Large Scale Central

Tri-Mfg. repair tips forum category

General Discussion
#1

To all:

Considering the frustrations with returning defunct products and the self-remedies that are used but yet to be shared on this site, I suggest establishing three permanent forum topics for reader input:
Bachmann Repair Tips
Aristo-Craft Repair Tips
USA Repair Tips

Obviously, if the mfg. wishes to weigh in we acknowledge the input as with anyone else’s contribution.
The advantage to three specific categories is product foibles and repair help are now specifically catagorized and will accumulate making for easily researched information.

What say you?

Wendell

#2

A great suggustion Wendall , then a newbie , or old timer , could look there for help , with maybe the same problem .
Of course it would be grand if all of TOC’s repair help postings , were already in such a posting collection .

#3

I started doing that at my short-lived Gardentrack site.

For Aristo Couplers, http://www.outsidetrains.com/mls/aristocoupler/

#4

I find most forum search features to be of little use, they do not always get you to where you want to go. Creating a “sticky” category would prevent redundant posts and the inevitable “use the search feature” reply from veteran users. Makes a LOT of sense.

But why stop with three brands? What about LGB, Lionel, Buddy L, etc.? I have seen some great posts on getting other “legacy” models functioning better.

No slings and arrows meant here, but how would you keep these threads from turning into a “bash” thread…“Well if you bought brand X you wouldn’t have to deal with this crap”?

#5
M. Verbrugge said:
I find most forum search features to be of little use, they do not always get you to where you want to go. Creating a "sticky" category would prevent redundant posts and the inevitable "use the search feature" reply from veteran users. Makes a LOT of sense.

But why stop with three brands? What about LGB, Lionel, Buddy L, etc.? I have seen some great posts on getting other “legacy” models functioning better.

No slings and arrows meant here, but how would you keep these threads from turning into a “bash” thread…“Well if you bought brand X you wouldn’t have to deal with this crap”?


You can have the more poular ones like Bachmann but then for Lionel, buddy L etc… just have a other catagory. I think it would be a great idea and easier to search for specific fixes.

#6

Some such as Strong, Chandler, TOC, etc and myself “repair” a lot differently than the average modeler would.
Is the average modeler ready to alter, saw, solder, whatever, to make the thing run better? Or to repair it?
For example: I had to alter an LGB Uintah mallet a little, just to replace motor blocks. I couldn’t find the correct ones, so I found some older LGB Beuhler’s that worked.
I know guys who are afraid to even open up a loco.

Most repairs, such as motor replacements, are very easy.
The hard part is getting the manufacturer’s to supply the parts for a reasonable cost.

Such as Bockman wanting $50.00 minimum for any part!

#7
John Bouck said:
...Is the average modeler ready to alter, saw, solder, whatever, to make the thing run better? Or to repair it?
They sure might give it a go if there was a "clearing house" of information to help! A guy might not be afraid to open up a loco if they have a guide to help them along.

Like car forums, some want to re-build/re-motor…others just want to know how to replace an air-filter. A “repair” forum would help all. With a small amount of soldering and grinding I can make a Lionel Atlantic run as smooth as an LGB mogul for 30 bucks. I’m sure it could be done better but we won’t know unless we start.

I think one of the main goals of a forum should be to make the “average modeler” try to increase their knowledge and experience, otherwise it’s no more than a bunch of guys jawing around the stove…:smiley:

I hope Wendell’s idea takes off.

#8

Bob, make it so.

#9

It would go under “Articles.”

#10

How about just 1 repair tips forum? The titles could include the brand.
Also, certain tips may work across several brands.
Nix to going under articles. Couldn’t ask questions.
Ralph

#11

I agree to put such tips in “Articles” and items in a forum could be edited to get away from the “You buy crap, you get crap” comments. However, there is no reason to reinvent the wheel. George Schreyer’s site has sooooo much to offer on soooo many solutions, why not just reference to them when it applies?

Just my opinion and nothing more.

#12
Ric Golding said:
I agree to put such tips in "Articles" and items in a forum could be edited to get away from the "You buy crap, you get crap" comments. However, there is no reason to reinvent the wheel. George Schreyer's site has sooooo much to offer on soooo many solutions, why not just reference to them when it applies?

Just my opinion and nothing more.


How about a link. I’m not familiar.
Thanks,
Ralph

#13

There are a lot of good suggestions floating in here on this thread. One roll that LSC plays, is as a clearing house of “Web pages” out there that already exist, for information on all sorts of topics.
LSC does have it’s own cache of good information also.
I suggest that a section of the FURUMS be devoted to links to all these places…anyone notice the OVGRS web page…where many many people are showing up for information.
The web master for the OVGRS web page does not post here, so we don’t see his updates very often, but the web page gets almost as many “Hits” per day as GR magazine. Why…? Becase it is VERY active and is updated almost every week…sometimes several times a week…a really active web page.

#14

Found it. I guess everybody knew about this site except me. 438,000 hits.
http://www.girr.org/girr/index.html
Ralph

#15

Suggestion with what we do at work. An article that gets updated when someone finds a related or new link to a better or different process. The article would be titled by subject, then the links on each page(s) under a manufacture have a short description and the link:

Article - Couples

Page 1 - Bachman
1. How to body mout bachman’s couples
link(s) here
2. How to mount AMS coupler on Bachman
Link(s) here

Page 2 - LGB
1. Fixing centering on LGB Couplers
Links here

Etc

This way the linked articles can be anywhere on the net.

#16

Well, well, well!

Does anyone remember that we have a LSC Wiki which would be the perfect venue for the project? i.e. chances of the substance getting burried = almost zilch.

Would take a little bit of additional learning and care — which as a rule is a good thing — and if things go wonky (as in comments are less than factual) they can be corrected by the contributors at large. How about it!?!

Just a suggestion to prevent duplication and messy threads, eh! :wink: :slight_smile:

#17

I didn’t know it existed. Yes, that would be the ideal way to go on this. In the forum, it would just end up being a bashing forum.

#18

For me, whatever is the simplest method that would garner the most interest.
Once implemented, a posting of the service on MyLS makes sense. Why not get the most input!
As to possible negative responses, the declared purpose may take care of itself. Clearly, the heading is for readers considering threads on the diagnosis and remedy of loco and rolling stock problems.
The Forum is for the objective reporting of our declarations of dissatisfaction.
If the two get mixed, either Bob or fellow readers will report the misuse.
Let’s try it. Offer another option to our “declarations of dissatisfaction.”

Wendell

#19

Ralph,

I’m sorry that I was assuming everyone knew of George’s site. Yes, you have the site correct

http://www.girr.org/girr/index.html

been around forever.

#20

I did send an e-mail to Bob asking for his input on the idea of a forum topic specific to problem solving – hopefully by manufacture.

As to evidence of need, Bachmann’s existing loco problems will likely be joined by LGB as their locos are orphaned increasing the need for repair help and remedy responses.

Further, there is evidence from another hobby: As a long-time car collector, each of the four magazines I take all feature a problem solving section. Reader letters repeatedly declare this feature as singulary the most important. Most hobby magazines have a problem-solving section.

We could.

Even if Garden Railways became a source the wait would be two months and still you hope your problem was considered.

Here’s hopes we will be the leader using this nearly instant source of communication – we can then notify the MyLS folk the feature exists on LSC.

Wendell