I have aquired an older bachmann 4-8-4. It looks great,but I found that the drive wheels wont stay in time. Anyone have any suggestions on how to rectifiy this problem?
Do you mean the drivers won't stay in quarter? In that case you can knurl the end of the axle, which makes it slightly fatter. And force the drivers on. Some people have knurled axles with nothing more than a pair of pliers. Or, use adhesives. Epoxy, Superglue, or "bearing seating compound" from the auto parts store.
Naturally, you have to make sure the drivers are in quarter as you push them onto the axles, no matter which method you go for. I haven't done that myself, but others speak well of a tool called "The Quarterer".
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
Club members have two of those locomotives, and both have become basket cases.
Bachmann used nylon tubes into which the drive wheel axles were pressed. The nylon splits open and won't hold the short axles.
Finding an adhesive that will stick to nylon is nearly impossible.
IMHO, a wheel quartering tool costs more than one of these models is worth.
If the loco is still complete with tender, send it back to Bachmann for a replacement.
Couple years ago I sent back a HO 44 tonner that was dual motor. Old style. Cracked gear.
Got a HO 44 tonner that was new single motor and DCC ready which means it is still running on DC but can be upgraded with a decoder.
I followed the instructions at the Bachmann website. There are forums there with Bachmann reps also. Forums for different scales also. Look at the Parts page.
When posting a question it is always a good idea to mention scale. I think we are assuming HO.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
cacole Club members have two of those locomotives, and both have become basket cases. Bachmann used nylon tubes into which the drive wheel axles were pressed. The nylon splits open and won't hold the short axles. Finding an adhesive that will stick to nylon is nearly impossible. IMHO, a wheel quartering tool costs more than one of these models is worth.
Yep, one of the worst designs of all time. I put bowser drives under mine.
Jim
Yeah. Those pancake motors were terrible.
At the time, it was about $15.00 for a replacement 44 tonner. Maybe four years ago.
Below is what it will cost you now and a much better motor in the replacement.
Just take a look at the diagram page at the Bachmann site.
For items more than one year old, there is a nominal service charge for repair or replacement (prices subject to change - effective 3-11-13):
Sorry about the lack of info. It is an ho scale. The locomotive and tender look almost brand new. Thanks for the link to bachmann and I will try that.