Bachman Spectrum 8-40C = garbage?

[Anonymous]

Ok, I,ve read many posts that say that Bachman Spectrum is a very good brand. I own a Dash 8-40C and a 44 ton and can't seem to get them running smoothly. The Dash 8-40C is about to go to the dump. I've fought with this thing for years and can't get it running right. I bought it brand new and it came out of the box running this way. The 44 tonner ran good for a few days but the same thing.[:(!]

Could someone who has one of these models that runs tell me how to get them to work. I love the look of these models but they are becoming dust collectors. Please help.

Thanks,
Jeremy

Go Packers!!

still have a chance

[Anonymous]

Spectrum Steam is good. Spectrum Diesels range from passable to bad.

Sell it, buy one of the new run of Atlas Dash 8-40C's

[SteelMonsters]

Bachman doesn't do a very good job at oiling the bearings or greasing the gears. Sometimes they do it well, other times it's nob lubricated much at all. If needed put a drop of oil right next to the bearings, wipe up any excess. If the gears don't have good overage, put some grease on them but not to the point where it starts driping. I take my locos apart and inspect the parts as well as any mods. If the loco isn't performing as well as it should, then I inspect and test it till I find the problem(s).

[Anonymous]

DON'T THROW IT OUT!!!! DON'T_THROW_IT_OUTTTTTT!!!!!!!

I got a Bachmann SD40 from Ebay that did not act too well on the tracks. After taking apart the trucks, I found one of the Contacts was broken off. After epoxing the contact back on, I lubed the motor, greased the gearbox and wheels (Silicon grease works well for me) and cleaned the wheels. Now it is the smoothest running locomotive I have! (I did the same thing to my other locomotives, and they act pretty smooth too!)

Thowing out a locomotive, I think, is the closest thing to suicide. Believe me, You_will_regret_it!!!

[:p] Now that's out of me...[:D]

Check all the problem spots. (I.E.: Tracks, contacts, wiring, ect.) and rule out each one. I find the one thing is mainly track and contact (The little copper plates that touch the wheels) Problems.
Lube will usually solve rough running, as I now belive. [;)]

Even if you just want to get rid of it, I'm sure someone might want to buy it.

[Anonymous]

I have a spectrum 8-40C. i got it used, so I don't know how much tweaking had been done after its initial purchase, but it would run fine, and had, before the truck covers both broke.

[nfmisso]

Jeremy;

They can be made to run just fine, with a little work. On the 8-40C, the worm covers have tendency to pop off.

You should strip both of them down (one at a time - don't mix the parts<G>), clean out any lube that is there with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) (keep away from painted surfaces).

Check all the wires and contacts, clean with MAAS metal polish if required. Clean the wheels in the 70% IPA before greasing the bearings and gears. Use your multi-meter to check for continuity from each wheel to the motor..

Re lube with a premium plastic compatible grease for everything except the motor bearings, use a premium plastic compatible light oil for them. Use as little lubricant as possible; no lubricant is bad, a very little is good, too much is WORSE.

With proper care, these locomotives will provide many years of service.

[michaelstevens]

I agree with the others -- you often need to tweak Spectrum's diesels -- I've got six of the HO dash 8s (2 UPs, 2 CSXs and 2 CRs). I think that only three were good out of the box. One was unlubricated, one had the truck pickup wipers jammed up inside the gear tower aperture and the other one needed its middle axle bearings reamed out, to prevent derailments.
They are all (now) really good, reliable pullers -- and you can't beat the price (under $30 at Trainworld last I checked !)

[Anonymous]

I've got the Spectrum 8-40CW, which has the same chassis, and I have to say it's ok. It's not as smooth as my Athearn locos, but it's a powerful loco. I've a suspicion that it's underscale howver - it's noticably shorter in overall length and height than my Athearn Dash 9. I'm currently fitting it with modified Athearn Dash 9 handrails to replace the damaged originals

[Anonymous]

I agree with nfmisso; they just need a little work to run well. I have several of the 8-40C and 8-40CW variants and they all needed a little something out of the box to run well. In fact, the only spectrum diesels that I own that didn't require any tweaking to run well were the DD40AXs I have. And I did work on them anyway to make them run even better.

Most engines can benefit from some TLC before you put them on your rails. Making sure there are no spurs on the gears and then giving a proper cleaning and lube job is almost a given to get really good operation.

Warren

[eastcoast]

Give it some TLC and try to lube it a little. My dash 8 CW is running fine
and not having these problems. Be gentle and show it some love.
It will work, both of them will work. NEVER throw away.

[ndbprr]

Isn't this the time for the obligatory remark about ready to run?????