Large Scale Central

Bachmann G scale closed Street car

Problem Solving
#1

Folks,

I am a relatively new member and am just getting into G scale. I bought a G scale Bachmann closed United Traction Co. (93939) Street Car. I am a novice when it comes to electrical goods. I placed it on my elec powered track and turned on controller . There is power in the track as my trains run. The inner lights in the Streetcar, front headlights all begin to glow and are working as I increase the controller knob whereas the car does not move. I looked to see if there is a switch that needs to be turned on but could not find any. I just wanted to check if there was something basic I was missing. If not, it could be that something is wrong with the motor unit. But before I took it back I wanted to save myself the embarrassment :-(. Please let me know if you have any thoughts.

Thanks much!

saul

#2

I’m no electrical guru…but my Bachmann Street Car runs when I set it on the track.
No switches.
If the lights are on and it won’t move, somethings wrong and you should return it.
Ralph

#3

Saul-
Returning the car makes sense. Please let us know the results of or the progress in reaching a positive conclusion. LSOL is helpful in both repair source recomendations and sources to avoid.
Please report your experience with the street car.

Good luck.
Wendell

#4

The motor blocks on those are pretty bad. There is a USA block that is just about the same size.

#5

Thanks for all the comments folks! It was covered by warranty so it is under service! It took a lot of negotiation and was not a happy exerience…Hopefully it will be worth it…

#6
Saul Sanders said:
Folks,

I am a relatively new member and am just getting into G scale.


Welcome Saul!!

#7

Saul-
Was the repair handled by the dealer for whom you made the purchase? Did you send it directly to Bachmann?
Since repairs are a continual topic, please let us know the outcome.
Thanks,
Wendell

#8

Finally,

To close the loop Bachmann replaced it free of cost but I had to pay 2 way shipping :-(. 30 bucks gone for shipping. Disappointed but atleast Bachmann stands by its products.

Sometime I think I should get out of hobby modelling :frowning:

Thanks for all the help folks…

#9

Saul-
Thanks for your concluding report.
Sorry about the shipping cost. You have stepped into one part of the large scale hobby’s on-going story regarding quality control and the cost of “getting it right”. In the past, Bachmann has had a series of comments on electrical quality control per this site. Granted, their rolling stock and locos continue to be chosen by many because of their prices and 1:20 scale offerings. I trust you will agree this site has contributors who are sharp, experienced, and continue to point out product foibles while declining to show favor to any manufacturer. Please continue to contribute.
Thanks for joining in the action.
Wendell

#10

I have sent you a private message. Dennis

#11

I get USA motor blocks for $35 and glue tem in, in the trolley they will run forever!!!

Bachman makes great looking engines, but are lacking in motor/power train reliability.

#12

Dan,
Where do you get USA blocks ? I’d like to pick up a couple for a project I have planned.
Ralph