Joined
·
2,062 Posts
Maybe in their excitement for the K-27, the first 'affordable' CO Narrow Gauge mikado, the teething issues associated with all new locomotives were not anticipated. It would have been great if their loco didn't have any problems with the drive. However, history has shown us that first runs usually have one or two nagging issues that are missed.
I agree 100% with what Chris has said here regarding the criticism of manufacturers and dealers in general.
Kevin, I also agree with what you've said as well. Folks will only remember one thing, like the trucks are spaced 4 scale inches too close which renders the whole model as a 'toy'.
Wendell is also right. He has stated here and on Bachmann that testing of product should be done by the manufacturer and not the consumer. I agree with his sentiment, because I just don't have the time anymore to fix things right out of the box that I worked hard to afford. But I also understand that the cost of doing that would probably cause the price point to double. So we're damned if they do and damned if they don't.
As far as the original post, I think Bachmann is trying to offer more product at a lower price. The problems in large scale are well known. There are a variety of power sources and requirements for sound and control. Its not like O gauge where it is either TMCC or DCS. We've got DCC, DC, Battery and then there are break downs within those groups. We've come a long way since the big hauler and the static chuff. I think Bachmann was trying to offer something that would be super flexible with all configurations. The counterweights were an error in manufacturing. I think Bachmann is doing right by their customers by making a fix in a timely manner. After all, the LGB Mikado's had their problems, too, and LGB fixed them right up. I am sure if we read back through, we'd find all the old posts where people were really mad at having paid $1400 for a locomotive that ran crooked down the track. I did have that problem with my LGB mikado, but I didn't get a free boxcar like some folks. I don;t think I complained loud enough.
In 1991, how much did the old LGB mogul with sound cost? Anyone? Anyone? I seem to recall it was in the $600-$700 range. Like most technology, we are now seeing that we get more train for our dollar. If it wasn't for the counterweight issue, would there have been as big a hubub?
I am grateful that we have this forum to exchange ideas on how to fix things. Look at the thread going about the AML K-4 and the mods to the pilot truck. That was a $1500 locomotive that no one bought, and now that its $750 or so, it seems to be selling well. I haven't seen anyone starting threads about AML's lack of QC, but the day is young.
Mark
I agree 100% with what Chris has said here regarding the criticism of manufacturers and dealers in general.
Kevin, I also agree with what you've said as well. Folks will only remember one thing, like the trucks are spaced 4 scale inches too close which renders the whole model as a 'toy'.
Wendell is also right. He has stated here and on Bachmann that testing of product should be done by the manufacturer and not the consumer. I agree with his sentiment, because I just don't have the time anymore to fix things right out of the box that I worked hard to afford. But I also understand that the cost of doing that would probably cause the price point to double. So we're damned if they do and damned if they don't.
As far as the original post, I think Bachmann is trying to offer more product at a lower price. The problems in large scale are well known. There are a variety of power sources and requirements for sound and control. Its not like O gauge where it is either TMCC or DCS. We've got DCC, DC, Battery and then there are break downs within those groups. We've come a long way since the big hauler and the static chuff. I think Bachmann was trying to offer something that would be super flexible with all configurations. The counterweights were an error in manufacturing. I think Bachmann is doing right by their customers by making a fix in a timely manner. After all, the LGB Mikado's had their problems, too, and LGB fixed them right up. I am sure if we read back through, we'd find all the old posts where people were really mad at having paid $1400 for a locomotive that ran crooked down the track. I did have that problem with my LGB mikado, but I didn't get a free boxcar like some folks. I don;t think I complained loud enough.
In 1991, how much did the old LGB mogul with sound cost? Anyone? Anyone? I seem to recall it was in the $600-$700 range. Like most technology, we are now seeing that we get more train for our dollar. If it wasn't for the counterweight issue, would there have been as big a hubub?
I am grateful that we have this forum to exchange ideas on how to fix things. Look at the thread going about the AML K-4 and the mods to the pilot truck. That was a $1500 locomotive that no one bought, and now that its $750 or so, it seems to be selling well. I haven't seen anyone starting threads about AML's lack of QC, but the day is young.
Mark
