The one question that has not been asked is 'Does your locomitive have plastic drive wheels?' If the answer is 'yes', there is little chance of finding a controller other than on eBay. That would be one of the oldest sets made, and there are little to no parts available other than purchasing bits and pieces on eBay to canabilize. Assuming the unit is of more recent history, there are several options you may try.
First, go to the Bachmann web site, follow the links to 'Ask theBach-Man' Forum, then 'Large'. There post your questions, along with the number for the set (found on the box, assuming you got one). There are a couple of extremely knowledgable people there that will chime in with good sound advice.
Second, there are two other Large Scale forums available with large numbers of knowledgable folks on all manner of large scale. Both have 'Beginner' sections, and lots of answers and opinions. Large Scale Central (www.largescalecentral.com), and My Large Scale (www.mylargescale.com).
Another option, depending on your location is to find a local hobby shop that has a large scale area. Barring that, the last option would be to post your city and see if there is anyone local to you that might be able to help. It has been my experience that there are lots of large scalers out there, just not always aware of each others proximity.
Good luck and Happy Railroading!
Bob C.
Just as an aside, a Bachmann battery operated Big Hauler set was recently listed on e-Bay with a starting bid of $25, and no one bid on it.
The R/C Big Hauler is now well over 20 years old. It ran on either 27 or 42 mHz and was notorious for ripping its gearbox out.
Availability of the original Tx is questionable, you might luck into one on ebay or try posting your request on one of the big LS train websites like http://www.largescalecentral.com/ or http://www.mylargescale.com
I gave away 3 of these Tx in the early days to people in your situation but as I say they are now slim on the ground
Converting to track power is pretty tough since you'll notice that its wheels are plastic, not metal, same with the track. Frankly it makes great fodder for future kit bashing but a new set is so cheap these days you'd be much better off just admiring it as the historical artifact that it is and get a decent set
Im sorry i miss understood i thought you had purchased something someone converted to RC
When I read about the evils of drinking I quit reading.
Sometimes those controllers show up on the G-scale trains area of e-Bay, so try your luck there.
Since you bought the set at a charity thrift shop, you apparently don't have much invested in it, so you might be better off finding a replacement loco on e-Bay that isn't battery powered, or that has the remote control with it.
The Bachmann battery powered Big Hauler locomotives with remote control that I have seen will last for only one Christmas season and then usually wind up stuffed away in an attic or, as you discovered, in a charity thrift shop.
As far as changing the one you have to electric operation instead of battery, you'd also have to replace the plastic track with metal and purchase a power pack. In the long run, you'd be much better off financially in just buying a better train set.
At this time of year, Sears, Target, K-Mart, Wal-mart, etc. sometimes have G-scale train sets for sale, which would be cheaper in the long run than trying to patch up a thrift-shop discard.
Why not just go to the Bachmann webpage and see if you can purchase a new controller? Out of all the mfrs, they probably have the best parts service.
I think your expense is going to depend on how much they removed for battery power or how much it will cost to buy and have the rc equipment installed.
either way its going to cost you some more
The problem is I do not have the RC unit for this train and my knowledge of these trains is very slim. We purchased it for our Grandson to play with.
why not keep it RC? much less track maintenance I am going to change some if not all of mine over as i can afford it. as far as where any hobby store would have what you need as far as installing the unit its all up to how much you know about radio control or how brave you are
A lot of these fellows on here can help you or point you in the direction of how to do it
or take it to a shop but that kind of takes the fun out of it for me.
Hi As this unit as been converted to battery power a lot of wires and power pick ups have been removed, It will cost a fair bit of cash to change it back again. You do not say where you are so I can but suggest you try a repair shop and get a quote for the work. You may find that some one close to you may be able to do the work for you if you show your base. Hope this helps
Age is only a state of mind, keep the mind active and enjoy life
We purchased a Bachmann's Big Hauler RC Holiday Express from a charity only to find out it is missing the radio controller. Does anyone know where we could get one. And is there a way to possible change it to electric. Thanks
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