Bob, have you ever heard the saying "A picture is worth a thousand words"? I am guessing you are new to this hobby, so I understand you not knowing what you are looking at. But, most of us will know if we can see the item you are asking about.
You could have a very good set that could use some work, or junk. With out seeing the items we are only guessing. If you don't have one, you can get a free Photo Bucket account.
All so being the world worst speller, I whole heartily recommend you use the site spell check. It is on the tool bar on the top line far right end. Has small ABC with a check mark below it. My spelling has gotten better (still sucks) from using Spell Check.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
This could be a decent place to start practicing on as well. Since gifts from Brother rarely deserve to hit the can.
For my own info, are we talking about the chrom silver E60 set? (http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/Bachmann-Amtrak-Passenger-Set-/item160-24007.html) or something similar with an F40PH? I keep thinking of the Lifelike train.
Trucks should be easy, but you'll have to replace them. if there are plastic plugs on the truck that go into the hole, then work the broken trucks out of tha hole, and take that car with you to the LHS. FInd a pece of solid styrene tube just ever so slightly wider than the hole, buy it, cut yourself a quarter in ch piece, and lightly pound it into the hole. It should be a snug fit. Next, find a replacemnt set of trucks that look right to you, and screw those into the styrene plug you just pounded in. Ready to roll. Ypu'll also need self tapping screws, a worker at the LHS should be able to help you with those. If you need to move the couplers, get some extra self tapping screws, position some Kadee coupler boxes center width and flush ended with the car, and screw the box to the car.
-Morgan
Based on the OP's description, I suspect this Amtrak set is from one of the Bachmann Christmas train sets that sold for less than $100 including track and transformer. Was not repairable even when new and carried only a 30 day warranty.
Locomotive had a pancake motor that powered only the rear truck. Front truck had plastic wheels on one side, and the rear truck had plastic wheels on the other side. All passenger car wheels were plastic. Everything, including the locomotive, had truck mounted horn hook couplers.
I found one of these last week that I had purchased nearly 15 years ago and never did use. I put a decoder into it and gave it to the HO scale club so new members would have something to run until they can purchase something better.
You don't say how much you are into the hobby or how much you might be planning to be...
An alternative solution to the trash can or repair (with costs) would be to keep it as is or strip out what is worth keeping as spares for the future. If you don't want to do this you might find someone on E Bay who does and is willing to pay you a couple of $ plus shipping. You could make someone's Christmas.
If you do not have a clear descrioption for E Bay as to just what the items are describe them by make and appearance - condition is "damaged/for parts" - and provide good pics.
Thank you very much!
Bachmann's policy is and has always been, "Send it to us with a $10 to $50 fee (depending on model and scale) and we'll repair or replace it if parts are still available", and IF you sent in the registration card at the time of purchase.
Most Bachmann HO scale models, except their newer products, are disposable and parts are no longer available.
Your best bet would be to contact Bachmann repair service via e-mail and ask them if you can come up with a model number and production timeframe.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/service.php
Ok, thanks for the information! It is HO scale if your still wondering, and was made by bachmann.
Well, since you don't say what scale, who made it, or how old it is, if it's in as bad condition as you describe, throw it in the trash and buy new.
Unless you know who made it and can get parts, it's very unlikely that repairs would be possible.
Except for the more expensive models, most of today's products are considered expendable and the importers don't stock repair parts for more than a couple of years; sometimes none at all.
Hey everyone!
My cousin gave me his amtrak train that he use to use and doesnt want anymore. The problem was, all the wheels and trucks were ruined and teared and stuff. The train lookes in great condition exept the bottem of them. Theres the locomotive, which has the back truck and wheels, but no front side. There is three amtrak train cars that have trucks on some, half trucks on other, some wheels here and there, but it looks to hard to fix for me. I have no clue what to do with it, i would like to see it fixed, but i dont know. should i try to fix it, or bring it in to the hobby shop?
What would you do?
Thanks!