Help on New Bright G Scale Xmas Train

[Anonymous]

Gents,

I need some advise on a New Bright G scale Christmas Train set. My Dad purchased it for my son three years ago, and he absolutely loves it. Last year it started running slower and slower, although all the lights and sound still worked fine. Actually, for a while it ran much better in reverse than forward. Finally it wouldn’t run forward at all, and then some time later reverse gave up the ghost.

I cleaned the track and the engine and tender wheels (admittedly with 91% Isopropyl alcohol, which I later found out may not be ideal) but it did not make a difference. I don’t think there is an electrical problem with the track, because all the train lights and sounds work fine anywhere on the oval.

I called New Bright, but they do not work on these items and basically suggested buying a new engine. I realize New Bright is not the highest quality and the engine doesn’t look it was made to be serviced. I don’t mind buying a new engine, but I want to make sure it will actually fix my problem.

Can these engines be worked on? Is the problem with the engine, and if so will a new engine fix them? Any troubleshooting or service tips?

Any advice would be appreciated.

(BTW, I have obtained a MTH RailKing O gauge RTR set for my son as a Christmas present this year, figuring it is a durable, serviceable item.)

[vsmith]

Tinfinger Welcome to the forum [#welcome]

The good news is that New Bright stuff is cheap

The bad news is that New Bright stuff is cheap

Best bet, chuck that coffee grinder of an engine and get something good. New Bright stuff is IMHO not designed to last more than a few weeks, long enough for Xmas display then into a box.

You statement indicated that it is track powered, if so I would suggest a Hartland Locomotive Works "Mack" engine, its small very sturdy , very inexpensive at about $40 retial, but not cheap. It will run forever and take alot of abuse from a child.

I would also suggest replacing the powerpack. New Bright packs are less than 1/2 Amp, less than Bachmann's notoriously underpowered pack. Even a second hand Bachmann pack would be a step up in power. If all you have is a simple loop it should be enough.

Dont clean track with alcohol. it sets up a chemical film barrier that impeads electrical flow, use a scotchbrite pad or LGB's track cleaning fluid.

Good luck

[Rene Schweitzer]

Tinfinger,

A while ago, we ran a letter from a gentleman who had contacted New Bright and received great customer service. The contact info he gave was: New Bright Industries, 50695 Varsity Ct., PO Box 1012, Wixom MI 48393, 248-960-7800 (customer service number).

Maybe this is the number you called, but if you haven't, it might be worth a try.

[Anonymous]

Rene, seems like the New Bright number I tried was a toll-free number, so I might try the one you have given.

Vsmith, would another power pack drive the bell and whistle functions?

Another inexpensive engine might be nice, but I would like to also preserve the whole Christmas set. And my son loves the bell and whistle. Also, I don't think New Bright uses knuckle couplers.

I'll probably set up the train in the next week and give the track and pickups a good scotchbrite rubbing.

[Anonymous]

My wife likes to run the New Bright around the tree at Christmas. It runs too fast and derails frequently. I personally hate it!! I have some nice LGB, Aristo or Hartland and even a Bachmann two truck Shay that would be better, but I cater to the little woman. In theory this is a great action-filled train, but in practice it is a piece of crapola.

[Anonymous]

IMHO
At Sams Club they have Bachmann Christmas sets 109.00 comes with a 4-6-0 tender and all the goodies but I did notice on my last one that in the oval the 4-6-0 kept jumping track, might want to extend the oval out abit.
Another thing I had with it was the transformer only stayed on for about 30 mins just enought time to get hot I found out later and kick its switch to turn off.

Then there is LGB Christmas Set and this WILL stay around awhile, like in the family. Built well.

I liked what Vic said about the Mack engine because all you would do is replace engine and your back in service. That is worth a look too.

Again [#welcome]

[Anonymous]

Well, the New Bright non-toll free number referred me back to the toll free number, and back to "replace the engine". That's the bad news. The good news is a replacement is only $35 shipped. So I'll try some track maintenance on Sunday, maybe look for a secondhand power pack on ebay for cheap, and worse comes to worse get a new loco.

I like the idea of the Mack from a train point of view, but it is a bit out of character. Also, as I recall, all the singing, dancing, lighted cars get their power from car-to-car cables that run up to the tender.

The Sam's Bachmann set is what got me started a few weeks ago, but for year-round indoor play for my son I ended up going with O gauge MTH.

[Anonymous]

Well, I cleaned the track, including contacts, really well. Got tired of the Scotchbrite and busted out a dremel and some polishing compound. The engine now works about as good as it ever did, and my son is quite pleased.

I'm beginning to think now that the herky-jerky, run slow and then run fast motion is attributable to the New Bright transformer. I like the idea of a used Bachmann big haulers transformer. However, the New Bright control box feeds into the track lock-on with a phone jack type plug, and allows for four sound effects, speed control, muting (very handy), and reverse. Can I hook up a Bachmann transformer to the oval in addition to the New Bright? That would be just so I could contral the sound effects with the New Bright controls. Any suggestions?

Thanks for all the help.

[vsmith]

Unfortunatly the way you describe the New Bright power pack, a bachmann will not replace it as it has no provisions for the additional controls. Its just a two wire power pack. Might be worth just getting a replacement (and warrenty) from New Bright. Good Luck

[Anonymous]

OK, thanks. This is the fourth year for this set, and everyone including my parents (who originally bought it for my six-month old son) seem to be satisfied with its service life at this point.