Bachmann N Scale Trainmaster

[TrainFreak409]

Okay everyone, get this.

Today, I finally bought my Bachmann Spectrum, N scale, UP TrainMaster set. But, I was highly disappointed with it. The set was brand new, and had the problems of a used set![:(!]

One of the sections of curved track, was missing a rail joiner. This caued the train to derail evertime it passed over the open joint going a curtain direction.[:(!]

To make matters even worse, the rails weren't even cut to the right length on some pieces of track. This made big gaps between some of the sections.[:(!]

The ties wouldn't hold the rails securely. Some rails were bent slightly up, or to one side, making it very hard to assemble the simple oval.[:(!]

The Dash 8-40CW locomotive couldn't take a left turn. Its speed would drop, it lost most of its pulling power, and made a strange grinding noise.[:(!]

And, one of the srcrew on the power pack stripped after one turn of a screwdriver![:(!]

I am extremely disappointed with this. My mother, and older bro, each have a Bachmann N scale set, and there was nothing wrong with either of them. And, they weren't Spectrum.

[censored][censored][censored][soapbox][soapbox][soapbox][censored][censored][censored]

[:(!] ~[8]~ TrainFreak409 ~[8]~ [:(!]

[Roadtrp]

I've never had a Bachmann locomotive, so I can't comment on that.

I do use Bachmann N scale EZ track, and when I first started out it drove me nuts. It can be very difficult to get the tracks joined so that the rails meet exactly. And if they don't, you will have all kinds of problems with derailments and even the problem you are experiencing around turns (though that could also be a problem with your loco’s trucks being out of gauge).

You should run your finger over the joins, and if one side seems any higher than the other, you should reassemble those two sections. If the EZ track is joined properly, you feel very little difference when you run your finger across the join.

They call it EZ track, but it isn't. At least not until you are used to working with it. When I first started I had to spend HOURS getting the joins smooth when I added track. Fortunately it is a skill you learn with practice, and I can now slide the sections together and have a perfect join just about every time.

As for the rails not being cut to the right length; one of the rails will often get pushed to one end of the track or the other while you are trying to assemble them. They can be slid back into place fairly easily.

Good luck.

[:)]

[TrainFreak409]

I hope I don't offend you, RoadTrp but, I KNOW HOW TO ASSEMBLE EZ TRACK. I have been putting HO scale EZ track together since I was only 5 years old. Since then, I always triple check my joints.

So, I guess I didn't word my complaint right.
When the two pieces were together, the rail would slide back and forth, and at least one of the gaps between the pieces WOULD NEVER close. Both rails were inside the joiners, but, I could never get a perfect connection. The rails were too short for the sections of track.

Hope that helps.

Sorry again, if I offend you, Roadtrp.

~[8]~ TrainFreak409 ~[8]~

[Roadtrp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TrainFreak409

I hope I don't offend you, RoadTrp but, I KNOW HOW TO ASSEMBLE EZ TRACK. I have been putting HO scale EZ track together since I was only 5 years old.

I'm not really offended, but I had absolutely no way of knowing that, did I? I was just trying to be helpful, relating how I resolved some of the problems I had with EZ track when I first started. If they don't apply to you, fine.

[:)]

[TrainFreak409]

Wow, you responded quickly.

I'm sorry, if I am being snappy, but, I am really disappointed, upset, and ticked off at the moment. I was hoping to be able at least get a satisfying taste of N scale this weekend, but, that went down the drain. Now, I have to wait until Thursday to return it, and then, I have to wait another one or two weeks to get another set. I waited a week for this one, I am sick of waiting.

~[8]~ TrainFreak409 ~[8]~

[Roadtrp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TrainFreak409

I am really disappointed, upset, and ticked off at the moment. I was hoping to be able at least get a satisfying taste of N scale this weekend, \

I can certainly understand your being disappointed... I would be too. I know it really wouldn't be the same as running it on your own layout, but would you be able to run your loco and rolling stock on your mother's or brother's track until you can return it?

That might be better than nothing.

[:)]

[AggroJones]

Get some N scale cork and some Atlas code 55 flex track. That will solve your track problem.

[Anonymous]

DEFINITELY return it! I have the same set and everything is fine. Check to see that you have the new Dash 8. It should have seprately applied air tanks on the fuel tank, a snowplow on the fromt and a full pilot, and wire grabirons on top of the nose. If not, you have the old loco, which was much lower quality. When you exchange the set look for one with the new loco.