Model Railway Forum

Evening all,

Hope everyone has had a great Christmas. Because I was such a good boy this year, Santa brought me the Bachmann class 121 bubble car I'd asked for (product code 35-527).

Excitement turns to disappointment as the thing won't move. Straight out the box states to run in for 30 minutes so set up on my rolling road. All lights are on and working, but wheels started at 1 revolution per 2 seconds, turning into absolutely nothing thereafter.

Tried on actual track and same again, lights on but nobody home.

I'm running this on DC only but don't think this should have any bearing on the outcome as Bachmann say fine to run.

Any ideas apart from return or report to the shop it came from?

Thanks

David

Is the loco fitted with a decoder David.

Hi Brian,

Not sure - how will I tell, bearing in mind I know nothing about DCC!

It should state it on the box, dcc ready or dcc fitted, if the loco is new.

Do the words "Sound Fitted" appear printed on the box? because this loco is listed as being fitted with a sound decoder but capable of running on DC with running sounds enabled. If this is the case it may be that your controller is not powerful enough to handle the current required to run the loco, lights and sound simultaneously.

It has "plus 22 DCC" on the end of the box but definitely doesn't state DCC ready anywhere.

Instructions states analogue can be ran straight out the box after a run in.

I had a Bachmann USA DCC sound loco that I could run on my DC layout with sound. At low power the loco would move about an inch then stop. Turning the power to about a quarter it would spring into life and move slowly away chuffing and whistling and ringing its bell. Maybe your loco needs more power to move than your normal locos.

If purchased NEW the Bachmann 35-527 is definitely not DCC fitted or sound fitted. The clue is in the item code and will denote that.
Send it back to the retailer, no point faffing about with a poor or non running loco that is new.

Thread moved to more appropriate section.

Thanks for replies and advice. Have emailed the supplier for an exchange.

Certainly don't want to risk damaging it taking the shell off and being stuck with it!

Fingers crossed I've got a replacement up and running soon as it is a fantastic looking unit, would recommend if anyone is modelling this era.

Thanks

David