I’d like an answer to Wendell’s question too. I wonder if there is/can be an answer? So much depends on the knowledge of the vendor/seller and his/her available time or willingness to check. (??)
Dennis
Thanks Dennis for supporting the inquiry.
My guess is, and it is a guess, the manufacturers do not want to make their product improvements identified on the boxes because of the limited market. Obviously, retailers would be stuck with the “last version.” However, the manufactures want consumers to know of the improvements – now, how can the consumer clearly request an improved version and receive it when there are no clear identifiers by either number or the packaging other than disassembling the product??
OK, how is it done?
Why didn’t Bachmann give the new version ‘6’ new model numbers is puzzling me. Maybe because ther are still lots of version '5’s in the market place???
All good comments. In the end, I suppose Bachmann wants all the versions to get sold out, so if identification of later versions is vague, all the stock gets sold and it’s easier for them anyway. It is the detail/quality oriented consumer folks who quest for the best in reliability and prototypical detail. Hmmmm…is that us? Grin…
Dennis
My supplier in Toronto, had no problem ordering the newest version of the Anniversary ten wheeler, from Bachmann. The improvements are worthwhile. I never have had problems with the #5 version of the gearbox. My locomotives (6 0f them) get high milage on them every year, and have stood the test. The only problem I have had is the failure of the plastic spacers on the pilot truck wheels. They are easily replaced with brass tubing, or plastic. Using Battery/Radio control, allows the use of brass tubing, but for track power, you need plastic.
Fr. Fred,
Plastruc makes a tube in white, which has the right ID, but a little larger OD, but it will work. You have to hole the plastic tube in place between the two metal/plastic frames an insert the wheel axle plugs into the tube. If loose, add AC to the wheel axle plug. (this works on the old split black tubes as well.
Generally, don’t like AC in modelling, especially outdoors. It is soluble in water.
Barry
Thank you, Barry…
Hey Barry, if you have a chance, can you read over my “versions” page for errors or omissions? I’ve gotten a lot of help from TOC already on this, but I’d sure appreciate your “eyes” on this.
http://www.elmassian.com/trains/motive-power-mods-aamp-tips/bachmann-motive-power/big-hauler
Thanks, Greg
Hopefully Barry will affirm your through research and reporting.
Many thanks to you. Your effort is precisely why the LSC site is so important.
Now, the question remains, how can those using e-mail ensure themselves of actually ordering and receiving edition #6?
Secondly: Do you personally have in your collection all of the loco editions?
Wendell
For what it’s worth; I find that allowing myself the use of a complete and flexable communication system, using BOTH the internet AND the telephone, allows me much more assured ordering of what I want.
Limiting one’s self to only the internet, is not always a wise move, when trying to obtain precisely what is wanted.
Hi Wendell:
If ordering from TrainWorld ask to speak with Paul Bianco. Call the Trainland store first to speak with the counter clerks. I never have had a problem with TrainWorld.
G Scale Junction is also very good.
RLD Hobbies is also very good.
Of the three, G Scale Junction and RLD Hobbies are the easiest to access the owner.
So for ease of certainty to be sure exactly which version of the Anniversary loco you are buying order from either G Scale Junction or RLD Hobbies.
Just quote what ever pricing TrainWorld is selling the locos at and they will almost certainly match or possibly beat the TrainWorld pricing.
But as Fred elluded to, you will need to speak with RLD or G Scale Junction by phone and then send an order confirmation email.
Norman
Thanks Norm and Fred-
Yes, good advice, common sense is first order. Yes, always speak to management IF there is any divergence from what the sales staff/order takers anticipate. Ordering a loco that is internally different and looks the same as the other versions is a requested divergence.
However, it is apparent from our web site readers, there is NO identifying mechanism known to us to sort out – at least from looking at the packaging – what version is being purchased. Of course, non-hands-on management may not know either what version Bachman has sent them. So personal verbal contact with active management is the last and best resort. Of course, how persuasive is the customer in requesting a through examination of the loco once out-of-the-box – “just a few screws here…ah… let me call you back.”
At least Aristo has different colored boxes and LGB’s products are stamped “Germany” or “China” on the bottom.
And when did USA improve their infamous cracking gears? Any identifiers – like other products that extoll "NEW and IMPROVED! on the package?
Selah,
Wendell
Actually, in my opinion, USAT never improved them… they changed the knurling on the ends of the axles, but I’ve had both versions crack.
Greg
What can be done to the 2nd gen Bachmman frame and motor to make it quieter, short of replacing the entire frame and motor assembly.
Dan S.
Last time I checked the entire chassis was on sale at Bachmann for a fantastic price.
If the sale is still on, that would be the way to go.
Greg
Dan Stuettgen said:
What can be done to the 2nd gen Bachmann frame and motor to make it quieter, short of replacing the entire frame and motor assembly.
Dan S.
Actually, nothing can be done. They are so noisy because the the gear shafts are anchored in the plastic chassis which acts as a drum head and accentuates the sound. The newer generations have the gear shafts anchored in a metal gear box. JMHO
Two Parts:
Greg, Looked over your Bachmann Loco progression, looks very good, not worth nit-pickin’.
Joe, (and Dan),
I started making replacement drives for the Big Haulers twenty years ago, just to solve the complaints you are making today. The drives I make that are current are stronger, quieter and will last longer than anything else I know of (in fact, Gauranteed for as long as I am alive).
Also make a conversion for the 4-6-0 to a 2-8-0, pretty slick and very functional.
More info, and questions answered 623-936-6088 [email protected]
Barry
Thanks Barry, in this case “nits” are welcomed if you have them!!
Glad it’s mostly right.
Thanks guys for the pretty impressive documentation on the big haulers. The photos really help a lot to document the history of this engine. One thing that I was noticing while viewing the photos, was that one of the generations had Brass bearings on the axles, which to me seems to have been a great idea to allow them the run smoother, but the next generation version these were eliminated. I had noticed that as I have Drivers from a couple different engines and one set has the brass bushing/bearings, where as all the rest don’t have them.
I wonder it Bachmann will ever get it right and come up with a good drive system for the big hauler. Maybe they should go back and look at the one used in the Spectrum engine. Other than the one bad gear on the axle, the rest seems to work very well. Good speed and gear ratio, quiet running, and smooth operation. At least the 4-4-0 and 2-6-0 that I have after replacing the drive gear do all of these.
One thing that I would like bachmann to do on all future engines is to make the axles and drivers like the ones on the Spectrum engine. The square holes in the drivers for the square ends of the Axles make it so easy to re-assemble the drive train after having to make repairs without the need of a wheel quarterer.
I am still fighting one of the Delton engines, trying to get it re quratered properly.
Dan S.
Remember that there were variations in the “generations” themselves, so small things can be changed.
Also remember that the big hauler is a low cost entry level model. I would imagine that it will never be a top quality loco all in all.
Greg