I am just starting Garden RR. I purchased a Bachman Spectrum 4-4-0 Centennial #81399 Narrow Gauge locomotive.It was in the original packaging and never taken out. The owner lost the Instruction/Maintenance manual and video. I looked for them on the Bachmann web site, but I could not find them. I guess this is older and not a current product.I don't want to do something to the locomotive to damage it.I don't know if there are break-in instructions for these locomotives. If I can't buy one, do I have to try to find someone to make a copy of theirs for me?Thanks!Tom
The instruction manual for any model Bachmann G-scale steam locomotive should apply equally to every other model, so you should be able to find something on Bachmann's web site.
They have exploded diagrams, disassembly instructions, and oiling/breakin instructions available for many different models.
In a nutshell, here are the instructions that came with a Spectrum 1:20.3 Large Scale 2-8-0 Narrow Guage Consolidation:
Lubrication: Before you start, it's important to know that over-lubrication is more damaging to any locomotive than no lubrication at all. Therefore, use a light touch when applying lubricants. Gather all the items you'll need to perform the lubrication procedure. Then find a large, sturdy work surface to hold your locomotive. Your kitchen table or a workbench will do very well. You will need:A thick towel or the top foam insert from the locomotive's packaging to act as a cushion.A toothpick or a thin wooden dowel (a shish-ka-bob skewer works very well), and the necessary lubricants.Gently lay the locomotive and tender on its side, or, if using the foam packaging insert, upside down.To begin, put a drop or two of heavy-duty plastic compatible gear oil into the access port just above, and to the front, of the gear box cover.Put a drop of oil on each side of the sprung pillow block bearings, where each drive axle passes through the locomotive frame.Also put a drop of oil on either side of the ball bearing casing just behind each driver.Add a drop or two of oil to each bearing surface of the lead truck, where the wheel axle passes through the truck side frame.Be sure to not forget the lead truck pivot point, where it attaches to the locomotive frame just in front of the lead driver.Also, put a drop of oil on the plunger where it contacts the underframe. This will help the lead truck move easily in either direction.Finally, put a drop of oil on the end of each axle on the tender truck wheel sets.Put one drop of Bachmann conductive lubricant on each drive wheel axle where it passes through the pillow block bearing, and on each driver wheel tread.You should perform this electrical conductive maintenance every 5 to 6 hours of operation or as needed. (NOTE: Since you're running with battery power, as do we, the use of electrically conductive lubricant is unnecessary.)Now, bring the locomotive and tender to an upright position and, changing to a light gear oil, lubricate the valve rod, piston rod, and valve guides.We recommend that you break in your engine by running it with a light load at slow to medium speeds, checking to see that everything on the locomotive is operating properly.
NEVER push the locomotive. Until recently all Bachmann axle gears were white nylon press-fit onto the main axle, and pushing the locmotive would cause this gear to split or break loose from the axle, rendering the model inoperative. I've had to replace the 2-8-0's main drive axle twice, and finally changed to a Barry's Big Trains drive system to eliminate the split gear problem.
Thank you for your help.
Tom
Thanks for everyones help - I have found a manual.
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