Repowering Bachmann Spectrum C44-9W N scale

[Anonymous]

I have a Bachmann Spectrum C44-9W that runs like crap! Any ideas on how to repower it to make it run well? THanks.

Matt

[MAbruce]

Is it too late to return it and get a Kato instead?

Sorry for the wisecrack, but I'm not a Bachmann fan. I honestly don't know if it would be worth the effort to repower it.

Kato is the only other maker of this loco (in N-scale) that I can find on record.

[MAbruce]

After a second look, don't you mean a Bachmann C40-8W? I don't show that they make the C44-9W - only Kato.

[dandreas]

Check out this link...

http://www.trainweb.org/andersleywestern/locomotivedetailing.html

Hope this helps,
Doug A.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, that sure did. Thanks. I normally dont buy Bachmann, but it was a 20 dollar loco I thought I might tool around with. I usually stick to the much higher quality Kato and Atlas locos!! Thanks again!

Matt

[Anonymous]

I have a bunch as well, but leave them parked on a siding....extremely poor runners....that link to work on them and repower is interesting, nice project.

I once found a hobby shop at a show that was selling Lifelike PA's for $15 each...powered, needless to say bought a half dozen and these are great runners, especially for that price!

Otherwise everything else is Kato and Atlas on our layout...

[Anonymous]

Matt:
A friend of mine had converted several of the Bachmann C40-8's by using Kato U30C mechanisms. All that needs to be done is to clip the screw posts along the inside of the shell and the C40 shell should easily slip over the Kato drive. Just be careful when you pick up said loco so as not to drop the drive as I did one time.

Allen