Bachmann N-Scale Brill Trolleys

[Benjamin Maggi]

I have two Bachmann N-scale trolleys that don't run very well. They grind around, make a lot of noise, and in general are just finicky. I knew that when I bought them new. However, they are the only thing in that price range that resembles a trolley.

I have a couple of questions. Does anyone have any possible tips for upgrading them? Another thing I thought of was this: has anyone taken the shells from the brill trolleys and mounted them on other diesel frames, such as the Life Like switcher? I need the trolleys for my layout, and where as I don't mind too much the gear noise any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Benjamin Maggi]

No one has any ideas?

[Jetrock]

I have one I bought basically to convert to an HOn30 doodlebug, but haven't had a chance to run it. A shell swap with a SW1500 switcher or something like it might work. I assume the traditional tuning ideas (lubrication, wheel cleaning, contacts, etc.) have not worked?

[Benjamin Maggi]

Yup, none of the traditional things have made any difference. On my life-like 0-6-0 steam switcher, after a bit of running it SLOWS down to a crawl and then stops. Wonder if it is overheating or something. We are talking about after 20 minutes or so of running. Anyways, I might try the SW-900 chassis after all. Thanks. Ben

[Anonymous]

Model Railroader ran a series on building the O'Dell County Traction Company layout some years ago. I remember some information on improving the performance of the Bachmann trolleys as well as converting them to run off overhead.

This was the late '80s or early '90s

[Jetrock]

envisci: That was on the HO scale Bachmann trolleys, not the N scale ones. Very different animals. The Bachmann HO Brills work quite well, the modifications were mostly to reduce minimum radius to 6" (in HO) and convert to overhead power.

[Anonymous]

I've seen all kinds of things powered by the Kato "Shorty B" chassis 11107 from streetcars to scratchbuilt N Scale Shays. They're relatively inexpensive, I think around $25 to $30 and it should fit in your shell. Only one truck is powered but it shouldn't be a problem for a trolley unless you're pulling a string of box cars behind.

Here's the Kato page: http://www.katomodels.com/product/nmi/small_powerunit2_e.shtml

Here's a page where the chassis has been used in a number of projects: including the Bachmann Brill. (There's a photo.) http://www.teamsavage.com/ncat/Kato_shorty_B.html

Wayne

[Benjamin Maggi]

Thanks. Will check out that link. Ben