Repairing Bachmann Tender Plug Wires (the hard way)

ATTENTION! Since filming this, I've discovered that the superglue trick is actually a pretty bad idea. The glue can easily run inside the plug and completely jam it, and once that happens, it's impossible to get it out. A better option would be a very thick glue of some kind that will stay where you put it. If you do use superglue, make sure it's the gel stuff that doesn't run.

This has been requested a lot, and I've been putting it off because it's a huge pain and I don't really recommend that anyone try this, but here's proof that it is possible to fix these without replacing the plug.

Don't forget, the best way to fix a problem is to avoid it in the first place! I always replace the drawbar pins on my Bachmann locos with screws, and that eliminates 90% of the wear and tear on the wires. This is FAR easier than fixing the wires after they break.

[anthonylulham]

Great job on soldering the picoblades! I bit the bullet and bought new clamps and crimps for the broken wire ends. A great save. Well done

[rapcreeperproductions]

I'm so glad my body woke me up at 3am for this

[wadevid]

I love how real you are with how terrible these projects can be. I have the echo valley engine and the wires and connectors are even smaller!

[jasperrocks]

I used this video as a tutorial for my spectrum 2-8-0. It was broken for months, and then I came across this. Thank you so much my friend!!

[sebastianmarconi]

Excellent job, my good sir! Bachmann trains should hire you for their repair department :)

[StillPlaysWithModelTrains]

Many thanks for the info and resources. I have a True-Line of Canada CN U2g 4-8-4 that the headlight lead to the connector plug came loose and now I know how I'm going to fix it. I hate $600 door-stops!

[trainzmaniaricardo]

You did a great job with this engine, I wish I could purchase it.

[SouRwyProductions]

I must say that this video was a huge help for me in restoring my little Bachmann 4-6-0 number 87 to operation.

[cadej.mertens]

Just found this video, had the same problem while servicing one of these I had just gotten on eBay for a steal, but will be attempting this repair, possibly even tonight!

Thanks for the guide.

[johnfinnie]

Thanks for explaining how these connectors can be fixed! I would like to learn how you applied “back emf” to improve operation.

[SuperRobotStudios]

I own a Bachmann Daylight with DCC; this one has an updated tender connection where they've combined both plugs into one which makes this problem easier, should it come up. However, it's still a poor design choice as those wires are very cumbersome and have the potential to interfere with the drawbar when it runs. Not to mention it's hard to connect and disconnect the tender with the placement of the socket below the cab. I might look into upgrading it to something more robust/less intrusive.

[KienanHewitt]

I have Bachman spectrum 2-6-6-2 that has the same problem I’m gonna try this and hopefully it will work

[AndyDorsch]

Great video. I had to do the same thing to the exact same locomotive that I bought for my son. But now the thing won't stay on the rails...🤦‍♂️

[timothywalsh]

You can file the solder iron tip to better the point size.

[banannaitup]

what are you doing with the on30 box cars i saw you had in a video from a year ago

[modelrailfan]

Jeez I hope I never have to do this, that does not look fun. Out of curiosity we’re you able to still unplug the locomotive from the tender, or did the glue slip and make the connection permanent? Looking forward to more videos from you!

[Harrisonidk]

Damn you really just went though hell and back with those wires!, that’s one of my worst fears are when the wires are broken

[Curious_Skeptic]

I have two ideas for this in my near future. One, by a set of plugs prewired and just splice into existing wire, shrink tube for nice place, or get long enough prewired set to resolder from scratch. Second idea, build as you did, but maybe also place shrink tube ahead of time to bundle wires and make them stronger and easier to unplug and might even look better. nice work though. Next time it will be easier I bet.

[modelrailfan]

Hi Michael, I have recently been looking at upgrading from my Bachmann EZ Command DCC controller to a Digitrax Zephyr DCS51. I was looking around at videos on DCC controllers and I came across yours on the BC Hobbies channel, and you said that you had gone with the Powercab because the Zephyr DSC51 had problems. What were the problems you have heard about? Is it anything major or just some small things? (If it’s small things that’s fine, as I found one for a good price which is why I’m thinking of getting it). Thanks for taking your time to read this! P.S. Sorry for posting this on a random video, I didn’t know if you check the comments at all on the BC Hobbies channel, since I know multiple people run it.

[TheTransportationFanfromCA]

Is it possible to just Souter the wire directly to the dcc board.