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Bachmann HO FT A Unit DCC Equipped - Noise Issues

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  • Member since
    September 2018
  • 3 posts
Bachmann HO FT A Unit DCC Equipped - Noise Issues
Posted by kkm0005 on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 4:54 PM

Hello,

I recently purchased the Bachmann HO FT A&B Units (Seaboard). There came in the blue boxes that says DCC-Equipped Locomotive on the lower portion of the box.  

Both units seem to be very loud. It sounds as if it may be caused by the gears on these units. 

I have an old Bachmann Plus F7A that I have installed a decoder into that is much quieter than these. 
The Plus Unit is virtually silent compared to the units.

Part of me thinks this is common/normal because both the A and B unit both make the same noise. 

Is this expected? Can I do anything to make then quieter?

Thank you

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, September 13, 2018 4:28 PM

Welcome. Looks like yoiu copied and pasted from another forum.

Try a dab of LaBelle 106 plastic compatible grease with PTFE. LaBelle 102 gear oil has been the main one for many years. 106 is suppose to be better.

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.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Thursday, September 13, 2018 4:43 PM

 Is it sort oof a buzzing that changes witht he speed of the loco? Those Bachmann motor decoders tend to be bottom of the barrel and fooro a long tiem they were of a type that did nt even have the 'silent running' high frequency motor drive that pretty much EVERY decoder you can buy today has - I don;t think there has been a non-silent decoder produced as new for at least 10 years, besides those Bachmann ones. 

                                   --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Thursday, September 13, 2018 4:47 PM

I would second the gear noise, unless it is a whining noise.

In the case of whining, it is actually the motor brushes "singing" on the unit. In this case, LaBelle light oil will cure it.

Gear noise I always use either the 106, or a compatible white lithium grease.

However, if it's just noise, not damaging anything, I will most often ignore it, as real trains are noisy anyways.

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, September 13, 2018 8:25 PM

Ok, I just saw your post in the Bachmann forums and the lub did the trick. Nice troubleshooting. Others have issues with gears. Yours was easy.

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.

  • Member since
    September 2018
  • 3 posts
Posted by kkm0005 on Thursday, September 13, 2018 9:42 PM

Thank you guys. Just a bit of lubrication is all it needed. 

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