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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by kbfcsme [quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by dingoix The thing about BB is it never dies. [quote]QUOTE: a loco can be pulling a train up and down the 2% grade 36 inch radius helix for 4 to 5 hours straight. That type running can be a killer and I have replaced a few motors in my Athearn SD40-2's. [/quote] BB can handle this. yes, the motor is going to wear out, but that's true of anything with moving parts. Once I was running my BB GP38-2 and GP40-2 , pulling quite a bit as they lugged down on my 0.5 %(??) grade. After about and hour I stopped them and took them off the track. when I touched them the fuel tanks were hot. That was several months ago and they still soldier on.[/quote] I know the feeling. I once ran one for hours with a long train at a club show, until suddenly it died, with smoke coming out of the unit. After removing the shell and burning my finger on the motor,[:0] I figured it was a lost cause[:(]. So I set it aside and tried it again after it cooled. Wow ! It ran! In fact, its still running!!!!! Not bad for junk![8D] [/quote] WOW, then I shouldn't worry when my old Athearns get hot. But they really ARE that tough. Athearn BB. like a rock (PLEASE don't sue me GM[;)]) [quote]QUOTE: If I were to "ban" every manufacturer that I ever had a problem with I would not buy: [/quote] let me try that Athearn RTR- my AC4400 grinds REALLY loud - so, Athearn RTR must be total junk (actually, because many of them grind- I'm not buying RTR anymore) Atlas- my U33C broke the front driveshaft- so, Atlas is obviously junk. (I replaced the driveshaft and it's one of my best runners) Athearn BB- 2 clips that hold thw worm gear broke off the truck on my GP35- so, BB must be junk (actually, I'll be buying a new truck soon) Bachmann spectrum- my 2-8-0 had broken wires out of the box and has never ran since day 1- so, bachmann is junk (actually, I thought this until I got my spectrum GP30) P2K (I've never owned one) some GP7s, 9s, and 30s have cracked gears- so, P2K is JUNK (remember when I used to think that?) [quote]QUOTE: When I was younger and got my first layout, we purchased an NS GP38-2 Athearn BB unit. It ran fine until it eventually just wore out after several years. It was a good unit.[/quote] That's what BB is good for. You got some good use out of it so why are you complaining? Yes, that's a little shorter than they generally last but still- BB isn't that expensive. [quote]QUOTE: Then, I purchased a KCS SD40-2 Athearn BB; never had a single problem.[/quote] There you go. Why ban BB when it's been good to you? [quote]QUOTE: Next, I got a SP SD45 Athearn BB; the trucks and wheels are kind of messed up and do not function properly all the time. Then, I bought a CSX C44-9W Athearn BB; the motor does not start at a low speed, unit has a loud sound, and stalls very frequently on clean track.[/quote] The C44 pry needs the bar that delivers power to the motor replaced w/ wires. Chances are these problems can easily be fixed and it'll run great. Most Athearn BB problems are simple fixes.
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