Bachmann 4-8-4 Axle

[tlorey]

From looking at the forum I know this is an issue that has been discussed before, but not for the last few years.

I have an old Northern 4-8-4 Santa Fe steamer from back in the 1980's (item #660). It hadn't been used for years, but I pulled it out of storage and gave it a try. It worked fine for a short time, but then the wheels stopped turning even though the motor was running fine. I opened it up and guess what? The nylon axle from the rear driver (the one with the gear attached to it) was cracked. I guess this is a common problem with these locomotives.

Bachmann no longer stocks this part. From what I've read, glues don't really work too well. I saw a couple of videos on Youtube: one guy used shrink sleeving and had some success, so I tried it but the sleeve wouldn't stick to the nylon. The brass tubing solution I saw on Yahoo and read about seems way beyond my ability. I can't send it in to Bachmann for a replacement since I have no receipt.

I really like this model since it would work well with my new Santa Fe layout. Has anyone come up with another solution? Or should I just resign myself to using it as a static model?

Thanks for your help.  

[snjroy]

My vote goes for the static model. Those gears are worthless...

[Canalligators]

Can you fab an axil from steel rod, and press on the wheels and gear?  I thought NWSL sold those materials and tools.

[richg1998]

Bachmann has a loco replacement policy. No receipt needed for older locos. Go to the Bachmann forums site and check. Not sure what version you will get.

Google bachmann forums. The link will pop right up.

Many people never check the Bachmann site. There is a lot of usefull info about Bachmann products there.

About five years ago I had a HO 44 ton two motor I had converted to DCC. A gear cracked. I converted it back to DC. With a check for the proper amount, I sent it into Bachmann and got a single motor HO 44 ton DC version.

Rich