I'm in the middle of resurrecting a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation. When power was applied, the motor spins but the locomotive doesn't move. These are famous for the gear on the motor shaft split, and I had a motor assembly, so I wasn't worried. But when I began to disassemble the locomotive I saw that the gear on the driver shaft was off to one side. I recentered it and when it got to the middle of the shaft it became very tight. A tight enough fit that I assumed that all was good. But when I went to have the loco run on its own power again, somehow the gear slipped to the side again.
So now I am wondering if any of you have ever had any luck gluing or epoxying a gear to a shaft? I've never tried it, but I have nothing to lose. I just wanted to check if any of you have any experience with the likes of this before I try it.
JDVass So now I am wondering if any of you have ever had any luck gluing or epoxying a gear to a shaft? I've never tried it, but I have nothing to lose. I just wanted to check if any of you have any experience with the likes of this before I try it.
It should work fine. Seems like a temp solution not really going to last a long time
you could also consider asking the repower and regear groups.io : https://groups.io/g/RepowerAndRegear/
Try JB Qwik Weld. That has worked for me in similar situations.
Rich
Alton Junction
JDVassI recentered it and when it got to the middle of the shaft it became very tight. A tight enough fit that I assumed that all was good. But when I went to have the loco run on its own power again, somehow the gear slipped to the side again.
Hi JDVass,
I suspect the gear is cracked? (You may have to use a magnifying glass to see the crack.) The gear may feel tight on the axle shaft when not under load, but when you apply a load the crack may be opening up enough to let the gear slip.
If it is cracked then you might be able to use epoxy but the locomotive may not run smoothly because the distance between the teeth where the crack is may have widened enough that the gears won't mesh smoothly. If the epoxy doesn't work, I would suggest replacing the gear. NWSL (North West Short Line) may have a proper replacement gear or gear set.
https://nwsl.com/
Good luck,
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Hello All,
Bachmann is notorious for cracked gears- -both steam and diesel.
In my experience with cracked gears on Bachmann diesels the only way to truly solve the problem is to replace the faulty gear.
You can try an adhesive but I have found that eventually, it will fail again.
This is great news if you want to get lots of practice removing and replacing components.
On the Bachmann parts page, they list several 2-8-0 locomotives.
Unfortunately, these are not listed by the sub-brand "Spectrum."
They are listed by the newer DCC Sound Value, DCC ready, DCC equipped, or DCC sound.
In looking at the parts pages it seems that the Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) gear you are seeking is part of the complete Drive Wheel Assembly- -currently listed as "out of stock."
You might have to be patient and wait for the Drive Wheel Assembly to be back in stock for the best long-term resolution to your issue.
I wish I had better news.
As has been posted North West Short Line is another possible source.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
I have a BLI Hudson. It developed a loose gear on the worksheet. A drop of CA fixed it quickly and it has never given me a problem since.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.