Weathering Under Warranty

[Right Away]

Has any member ever had issues with returning a faulty locomotive which has been weathered whilst under warranty?

 

A couple of years ago I had cause to return a model steam locomotive whose mechanism went faulty after about 10-11 months of purchase. The engine in question had received light weathering both on the body and running gear (a body only swap was ruled out). In that instance I was pleasantly surprised to find that the retailer exchanged it with a new one by return of post.

 

My procedure with new models is that only after I am satisfied with it's operation and performance by running-in on DC that I fit a decoder and attach accessories eg pipes, footsteps etc. The model will then receive its chosen degree of weathering after which it can then be put into service.

 

Like many, having to wait for warranty expiry before effecting a change to a model's appearance is not an option, and therefore we do such at our own risk.

[dpgibbons]

Bachmann policy was outlined in June 2018 RM - weathering won't affect the warranty if it's confined to parts not affecting the mechanism or operation, but mechanical issues attributable to painting the latter areas aren't covered.

 

More generally a loco fault not related to weathering should be covered by consumer law above and beyond but that could be difficult to prove.