This is just one more time I wish I could get the photos to come up on the forum. I bought a couple packs of the code 100 "easy track" straight sections. Measured the length of each engine and tender, put two of the track sections together, cut to length to allow about a half inch in front of and behind the engine and tender. Using a sheet of the paper backed 3/16" foam board, cut out a platform for the track section to sit on, just a little bit longer and a little wider than the section of track. Now cut another platform just a little longer and wider than the first. Cover each platform with green felt, wrap edges and ends over and superglue underneath. Glue smaller platform to top of larger platform, center, line up and glue track section on top. You now have a stable, felt covered, stepped base for each engine/tender to sit on. I also made up a bumper for each end, maybe a little taller than the couplers, painted flat black and glued to the end of the track and the base so that nothing can roll off either end.
         All my engines are displayed on shelves, sometimes carefully dusted with a make-up brush. Engines are carried to and from the temporary oval on their display bases and engine to tender wiring is never disconnected. Engine and tenders are lifted as one unit, kept mostly horizontal and placed on track. Get good enough at it so that draw bar is still connected also. I feel that these connections should not be taken apart except for kitbashing or a change to another tender-------------John

Mr. Bach Mann---One of the three Decapods I had, is still running ok. As stated earlier , the other two were sent in for repair or replacement. They, Bachmann, are replacing those two with something else. Worked out fine for everyone.
      Four or five others from this, and other forums, are curious as to when we can expect the re-engineered Decapods to become availiable. Bachmann is great about replacing a loco with a problem, but we are wanting Decapods we don't have to repair at home or send back. I intend to buy at least two more as soon as this problem is corrected.
       Thank you for any answers you can give us-------------John R

   I have sent in two Spectrum 2-10-0 Decapods and an 0-6-0 switcher. They have had the first Decapod and the switcher for over a month now. I was told it would be at least six weeks or more before they could get to them. Having never sent any engines back for repair or replacement, I'm just wondering if this is the normal amount of time it takes to get them back. Not complaining, just asking.--------------- John R

       Morris, thanks for your response----I have not sent the last Decapod in to Bachmann for repair,so I may try your repair suggestion. This sounds like a repair that may have to made to all my Decapods, so I need to learn how it's done. Thanks again---------------John R

    Bach Mann, I'm thinking rear axle on the tender, correct? I don't know if I want to open up one of these engines, but I would be willing to take the tender apart if it is a do-able repair at home. I'm pretty handy with models and small parts and would like having a fix for this due to I really like the Decapods and want to keep them running. If you can explain how this repair is being done, I would really appreciate it. Thanks again---John R

  Thanks George, Lanny, for your comments. I guess I was hoping the Bach Mann would give us a little insight on what the company has found to be the problem with these Decapods. With a two out of three " won't run " average, you would think somebody would be on this and have an answer.
   I'm shipping the second one back to Bachmann tomorrow and I have faith that it will eventually be returned repaired or simply replaced. All have said that this is by far the strongest warranty in the business, so I'm thankful for that and will try to be patient until I get them back----thanks again Guys---------------------John R 

  Within the past three months, I have ordered five Spectrum engines. A 4-8-2 Heavy mountain, an SD45, and three Decapods. The first 2-10-0, from Hobbyfrenzy, ran perfectly for two months then quit. Checked the connections, tracks and wheels are clean, wheels are on the track correctly. Turn on the power, nothing happens. Next two Decapods from Micro-mark, the first runs fine, the one I got today won't run. So, two out of three are being sent back to Bachmann. Is there some sort of common problem with the Decapods? My Bachmann 4-8-4, 2-8-0, ten wheeler, SD45 and the second Decapod all work perfectly. Any suggestions?Information?
    Thanks, ---John R

    Just a word of caution---About a week ago I sent in my 2-10-0 Decopod due to just quit running. I had checked everything and followed the suggestions from the guys on another forum. Still nothing , so I sent it in to the Bachmann service dept. I to have heard Bachmann is great when it comes to their warranty.
     Iv'e tried calling to be sure they got the loco, but their computer has been down so the whole operation has suffered. The lady I talked to today says better count on a month to two months turn around time on repairs. Just wanted to let you know what is going on at Bachmann right now.
     I know I'll get my Decopod back and it will run like new, but it doesn't look like it will be very soon.-----John R

         
       Bach Mann-----Your right and I agree--------it stays protypical---John R

           Ram, very cool website! Thanks--I have several steam engine videos and at least three of them feature different restored 4-8-4's. None of them have the type of tender I have. They seemed to be as big as this one, but carried coal. The engines look pretty much the same as mine.
         I guess I was hoping to give this tender just a little bit more curb appeal, but I can live with it the way it is. The engine is a good runner and pulls well, so I'm happy. Thanks again-----John R

           Kit-bashing the oil tender would look strange, or using the vanderbilt would look strange? You've lost me. Are you saying that the circuit board in the Vanderbilt would have to be changed?
          I was also wanting to know, wouldn't this engine have used more than one design of tender? What are my options? Or was this model always oil-fired?
           Thanks for the prompt response------John

    Hello all, I'm new to this forum,[cause i didn't know it was here], but as a fan of Bachmann engines, I think I'm in the right place. Got a question about compatability.
     I have the Bachmann standard Santa Fe 4-8-4 with the oil tender with the eight wheel trucks. It's huge. Seems as big as the engine. Overpowering. Will one of the Vanderbilt tenders, sold separately, connect to this engine, [DCC wiring], and work correctly, or not?
     Iv'e also considered a little alteration of the original tender and turn it into a coal carrier. Would there be a little room in the top frontal area to make some changes, or is the circuit board there? Any suggestions?---John