Noisy, Jerky Bachmann Locomotive

[Roadtrp]

Well, I guess I should have known...

I wanted a locomotive to use for just a couple of months. My wife is getting me a Kato for Christmas to server my long term needs, but of course I was impatient and wanted something to use in the meantime. I didn't want to spend much on it since I would be using it such a short time.

So I went to my local Hobby Shop and they had an N scale Bachmann Burlington Northern U36B for just $25. I figured it should serve my needs... I've purchased standard LifeLike product in the past and have been satisfied, so I figured Bachmann would be OK too.

Not.

Even after running the locomotive in, forwards and backwards for about a half hour each, it is still noisy and somewhat jerky. Is that just the nature of the Bachmann beast, or is there something I could do with lubrication to improve performance? It seemed well-lubed from the factory. In fact when I first took it out of the box the gears were shiny from lubrication.

Any thoughts? [?]

[aloco]

Don't buy junk! I was in N scale for seven years, and when I bought locos I went straight for the Kato-built Atlas stuff. Look for sales on Atlas, Kato, and the high-end Life-Like stuff. I'm sure you could find better locos for not much more than what you paid for that Bachmann POS.

[Anonymous]

This isn't normal for the N-scale U36B - I have one that ran superbly straight from the box and is still great - no flywheels, but low gearing so it runs well without them. Try cleaning out and regreasing the trucks, and add a drop of oil to each motor bearing. Alternatively, you could take it back to the store and ask their advice - explain you're not happy with it and they may offer to either replace it (if so, get them to test run the new one!) or they may be able to give you some pointers as to how to sort it out.

Hope this is of some help!

[cacole]

If this is the only locomotive you own, you probably also need to clean your track. Jerky operation is indicative of dirty track, and now probably dirty locomotive wheels as well.

[Roadtrp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Railroading_Brit

This isn't normal for the N-scale U36B - I have one that ran superbly straight from the box and is still great - no flywheels, but low gearing so it runs well without them. Try cleaning out and regreasing the trucks, and add a drop of oil to each motor bearing. Alternatively, you could take it back to the store and ask their advice - explain you're not happy with it and they may offer to either replace it (if so, get them to test run the new one!) or they may be able to give you some pointers as to how to sort it out.

Hope this is of some help!

Matt,

Thanks for your help. I lubricated the locomotive as you advised and now it runs like a champ!!

QUOTE: Originally posted by aloco

Don't buy junk! I was in N scale for seven years, and when I bought locos I went straight for the Kato-built Atlas stuff. Look for sales on Atlas, Kato, and the high-end Life-Like stuff.

For the 'primary' locomotives that I intend to keep on my layout at all times, I will buy Kato and other quality equipment. I currently have a Kato P42 Genesis locomotive pulling a set of Kato Superliners. It is truly great equipment.

But I don't see a need to have everything of that quality. I like being able to use a variety of locomotives, and I'm not about to go out and buy a bunch of Katos all at once. I currently have two standard Life Like locomotives, and they have served me just fine. It appears that after being properly lubricated, my Bachmann will be just fine too. I'm not trying to get a museum quality collection. I just like playing with trains. [;)]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

If this is the only locomotive you own, you probably also need to clean your track. Jerky operation is indicative of dirty track, and now probably dirty locomotive wheels as well.

I currently have three other locomotives, but only one of them was a freight locomotive and I wanted a second one. My wife is getting me a Kato SD70MAC for Christmas, but I wanted another freight locomotive to use until then. Thanks for the advice though. I do try to clean my track about every three months with rubbing alcohol. Does that generally do a good job?

Thanks

[:)]

[Anonymous]

I have a Bachmann set and is it noisy you can hear it all around the house.

[Jacktal]

Nothing wrong with rubbing alcohol,but I'd say cleaning your tracks every three months only may be your problem.You'll enjoy the Kato SD70MAC...it's a jewel.

[Anonymous]

I've got a Bachmann N guage locomotive. I named it 'Sparky' as that's what it did inside the shell for the first several hours of running. It is now quieter and better behaved but will never be the equal of the better grades. Also determine your coupler style now. Switching from Rapido to knuckle coupler can be an aggravation and a half.

[cacole]

A better track cleaner than rubbing alcohol, in my opinion, is Nevr-Dull Magic Wadding Polish, which can be purchased at most Wal-mart, K-mart, Pep Boys, or other stores that sell automotive accessories. Nevr-Dull is cotton soaked in some type of metal polish. I use it because you do not have to go back with a second wiping to take off the dried polish like you do with Flitz or other polishes that come in a tube.

[Roadtrp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

A better track cleaner than rubbing alcohol, in my opinion, is Nevr-Dull Magic Wadding Polish, which can be purchased at most Wal-mart, K-mart, Pep Boys, or other stores that sell automotive accessories. Nevr-Dull is cotton soaked in some type of metal polish. I use it because you do not have to go back with a second wiping to take off the dried polish like you do with Flitz or other polishes that come in a tube.

Thanks for the tip. [:)]

How often should track be cleaned? I heard somewhere (perhaps on these boards) that running trains frequently minimized the need for track cleaning. I usually run my trains about an hour every day, so I figured that cleaning once every three months would be adequate. Have I heard incorrectly? Should I be cleaning more frequently even though the tracks are used daily? [?]

Thanks for any information you can provide.

[Jacktal]

How often should trackwork be cleaned?The answer is...when it needs it.In ideal environment(dustfree,humidity controlled rooms,etc),regular operation MAY mean you never have to do it.In not so ideal conditions,monthly,weekly or even daily cleaning may be required.