[rsv1ho]

So simple a caveman can do it. But I can't and the instructions are no help.

I removed the small screw and it seems the step should come off but it doesn't. Maybe it needs a shove but I hesitate. Tried to slide the connector in the slot, but you can't get there from here. YouTube search produced nothing.

Any ideas?

 

[Shdwdrgn]

In the Bachmanns I have, the tender is made in two halves (top and bottom). Is there perhaps a second screw in the tender that is preventing the front half from opening up enough for you to slide in the connector?

Also watch those orange connectors. They are only supposed to go in one direction, but the positioning tabs on mine were so small I could plug them in both ways (and it takes some force even plugging them in the right way).

 

[CTValleyRR]

Why the duplicate thread from your identical one in the Genreal Discussion section?

 

[rsv1ho]

Tried to insert the Y connector into the tender again with the same outcome. The connector just will not fit in that slot.

There are pegs on the bottom of the Y that fit into the recesses shown in the pictures, the Y and the pegs have to go in at an angle. If the slot was about a 1/16" wider it might fit.

There are two main body screws (see picture) that hold the tender together, but it seems inconceivable that Bachmann would design a system that would require removal of those screws every time you wanted to remove the tender.

Didn't get a chance to call Bachmann today. Maybe tomorrow.

 

[rsv1ho]

Why the duplicate thread from your identical one in the Genreal Discussion section?

Either a 82 year old forgetful brain or I'm covering all the bases. Leaning toward reason #2.

Bob

 

[CTValleyRR]

Either a 82 year old forgetful brain or I'm covering all the bases. Leaning toward reason #2.

Bob

Except that it doesn't cover the bases so much as it dilutes the efforts of people trying to help by spreading out valuable clues and information over two threads instead of keeping it all in one place.

 

[rsv1ho]

Except that it doesn't cover the bases so much as it dilutes the efforts of people trying to help by spreading out valuable clues and information over two threads instead of keeping it all in one place.

Sorry about that. Perhaps a moderator will shut one or the other down with my blessings.

Bob

 

[Shdwdrgn]

There are two main body screws (see picture) that hold the tender together, but it seems inconceivable that Bachmann would design a system that would require removal of those screws every time you wanted to remove the tender.

Why would you ever remove the tender, especially when you would also need to unplug the feed wires? I guess we're looking at this differently, but to me it seems perfectly reasonable to have a semi-permanent draw bar between the two units. A couple of my locos have them screwed in place and I find it's much easier to move the loco around that way.

If nothing else, taking off the top shell of the tender may provide clues as to whether there are other removable pieces that allow the draw bar to drop into its slot.

 

[Stumpy]

Interesting. I have three Bachmann Spectrum steamers and neither has a draw bar setup like this.

 

[rsv1ho]

Interesting. I have three Bachmann Spectrum steamers and neither has a draw bar setup like this.

I contacted Laura Harris at Bachmann customer service about this issue and this was her response:

This is the older model you have to turn and twist to make this one fit it is not easly.

It also came with a hard rubber type insert to hold the engine inside of the box, not the softer foam of the later model. Guess they made a few overall improvements.

I have two more of the 4-4-0's coming. Still haven't figured this one out yet.

Bob