I'd like to add a HO Doodlebug to my collection. It appears there are reports of both Spectrum/Bachmann and Walthers having gear problems with this model. I'm leaning towards Walthers and wonder if the gear problem is random or affecting just about every unit? TIA
I think my Doodlebug has the gear problem, but oddly enough it doesn't affect the running qualities. It makes a thumping sound, but runs smooth. I'll fix it when it stops running well.
NWSL has a replacement gear for about ten bucks.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
The gear issue is wid spread over many manufacturees and many models made between 2000 and about 2010 This results in replacements beinh easy to get. I just got a set of GP18's P2k off the bay for a cheap price each and the seller made a point to say the gears were replaced. hence with I grabbed them even though they are only DC.
Shane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
I've seen lots of the Bachmann ones at local train shows, but have not seen any of them running, and I was completely unaware of one from Walthers.
I made my own, using a modified Rivarossi combine...
...and powered it with a small-ish can motor...
...powering a geared truck from an Athearn diesel...
I did keep a portion of the loco's fuel tank, too...
...then added wipers to the original rear truck, so that the motor is never short of power.
I also added some seating for the LPBs...
...along with some added weight to enhance the pulling power.It normally pulls two Athearn coaches...
...but can also handle a dozen-or-so freight cars, too....which is likely not-prototypical...
My LPBs have dubbed it "The BEE", as it always buzzes into town on-time.
Wayne
If I forget correctly, I do believe the newest version by Walthers was released when they released the sperry railcars. The sperry. being modified doodlebugs, I do believe mostly prr origin. not much of a stretch to release it as a doodlebug. Walthers did do a kit. version in the 60's. A hybrid one. Which I have unbuilt. A lot of bachmann version are on eBay going for 25 to 50.
shane