My buddy's HO Bachmann U.P. Niagara #806 recently stopped working, after being resurrected from a life in display. He bought a bunch of used track, and after being given some old rolling stock from me, managed to get it to run, though with stutters. Running on an older DC pack and simple oval of EZ-Track, if that matters. Last night, it stopped working, only the headlight was on without the moter making any noise. I'm guessing that it's dirty track and wheels causing it, and I have a track cleaning block but nothing to clean the wheels with. Any other theories, and as I should do a cleaning on my locos as well, what would be a good idea to clean the wheels with. I used contact cleaner on O-27 Marx engine wheels, but the HO ones look too small for the same technique. Any help is greatly appreciated.
What vintage Niagara? Bachmann has made these for a looong time with a couple complete mech redesigns. The light on but the motor dead sounds like the motor died but you likely need to open it up and test to be sure.
Just my worth, along with what Lenscap says, if it's been sitting as a display, before you expect it to run at all, I would think it wopuld need an "overhaul" to make sure everything is ready to go, such has cleaning all electrical contacts, cleaning any gearing and drives, wheels, etc., etc.
Maybe check out HOSeeker for a diagram, if you need it.
https://hoseeker.net/lit.html
Good luck!
Mike.
My You Tube
I'm inclined to agree with Mike that it's probably in need of an overhaul. Because if it's been sitting for a long time, there's a good chance that the oil and grease is dried out and/or gummy. Which can cause a bind in the gears. That's why the first thing I do when I buy a used locomotive or put one that hasn't run in awhile back into rotation is test it, and then if it performs poorly, go through it, clean it and re-oil and grease everything. There are also some good YouTube tutorials on model loco maintenance. Just type in "HO scale locomotive maintenance". As for wheel cleaning, I use a q-tip dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Bachmann steam engines up through the early 2000's had problems with the axles and gears splitting. It's possible a bad gear or another part jammed and stalled the motor. About all you can do is take it apart and try to find the problem.
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Well, how old? Can motor or pancake motor?
It does sound like dirty wheels and pickups.
Shapeways does make a plastic axle kit. That has been recently discussed here. It was for the Bachmann Plus series of locos. An axle would split and the side rods would not line up.
The OP can check the Bachmann web site for the parts list if the loco is not too old. Forums there also. The web site is a great resource for Bachmann products.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.