I am building a layout but find the N-scale buildings sold by Bachmann not realistic because of the funky colors - I am looking for a source of inexpensive realistic looking buildings. I am tied of repainting Bachmann stuff.
Does anyone have experience in this area?

I have N sale trains and find the parts dept. to lack an understanding as to what we all are trying to do with the new n scale  knuckle couplers.

I SUGGEST THEY BE BROUGHT UP TO DATE ON THE KNUCKLE COUPLERS AND REQUESTS FOR COUPLER PARTS SUCH AS SPRINGS.

Does anyone have anything good to say about rapido couplings ?

Steam Gene-
Your idea makes sense-

But this doesn't address the Service issues expressed on this thread

If n- scale users are  getting less than adequate service as compared to HO due to lack of intelligence by the service dept.

Also, if they can't answer the phone because of volume - what's the answer- how do we as customers communicate with Bachmann ?

Why the long lead time for repairs- if they tell us on the phone by pre recorded message what the lead time is - this would keep customers from re calling. This was a good constructive idea!

What about a parts price list- If we know what we can buy instead of calling - we can send in the money and not bother calling service.
This is another constructive idea,

I AGREE -SERVICE CAN BE IMPROVED FOR ALL BACHMANN CUSTOMERS.

Dear Big Dog

Good luck with the service dept.

Under General Discussions topic in this forum, check - Question from a new guy for the "Bachmann Experience"

I e-mailed and called the 800 number. I then called the 215 number and get the " dial 1 if you want the service dept"  auto response. Left a message on SERVICE MANAGER's answering machine.

All I want ,is to find out about my engine that I sent  in for repair. It's been 8 weeks now, so I don't think I'm overreacting.

If they know this is a busy time of year - you would think they would hire more help or tell us on the phone system that the lead time is ___X__ days at this time of year to return an engine!

Maybe this would keep customers from recalling to find out the staus of a repair.

TOM 11 is right about th turnaround time and the " Bachmann Experience" !!