Bachmann 4-6-0

[dougdagrump]

I have a Bachmann "Emmett Kelly Jr. Circus Set" that I have done a lot of cosmetic restoration on in preparation for Circus Week at the SD Model RR Museum. The gears looked decent when I lubed and oiled everything but I am not 100% sure that they will make it thru next weekend. My wife had picked-up one of the battery powered 4-6-0's a few months back, complete set that works for $10. What I am wondering is if the Circus Set gears give out are the gears in the battery set interchangeable ?

[kstrong]

Almost certainly not the case. The battery powered 4-6-0 is what's called the "1st generation" gearing. I don't know where the Emmet Kelly stuff fell in the pecking order, but it's likely 3rd or 4th generation at least. Could be 5th. If it's the 5th generation, you're in good shape. That's been out for 10+ years now, and has only recently been "improved" with brass gears instead. Don't worry about the gears. Run it 'til it drops then buy a new 4-6-0 to replace it. I think most pieces above the chassis are the same, so you should be able to just drop the old boiler and cab onto the new chassis, or just use it as a shelf model and run the new 4-6-0 as is.

I forget what the "identifying marks" are for the various generations of gears. Ask on the Bachmann forum (on Bachmann's web site.) There's a guy on there who can tell you exactly what you got and where it falls into the array of drives.

Later,

K

[Grabnet]

Mr George Schreyer has a very helpful article on the B.mann 4-6-0  here:

http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips1/big_hauler_tips.html

There is a well written several paragraphs on the different versions of gearing including pictures.

 

Tom

[dwbeckett]

I had a Emmit K set a long time Ago 1994 It ran about 4 times before the gears slipped under load. If u only paid $10 for it, it is not a new vershion. Check the box look for printing date or a copy right date . That should give u an idiea of how old the set is.

Dave 

[two tone]

Hi   As K as said you have an older model and I know from trying to get info out of Bachmann U.S.A  you have no hope, if they would put some one on the front line who has  half a brain thair service would inprove just to get that across each time iI email tham a differant person responeds so you are having to put ALL the same questions again to them.

[dougdagrump]

No boxes or anything with this set, it was donated and was in pretty sad shape. I was able to get some engine parts on flea-bay and it seems to run ok, but based on the history of the early 4-6-0's I'm hoping that it will make it thru the weekend.

Was hoping that if need be the earlier battery powered 4-6-0 could be a parts source but apparently that is out. Have to agree with you on getting info out of Bachmann.