Just bought a Bachmann GP38-2 and brand new out of the box im getting alot of a crackling/whizzing sound at low speeds. Does anyone have a remedy for this or did i just get a spoiled one of the batch. Thanks
Take the shell off and just run the drive. If the noise goes away then most likely something is rubbing on the shell. Check wheel gauge. Check ground clearance, is something dragging on the track? Inspect the sideframes, are they dragging on the wheels? Clean the wheels for better electrical pickup. Give the motor bearings a single drop of oil. Inspect the drive sharts and U-joints for flash, rough spots. Inspect the motor mount. Is the motor level from end to end, or is one end cocked up? Reseat the motor if necessary. Inspect the truck swing. Does anything obstruct the swing? Does the noise get worse when the trucks are swung hard over?
Locomotives ought to run with a slight whine from the motor and a whirring sound from the gear drives. I never heard a locomotive make a crackling/whizzing sound.
Good Luck.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
Is the loco equipped with a decoder and do you run it on DC?
My Bachmann On30 Forney did the same, until I took the decoder out and put the jumpers in place.
Brand new out of the box !!! Send it back
Call or e-mail Bachmann and get a RA number. They give prompt free service on new locomotives. You will need the invoice.
Just my Worth
Bob
Don't Ever Give Up
Is it sound equipped? If so you need to determine if the noises are due to the sound system or are mechanical. Try running the loco with the sound muted.
Joe
You need to answer some questions. Is it DC/DCC equipped, DCC W/sound and what are you using to contol it? DC system throttle? DCC system?
Frank
Matthew Jenkins,
You should have put Your ''new questions'' in the other Thread, so people will have a better understanding of what is going on. I have no experience with that system, so I can't comment on it's performance:
Quote:
I just got this set the transformer produces the sound not the train. I was wondering when i buy a DCC Train will i get 2 sounds at once from train/transformer or will the transformer know that it doesnt need to do it cuz the train is going too. I know that might sound confusing but if anyone knows please let know. Thanks
Hopefully someone will catch this and offer advice.
Edit: After finding this video and watching it, if this is what you have. My question will be. Are you sure the GP38-2 engine you have is decoder equipped, or is it DC/DCC ready?:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mcTdLaNGe4
Sorry for not getting right back. Its not sound just reg DCC. Using a walthers Train set controller.
no sound just reg DCC. Thanks for you response.
Thank you so much for your response. Im making a checklist now and will try these out. I mean i know Bachmann isnt the top of the line stuff but out 3 brand new REG DCC locos ive gotten recently this is the 1st one to do this. The other 2 run so nice so im surprised this happened.
i know its not a clearance issue. Its when you first give it power and the loco has a crackling noise. I think its something to do with the contact or motor. But who knows. Again thanks for your detailed response and help ill let you know if i get it done. Tomorrow night im gonna work on it.