Trains.com

4-6-0 Replacement Wheelsets

1864 views
8 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: silver spring, md
  • 1,232 posts
Posted by altterrain on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:00 PM

Check the side to side level on that section of track. I would bet its a bit off.

-Brian 

President of
  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: West Chester, PA
  • 26 posts
Posted by J Silverman on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 8:07 PM

Yes, I am using Aristo switches, but surprisingly, the derailments don't usually occur on them. They usually occur on a long, steep, curved section of track I have. I'm changing the trackplan, though, so that will be eliminated. Thanks for your help!

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, February 25, 2008 8:54 PM
I had the same problem and got a BBT mod.  Nary a problem since then.  Go for it.
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Monday, February 25, 2008 3:38 PM

Be carefull with that new spring. The spring doesnt need to stiff, just enough to excert enough presssure to keep the wheels against the rails, too stiff it will push the engine up off the track.

I have a Barry's pilot mod for one of my engines, I havent added it yet.

I used self adhesive lead weights on another one, but I have one unaltered later Bug Mauler and its been running on my indoor layout as is, stock, without any trouble, backwards and forwards, over LGB switches and up and down my 4% grades.

Are you using Aristo switches? I had nothing but trouble with the pilot wheels derailing on Aristo frogs, so much that I swapped out what Aristos I had for LGBs and havent had a problem since.

   Have fun with your trains

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Centennial, CO
  • 1,192 posts
Posted by kstrong on Monday, February 25, 2008 3:06 PM
There used to be a problem with the front trucks where the vertical post wasn't long enough, so that if the track started downhill, the front truck would hang in the air until the loco was over the hump. They could have fixed that, I don't know. The way to see is to lift the loco by the cowcatcher. If the pilot wheels lift up when you lift the cowcatcher, then you'll want to extend the post a bit (or order one of Barry's front trucks). The post can be extended by getting a short length of plastic tube (Evergreen or Plastruct) and adding it to the very top where the screw goes through. You may need a longer screw, I don't know.

Later,

K
  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: West Chester, PA
  • 26 posts
Posted by J Silverman on Monday, February 25, 2008 3:00 PM

Mine doesn't have that spring, that must be a problem. :P Thanks, I'll try getting a stiff spring and see if it works before getting the new wheelsets.

  • Member since
    August 2006
  • From: Snoqualmie Valley
  • 515 posts
Posted by S&G Rute of the Silver River on Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:34 PM
or just some lead putty, avalable at any plummer4s store, just were gloves.
"I'm as alive and awake as the dead without it" Patrick, Snoqualmie WA. Member of North West Railway Museum Caffinallics Anomus (Me)
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: silver spring, md
  • 1,232 posts
Posted by altterrain on Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:14 PM

I have never had that problem with the ten wheelers but I keep my track well maintained. The BBT replacements are much heavier than the original and track better. Many have "fixed" the original by adding a stiffer spring to adding lead weight - http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips1/big_hauler_tips.html#derailments

-Brian 

President of
  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: West Chester, PA
  • 26 posts
4-6-0 Replacement Wheelsets
Posted by J Silverman on Sunday, February 24, 2008 4:25 PM

Like a lot of owners of Bachmann's 10th anniversary 4-6-0, I've been having trouble with the front wheelset. It just doesn't want to stay on the rails. I saw that Barry's Big Trains has a replacement wheelset available; has anyone tried it? Does it work? Is the standard or prototypical one better?

 Thanks!

 Jason

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Garden Railways magazine. Please view our privacy policy