Bachmann G-scale Rocket Mountain Express model no. 90015

[mojo7304]

I have  this item as listed above and can not seem to find out anything about it. I called an RC train website and they recommended this forum as a resource for finding out what it is that I have.  The train was given to us as a gift for the birth of my son who is now 8. It is in the box and to my knowledge has never been run. It was originally purchased as a gift for a grandson who turned out to be a girl and my fried who had said it had been stored in her garage since before he daughter was born, she was 14 when it was given to us.  Appears to be in working order, it is in the original box.  Our movers taped it up in the box and that is how it rests.  It has been stored in our garage.

I did a google search and the lowest 900 model I could find was 90059.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.

MO

[cacole]

I'm sorry I have to be the bearer of bad news, but first of all, you have the name wrong so that's why you can't find out anything about it through an Internet search.  It's ROCKY MOUNTAIN EXPRESS, not ROCKET MOUNTAIN.

By typing BACHMANN ROCKY MOUNTAIN EXPRESS into Google, this is the first thing that pops up:

http://stuffedgarage.com/bachmann-rocky-mountain-express.htm 

One thing I do know about Bachmann Big Hauler trains from back then is that they were extremely cheap, all-plastic locomotives.  The only metal parts are the motor and a weight inside the boiler.  The plastic drive gears they used on the main axle were extremely prone to cracking, making the locomotive totally inoperative.

As the above web site link indicates, this dealer is asking $150 for it, but with a cracked gear it's not worth $5 because Bachmann stocks no repair parts for them.

A search of Bachmann's web site using the phrase Rocky Mountain Express turns up a newer On30 set with a retail price of $395.  This is NOT the same thing that you have, but is a much newer product.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=3664 

The Big Hauler Rocky Mountain Express you have has been discontinued for so many years that Bachmann's web site has no information about it, and they carry no repair parts for any of their Big Hauler products.  These were basically Christmas train sets that were considered as expendable.  Meant to be ran around the Christmas tree for two or three weeks and then thrown away because they were, by then, worn out.

 

[Narrowgauge]

MO,

 

Although the set might be quite old, that does not mean not serviceable.  A couple of recommendations come to mind.

 

First, take it out of the packaging, set it up and give it a try. The worst that will happen is it will not run.

 

Second, go to the Bachmann web site and check out the "Ask The Bach-Man" forum. Post your question there and address it to Loco Bill.  If Bill cannot answer your question, I am not sure anyone can. Go to:

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php , and register.

 

If my memory is correct, $35.00 and ship it to Bachmann, and they will repair/replace the engine, but call first and confirm.

 

Now for a bit of advice.  If you plan to use the set outdoors, the track will not stand up to weather. For indoor use the track the set came with is fine.  I run some on a ceiling loop in my living/dining room.  Bachmann has just come out with some brass track that looks to be fairly robust for outdoor use.  There are other manufacturer's as well.  Pick up a copy of Garden Railways magazine, well worth the coins.

 

Good luck, and happy rring.

 

Bob C.

[two tone]

Hi Mo    As regards to getting it repaired if gears fail any good repair shop should be able to get the metal gear pack from bachmann,    Before you try to run it make sure you oil all moving parts it check this look on bachmanns website and go to diagrams 2-6-0 wheel configaraion this will show all points to oil. any hobby shop should be able to sell you the right oil.          Hope this helps