MarkyGWR Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 I have learnt a sharp lesson over the past week. I had a problem with one loco straight out of the box. Thankfully it was replaced. But it prompted me to check my others, as I have quite a few where I have not got round to using them. One Heljan Western had a missing Headcode, apparently, these are available and will be ordered for me, and a Heljan Hymek had a missing window, but I did find this in the box. Lesson learnt, check everything thoroughly as soon as it arrives. Am I unlucky, or this this the norm? Regards Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waverley West Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 Based on my experiences Mark, I'd say you've just been unlucky. I have only once I think had to return or complain over a loco over the past ten years since my return to the modelling fold (a damaged loco that was replaced without a quibble). Having said that, there are many locos in the loft yet to turn a wheel that I have never given the once over. Bit late now though. I'd agree though, it is a good idea to check locos over after received them. You can be unlucky, like you have been I think. Cheers, Dave Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny Emily Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 I always take new locomotives from the box and inspect them and try them on a length of track just in case, even if I don't have the time to run them in. With something as fiddly and complex as a model train, there will always be a few in a batch that have the odd niggle. In around 80 or so purchases I have only had to return two as unserviceable out of the box. The odd other loco has had to have minor detail parts refitted from where they were loose in the box, but these are usually pretty easy with a pair of tweezers and a steady hand. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevpeo Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 I tend to find that the pick-ups on both new Heljan & Bachman leave a lot to be desired! They nearly always need some adjusting before DCC use. The flywheels hide the faults well on DC. Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M Graff Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 My own personal favourite is when people sell old locomotives "that has never been out of the box"....... I bet it´s easy to get a several year old loco, that is bought second hand, fixed on a warranty . I ALWAYS test my new acquisitions! I don´t need the trouble of trying to convince a Mfg that it is "new".... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
corax67 Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Unlucky I reckon Mark - when I helped out at the PBR railway shop back in Wales we always took locos out for customers before they parted with cash and ran them on a test track to ensure they were OK. I can only recall one loco that was deemed unsuitable which was a Heljan 47 which had succumbed to 'bendy chassis syndrome'. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JZ Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 I would also go along with unlucky mate. I've probably had close on 200 loco's new over the years and I can honestly say I have not had one with a problem. I may be very lucky. All my loco's are tested as soon as I get them home. My son has had a few with problems though. Bachmann Deltic, 3 x 57, one twice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkyGWR Posted February 28, 2011 Author Share Posted February 28, 2011 I do now realise that I have been somewhat naive in not checking them out. I will from now on though. Thanks for all of the replies. All the best Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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