On30 Cracked Gear Issue

[tom mann]

On Saturday I took out my On30 Davenport and was surprised when it didn't move.  It ran fine the last time it was out, and it probably has only 2 hours of running time on it total.  So I took it apart and it turned out to be the infamous Bachmann cracked gear problem.

At one point Bachmann had a replacement program, so I contacted them to see if there was anything they could still do. I hope they have a better quality gear, since the stock one is very thin.

As an aside, the Davenport looks awesome on the Hinshaw Valley.

[Scottl]

Good coverage on this issue for various models:

http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=40897

[davefoxx]

Whew!  Doesn't look like the On30 ten wheeler is on that list.   

DFF

[Chris333]

I had many On30 Bachmann models that sat on the shelf for years. You couldn't even buy the gears because they sold out. Some one got a lawyer to write them a letter. I got my name on the list and about 2 years later they finally sent me the gears. So they should all be in stock now.

[tom mann]

Is there some generic source of gears out there?  I mean, even if I get a replacement it break again if it's just as crappy.  And why can't we have metal?

[Scottl]

People seem pretty happy with the replacements.

[Chris333]

Pretty sure the new gears are a different plastic.

Without seeing the loco. This is probably what you need:
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_71_123&products_id=401

Or if you want to pull the wheels off the axles:
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_71_123&products_id=8662

Should be able to see the split in the gear. It will be down in the valley of 2 teeth.

[tom mann]

You know, I never thought to check their store.