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Bachmann GS4
Bachmann GS4
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johngraser
Member since
October 2001
From: US
79 posts
Bachmann GS4
Posted by
johngraser
on Thursday, March 20, 2003 5:12 PM
Been thinking of getting a
Standard version of the Bachmann,
Southern Pacific GS4 4-8-4 & Tender "War Baby"
Item #11322
What is everyone opinion of how it runs?
John
HO 19' x 12.5' with DCC Control Base on Southern Pacific's (Tillamook branch) Oregon
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Anonymous
Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts
Posted by
Anonymous
on Friday, March 21, 2003 12:08 PM
I have a number of these type Bachman engines and on average they run fine ( I'm assuming you're talking about the normal worm gear drive and not the older in-line drive). However, the motors are relatively weak and prone to overheating which is a receipe for premature failure. I have had to replace 2 out of about 7 or 8 over the last few years.
Terry (Ohio)
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dwick
Member since
May 2002
From: West Bend, WI
25 posts
Posted by
dwick
on Friday, March 21, 2003 5:26 PM
I have one of those GS4's. At first, two of the inner axels split in two. I called Bachman about the problem, but the repair lady told me I would have to purchase a new set of drivers, whereas they din't sell axel replacement parts. [My only disappointment ever with Bachman] I managed to repair them and they work fine. I installed a Digitrax DCC decoder in the unit and it runs great.
I wouldn't recommend running them for long hours on end DC style at shows because you could overheat the motors, especially if you are pulling an extremely long train [over 15 cars].
Always take care of your engines like you would take care of your family car. Like your car or loco, if you over extend wear and tear on any given mechanism. you will run into problems
Regards
Don Wick - West Bend, WI
Donald F. Wick dmwick@charter.net
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Anonymous
Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts
Posted by
Anonymous
on Saturday, March 22, 2003 6:47 AM
As was said earlier in this thread, watch out for the older style "in line" motors. I bought one 4-8-4 years ago with this drive, and it was dead within 6 months of light running. Thing ran REAL smooth when it was new, but after a while it was on the dead line.......
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Anonymous
Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts
Posted by
Anonymous
on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 8:04 AM
mate it will be the best steam engine ud ever buy , i own for of them and they run beautifully
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Anonymous
Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts
Posted by
Anonymous
on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 8:04 AM
mate it will be the best steam engine ud ever buy , i own 4 of them and they run beautifully
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Anonymous
Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts
Posted by
Anonymous
on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 8:04 AM
mate it will be the best steam engine ud ever buy , i own 4 of them and they run beautifully
Reply
Edit
dknelson
Member since
March 2002
From: Milwaukee WI (Fox Point)
11,439 posts
Posted by
dknelson
on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 8:12 AM
Be aware that Bowser makes a power chassis for this locomotive which I suspect is very strong and reliable --- it may pay to find someone's junker with a good body and use the Bowser mechanism
Dave Nelson
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