Hello all, a while back I purchased a Peter Witt Trolley. I do not at the current moment have DCC, so I operated on standard DC. I began to notice after periods of operation the unit slowing down, but returning to normal after being stopped. One day, it stopped for good and Bachmann graciously replaced it. In getting the replaced one, (and also another Peter Witt and a mogul, both of which are great) and learning more about DCC, I run them VERY SLOWLY at low power, basically as soon as the wheels turn, that's it. Everythings been fine, but the other day, the replaced Peter Witt, the wheels didn't turn right away, so I opened the throttle a bit more and it finally moved, but then I realized it might be moving too fast, and sure enough it stopped, lights still on though. So, did I burn another decoder out? If so, would replacing this be enough? https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_640&products_id=7830&zenid=vgi25i4maqifg6n9ilc0okcu40 If so, how does one do it? I do intend on getting a DCC system in the near future.

I see, maybe in the next run, is there a way to do a better coupling system (although I will say last night I was able to put mine one the track without any break-aways or derailments). I will say (and I think someone else said), once you break it in, it's really a great runner!

I just looked through my 2012 catalog and realized that I didn't see neither the N scale Acela or the HHP. Is Bachmann discontinuing them? (Good thing I have one of each).

I want a return to those steel coaches Bachmann had out several years ago (late 90s or so). I'm a person of polar opposites. I run N and G trains and I enjoy running steam and modern passenger equipment. I'd love a true n scale subway train (I know I know, Kato's Japanese commuter trains look them, there are companies that have molds, etc), but a true NYC or MBTA subway would be great, as would a San Francisco Cable Car. I doubt though there's much market for those. Maybe to go along with the Amtrak equipment, an AEM 7, again, not sure on the market.

So sent old 4-4-0 off to Bachmann. Asked if the tender had to be replaced, could it have a rapido coupler. Got a brand new one instead, good so far. It had a knuckle but they included a rapido. I flipped the tender over and thought maybe putting the rapido in wouldn't be that hard. Well, let's just say the rapido they gave me could never work. (an aside here, sometimes I feel like Bachmann, for all the length they've come, still miss these small things like this. My HHP and Amfleet coaches are another example). In trying to intall it, I removed the rear tender truck. After realizing the couplder didn't work, I reattached the truck, then saw I tightened the bolt too tight so i loosened it. Then started the 45 min workout in trying to get the coupler plate back on, and it's prolly not 100% perfect on.

So I put the train on and it can't pull its weight.  OK, maybe there's still lube on the rail. I get out my rail cleaning box car, have my Kato GG1 push it around with no problem for a few laps. Now the 4-4-0 can pull it's own weight, put operates very erradicly, lots of sparks, and seems to not be able to sit on the track properly at times. Is this normal? Did I mess up?

Just looked over the new items, I'm really excited about the Royal Blue starter set and the Desire street car!

looks like oily track is the issue, that's cleared up, but yea I can see the traction might be a problem; not sure if the locomotive is slipping wheels or just really pulling.

I should clarify that the loco could pull its own weight at the test track.

I just came home from a train show today and bought and older 4-4-0 UP #119. At the test track, it ran OK, just a little noisy if anything. Dealer reccomended some lube, which I did. Now the loco can't pull it's own weight, just spins the wheels. Did I over lubricate and if so, is there a fix?

If I were you, I would replace the whole truck on the cars with Micro-trains trucks. Switching out n scale couplers is hard for my sausage fingers and I find it much easier. I think on the whole, knuckle couplers are more reliable than rapidos, however, I can't say that the knuckles have been perfect either. Here are the conversion charts http://www.micro-trains.com/00_conversions.htm

I really like Bachmanns now discountinued steel commuter coaches and I've been buying some Amtrak equipment too. While I do like them, I feel Bachmann's design of how the coaches get the interior lighting is causing them to operate poorly. On these cars, I have removed the contacts so the cars will run smoothly, while I miss the lighting, I feel it's better this way. I was at a recent train show and I bought some Kato Superliner cars. No lights but very smooth operation. I feel in future passenger car designs, Bachmann should either drop interior lighting or find another way. While I feel tinkering with trains is a good skill to build, a part of me would also like to buy a car truly ready to run. What say ye?

That actually is helpful, so I will plan on my Acela being on the short side. Does operation improve when you put the power car behind the lead engine?

Actually, to be more specific, can the power car handle the full length (2 locos, itself, and 5 cars)

I'm interested in buying an Acela Express, can you make it prototypically long?

On another note, I'd love to see a San Francisco Cable Car in N scale, but I can't imagine the market beeing too big. I love the existing trolleys though.