Noisy Bachmann GE44 Ton Switcher

[GeorgiaTrains]

I just purchased a New (old new stock) Bachmann GE44 Ton Switcher with on board dcc. First run out of the box it sounds like a corn shucker - runs OK forward and reverse but I am concerned about the noise.

This is a 2003 unit and I am sure it has been sitting somewhere on a shelf for awhile. I am thinking it needs lubrication but, would like some opinions on what to use or could there be something else wrong?

Got a good deal on it so I want to salvage it if possible.

Your thoughts?

[jjdamnit]

Hello All,

If it doesn't move or is sluggish that is probably a sign that the drivetrain needs cleaning.

Without a thorough cleaning, lubrication won't solve the problem, if that is indeed the problem.

However, if it's a grinding noise the most likely culprit is a cracked gear or coupler somewhere in the driveline. 

This could be where the dogbone driveshaft connects to the worm gear on the top of the gear tower from the motor. This coupling is a known failure point.

It could also be a cracked gear sleeve between the wheels- -again, another known failure.

The only real way to tell is to explode (tear down) the driveline, clean and inspect all the components.

Spare parts are available through Bachmann.

You can look up the part numbers under the "Parts, Service & Information" > "Order Parts".

On the left side of the screen you will see, under the "Catagories" "HO Parts". The replacement parts are listed by the model.

Scroll down to the particular model you are seeking and click on that one.

Available replacement parts are shown.

The worm-gear coupler is part of the larger gear tower assembly. You will need to order the complete gear tower assembly.

Unfortunately, they are not shipping due to COVID-19.

Your other option would be to send the locomotive back to Bachmann for service.

Out of warranty repairs are $45.00 (including return postage).

For some, without the tools and patients to perform this surgery, factory repair is worth the time and effort.

To begin the repair process, go to the Bachmann website, under the "Parts, Service & Information" click on the "Service Dept. Information".

In the new window, there is a button labeled "Repair Request". You will need to register and then open a "repair request".

Again, repairs have been temporarily suspended, but Bachmann is still accepting work orders and will be serviced on a "first come" basis.

A third option, if you can isolate the particular failed part Northwest Short Line offers aftermarket replacement drivetrain components.

Hope this helps.

 

[BigDaddy]

They aren't normally noisy.  Cracked gears are a known issue.

[mlehman]

It should work OK with the original DCC decoder, more or less. I've found that the free DCC it comes with can be very cranky, so I replace with something better, in my case an NCE decoder. Things run more reliably with it.

The suggestions on the spurce of the noise above are good. The cracks in these gears and drive line couplings can be hard to see, but iusually visible on close inspection. This assumes that what you have is the later run version with a single motor. The original dual motor set-up can be even crankier.

Something to consider...yiou can often find these priced at or not too far from the $45 repair cost. Buy another and you have a complete set of replacement parts to fix your existing loco, plus an extra shell to decorate and/or use at your leisure.

[richg1998]

I have two of these. They have a single motor. They came with low end DCC EZ Command.  The specs are at the DCC page at the Bachmann site.I tossed them and put in LokSound with a speaker about ten years ago.

They are subject to cracked gears.

I would check the NWSL site and see if they have replacements. That site has new owner.

I had a two motor. They were DC only. It had  cracked gears. Bachmann replaced it  with a DCC ready for a repalement charge some years ago.

Bachmann still shows them both in the Parts page.

Rich