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Athearn Bachmann Parts
Mike has a problem with getting model train parts and asks:
“I’m retired operating engineer (Heavy Equiptment Operator) 67 years old. My question is why is it so hard to get replacement parts, I have bought a few Athearn, Bachmann locomotives and you call to get replacement parts and the first thing they tell you is there are out of stock and they no longer make that part. It seems to me that the manufactors sell these locomotives with on problems why can’t they make sure they continue to supply the required parts we need to keep our trains running? In the Caterpillar world you can still get parts for tractors made in the late 50’s, and I think the Model train business is as demanding as the Caterpillar world. I really enjoy the modeling world of the HO gauge trains.”
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2 Responses to Athearn Bachmann Parts
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Hi Mike, I think when you say CAT you are talking about the real thing. If so I was a equipment mechanic auto/truck of all kinds and we are talking about the real world, and equipment that lasted longer than some of their owners and many parts were interchangeable for years. Here we are talking about models and you should be able to get your parts “direct” from any manufacturer. If not go on line and find old hobby shops that deal in repairs, (they are around). They may supply you with the parts you need or they may offer you a price on the repair. I have found old loco’s and cars of all types on EBAY and even parts for repair. I have bought the old ones most of the time hoping that I could use it for parts that were better than what I had, many times that works. There are a lot of dealers on EBAY and you can call them direct or email them and they may have what you need. I know it should be easier but……it is a hobby and some times you have to be innovative. Like old time mechanics “repair” and “rebuild” instead of replace.
But most of all have fun.
Check out the guy on Roberts blog who has to scratch build everything due to excessive cost in his country. I know it is frustrating and I get that way too but I am doing this for the fun of it. Yeah I’m becomming a kid again. Tony P
I know that Bachmann has entered a phase of upgrading all of their older model locomotives, so the parts availability is first-come-first-served for the older models. Also, they have recently changed their warranty so that it only applies to the original purchaser. Some of their locomotives have not changed much since they were first introduced (such as the N scale 4-4-0, the biggest change has been the driveshaft assembly) and some have undergone drastic changes through their life span (such as the N scale non-Spectrum 4-8-4, the last I checked there were three variations of this model).