Waffling? There’s no “waffling” about it! They aren’t going to give Tony ANY info!! Howard and Stanley are running the show now!
Ah, but it’s Howard and Dickie…short for “Richard”.
…in case anyone wants the simple fix for this…just call B’mann service/parts, and get them to send you a new set of wheels, with the gear and axel…they seem to have them…It isn’t a hard job to insert the new wheels and axel.
I know that it is a weak part on that loco, but it can be fixed with the replacement part. If you speak nicely and explain the problem, they will probably send the part free of charge.
Fred,
it seems that many of us downunder have purchased these locomotives and by reports on the B’mann Forum, many have a split drive gear. In this situation it is the threads in the gearbox that were found stripped, with mount screws loose in the package on arrival from the States. This loco was not purchased new old stock from an eBay seller but online through a highly-respected Bachmann authorised dealer. This is new stock that somehow lost its gearbox cover retention screws intransit!
Also the call B'mann service/parts department may work well enough in the continental U.S., but for the many overseas purchasers then not really a practical option. The particular purchaser of this loco rang me when it arrived, all excited at his first largescale B'mann purchase. Several hours later I received the email in my posting response, above. A company can only survive by ongoing repeat sales to customers and not simply rely on single purchase customers who may or may not have a positive experience. Knowing beforehand that a particular loco has a known problem is no excuse to simply keep on selling it.
With the rash of defective products on the market, I am actually wondering if a distributor picked up these items for a 'song' and then sold off cheaply to dealers knowing the items were defective. This is called 'dumping'. I know for sure that I will not buy another Connie as it is like buying a ticket in a raffle - you either win or you lose! I was going to purchase a new release 'Eureka & Palisades', until the less than glowing article on the wiring issues on the loco. If they cannot get a rerun of an existing model correct, then what chance for a completely new model??????Must be a “new” batch that came out. I’ve had a Connie for close to 7 years and it runs like a champ. Very strong puller.
Not that that helps your problem any…
Howard and “Dickie” huh? Hmmm…“Tricky Dickie?”
Can the “split gear” problem/solution that has been offerd for the USA diesels (ok, dismals) work on the Connie?
I think (remember?) the split gear “stub” next to the gear that holds it to the axle, is wound with 10lb. fishing line along with CA glue. The compression supposedly then holds the gear assembly tight to the axle.
Is this applicable?
Wendell
No, it isn’t applicable…the gear usually breakes up differently. The teeth get shreaded. However, some may have split…I just haven’t had that experience. In fact all of the ones that I have seen were on other people’s locos. My three Connies are fine…