on a new layout plan.  I remember from the old days that the 85' passenger cars required a large radius.  I looked in the catalog and it didn't say what to use.  Any advise?

Hi,  I am considering returning to HO after many years of Lionel.  I still have tons of brass track and rolling stock, structures and some engines.  I am considering a 12' x 5' layout. 

I know lots of things have changed and I am not sure where to start.  My concerns are.....

1.  What type of track to use
2.  I definitely want to go with a remote control system but don't know what.
3.  I don't know how the new scale couplers work.  I played a bit with the old systems but never had much luck.
4.  Can I convert my old engines to dcc?

Lots of questions I know but that will get me started.

Bob

Hi,

Bob here in Leavenworth, KS.  I have a 20 year old Xmas (Bachmann) train that I gave to my sister for a Xmas present.  She has now moved into a smaller house and guess what.  I have Lionel and HO downstairs but this is a new experience.  I actually have a Christmas trolley and handcar that have never run that I purchased at the same time.  I set them out at Xmas but haven't purchased any track. 

I am excited and trying to figure out exactly what to do.  I am sure I will set it up this weekend and run it around the living room.  Long term I may want to start an outdoor setup.  I may also do a ceiling layout in the rec room.

Is there any preventative maintenance I should do prior to firing up the system.  Is there anything special I should know.

I have a little track with the set.  Is all of the track interchangeable?  I know the local shop has track but I don't think it is Bachmann. 

Hi,  Bob the Lionel guy here again.  I have a run of HO around my Lionel layout and run my UP passenger set around the horn.  One of the cars has the interior lights out.  Has anyone added LED lighting to the passenger cars.  I like to run the train slow and the interior lights don't show up very well. 

I like the ho run so well I am considering more ho in the layout.  I am also considering S but I really like some of the new things I am seeing in HO. 

I was always fighting with couplers and track and with the new couplers and the new track I am not sure those items are fixed.  The kids still love the operating accessories.  I know they are not scale but I must make the grand daughter happy!

Thanks,
Bob

I checked with the service department and they said my f7  Santa Fe is indeed  covered by the warranty.  I now understand that the red and silver color scheme is obsolete. 

I ask if I could just trade in the running gear but the two bodies won't interchange. 

I guess it is time to upgrade!

Bob