Motive Power Mods & Tips This is the "entry point" for all pages on working on and modifying/improving motive power. Your next step is to select a manufacturer from the menu on the left to see what tips are available for that manufacturer's products. Don't forget to visit the "Misc. Motive Power" section, you never know what you will find! Most of the entries are from my direct experience. As always, I have an eye towards low maintenance and reliability. If you find errors, or have suggestions, please let me know! Overview
No agenda, just some personal observations:
I have not found a brand that I buy that does not need some form of "tweaking". Now, some more than others. I have bought very little LGB, but in terms of out of the box assembly and quality, I think they are tops, especially the made in Germany stuff.
My experience - out of the box assembly / quality.
- LGB (limited) - rarely a problem
- USA - hardly ever a problem except for "split axles" on older locos
- Bachmann - I have had very few problems out of the box.
- Aristo - in the last few years, more wiring and electrical problems, getting common. The steam locos often have loose drivers, bad solder joints becoming more common.
My experience - after running for a while. - LGB - rarely a problem
- USA - only the split axles, easy and cheap to repair
- Bachmann - split gears, loose screws, cracked plastic housings
- Aristo - more broken wires, plating gone and steel wheels rusting, wheels coming loose on axles, destroyed valve gear.
My experience with service - LGB (old) - (the repair center was walking distance) - took forever to fix things, but perfectly repaired.
- LGB (new) - well there are a few places that have LGB parts. Silvergate was trying to be this, but not happening. Try Train-Li or Massoth, both do quality work, but don't expect USA prices.
- USA - I have never had to send anything back, the only repair parts I have ever needed were axles, easily repaired or replaced. Mike in parts is golden.
- Bachmann - heard too many horror stories to return, and replacement parts easy to get, although have to buy assemblies sometimes $$.
- Aristo - too many people have sent things back 3-4 times and not repaired. They used to have a great reputation, but just ask a mallet owner. Unfortunately Aristo does not know how to repair many of their own products, or will not admit there is a problem. They are very nice in public and on the phone, just no results. Your best bet is getting a new replacement part, not having something repaired.
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