No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't keep my Bachmann 4-8-4 running well, so I did this instead.
I could've bought a new one for what I paid for these parts, but at least I know for sure that it will be reliable!
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Very nice Darth!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Nicely-done, Darth!
Wayne
Nicely done!
I think we need a "Can Darth repower it?" thread.
First thing to be repowered, a brick. Either that, or a Tyco C430.
Modeling whatever I can make out of that stash of kits that takes up half my apartment's spare bedroom.
My Bachmann Niagra has earned a well deserved spot as a static display in the engine terminal. It is on an outdoor track off the turntable where it sits gathering dust. The front truck flopped around like a fish out of water and I tried numerous fixes and none of them worked. No matter what I did, that front truck wouldn't stay on the tracks. I've got good performance from their Spectrum line of locos but nothing but trouble with locos from their standard line. I'll never buy another.
Thanks!
Bundy74, I would probably use a steam driven chain drive in the brick. For the C430, eiher a custom drive truck with Flea gearboxes and a tiny central motor or a Hobbytown chassis!
jecorbett, I had the same problem with the replacement Niagara, where the front truck wouldn't stay on the track. I put in a heavier spring and it hasn't derailed since.
Pretty cool, Darth. I plan to repower a Bachmann SP 484 by putting a flywheel-diesel drive in the tender, but theres nothing like a smooth through-the-drivers model. I did tame a "chattanooga" 2-8-0 recently,can motor and flywheel, thru the drivers. Its just better that way. Dan
jecorbett My Bachmann Niagra has earned a well deserved spot as a static display in the engine terminal. It is on an outdoor track off the turntable where it sits gathering dust. The front truck flopped around like a fish out of water and I tried numerous fixes and none of them worked. No matter what I did, that front truck wouldn't stay on the tracks. I've got good performance from their Spectrum line of locos but nothing but trouble with locos from their standard line. I'll never buy another.
Brother Corbett, I hope you have a piece of steel plate over the stack if that 6000 is in temporary dead storage. If rain isn't kept out, the blast pipe will rust in no time.
Then cover it with a tarp, stake it down and put a sign in front of it, Debris from washout (date) being held for evidence. Maybe Mister Young's vultures won't find it when they want to send it to scrap...
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with a nostalgia Niagara in storage)
Nicely done. I like your steam loco projects.
Gary
A good job of repowering. I don't think I would have taken the time.
My Bachmann "Niagara" has been in service since 2006. It is equipped with a MRC sound decoder. It was a favorite of my oldest grandson for a long time and has seen a lot of service in the past 10 years or so.
An old photo but it does show the loco quite well.
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/