It was truly one of my best tracking and running engines-Spectrum K-4 which I have run for many years. Then about a week ago I noticed it seem to not pull as well and when I hand pushed it, it free wheeled, as if nothing was catching under the hood. I tried to run the engine and it just sat there.
The motor was running but nothing was catching, ( i.e. no sprockets were engaging), engine would not move. I could push the engine by hand and the drivers and running wheels free wheeled but would not pull the engine. My other K-4, bought the same year, (20 years ago), runs great and as smooth as glass.
Are they hard to take apart to see maybe what is wrong or should I send it back to Bachman?
Robert Sylvester
Right now it sounds like a stripped gear or gear on the center driver sllpping.
Below is a diagram of the loco from the Bachmann forums. It is the sound version but I suspect the loco motor gears is the same setup. Yours will not have the flywheel.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H844X-IS00.PDF
Bachmann has a good replacement policy. I have sent a loco back.
Look in the below link. Parts, Service, Information. There is a phone number and email address.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/prod_serv.php
You can also look in the Parts Page.
Check the HO Forums. Bachmann Reps there and users of the K4 also.
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.
This should be exactly what you have.
I have taken apart split frame Bachmann before. Just pay close attention to all parts.
A worm on the motor drives a intermidiate worm gear which drives a gear on the driver axle.
Not sure Bachmann still has parts for yours. Check the Parts page.
http://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/bachmann-spectrum-k4-pacific-4-6-2/m1
Most Likely a stripped gear on the axle.
I would recommend removing the plastic bottom piece on the engine, which will expose the wheels and axles.
There's the replacement part. http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68_170&products_id=4113
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Thank you so much for your input, I might just send it back and see what happens, maybe they will be kind and replace it, who knows?
Robert