have had this unit for at least fifteen years and has always been an exceptional performer, until now. A " grinding " type of noise, not too loud, has developed, and at times, seems to be in sync with driver rotation. Any thoughts as to cause / cure ? As well, have been thinking about replacing the insipid headlight. Any ideas , bulb or led ? Thanks to any replies.
Bruce,
When is the last time you cleaned and lubed your 2-8-0? If it's been awhile then that's the first thing I'd do.
As far as headlights: LED - hands down. Since it's a steamer I would opt for a "yeloglo" (Miniatronics) or "sunny white" LED. They give off a slightly yellowish hue, which is reminescent of headlights on older steam engines.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Hi, Bruce
I have had only a half dozen or so Spectrum steam locomotives in my time however I do recall one having a noise that was more prominent in reverse than forward.
Upon closer inspection I found that Bachmann had used a bronze wiper that rode on the back-side of driver tire and this had become bent and/or dislodged and was scraping the spokes of the driver like we used to do with baseball cards on our bicycle spokes. It snagged worse in reverse than in forward.
IF I still have the engine I'll take a look and post a photo.
Turn the engine over and take a good look between the drivers and the frame to see if yours is put together this way.
All I had to do was give the wiper a little tweak and everything was good...
Hope that works—and, as Tom points out, after a decade and a half it might be time to hit the lubratorium (as N&W used to call it ).
[edit] Here's a photo that's worth 999 words:
Ed
Hi Bruce,
Yes, if the grinding sound is sync with the wheels, then it could be the wipers, or simply just the side rods scraping against something. You should make sure that they aren't scratching anthing while running.
As for the headlight, I have replaced my 2-8-0 with one of those REALLY small smd LED lights (that are really bright and quite expensive.)
Charles
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440
Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440
Below is the diagram for the Bachmann 2-8-0 from the Bachmann site.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H114X-IS001.PDF
Below is an article I found some time ago about the 2-8-0 pickups.
http://members.shaw.ca/the.trainman/LV_Workshop/pesky-pickups/
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.
Thanks to all for your replies and to Rich for the link regarding the wipers. Cleaning and a lube job appears to have solved the problem.
Thanks for the update, Bruce. Glad to hear things are running smoothly again for you and your Consolidated.