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<p>[quote user="ATLANTIC CENTRAL"]</p> <p> </p> <div class="quote-header"> </div> <blockquote class="quote"> <div class="quote-user">BMMECNYC</div> <div class="quote-content"> <p>I have had several mechanical issues with Bachmann spectrum locomotives. </p> <p>One was an older run 2-10-0 with a thump as if the valve gear was binding.  I took the locomotive apart and found that the main drive gear had worn and it was causing the worm to skip a tooth.  Motor ran smoothly when power was applied without drive train.  I purchased new replacement parts from bachmann parts store.  No issues yet.  This was a used locomotive. </p> <p>Second mechanical was a Bachmann Spectrum DCC and sound 2-8-0 (purchased new) which has had several issues over its life.  The first issue with this loco was that the eccentric crank came loose and rotated 90 degrees while running, causing a bind in forward, thump in reverse.  I asked on the forums then compared left to right and figured it out.  The next thing that happened (admitedly my fault) was when I was investigating the thump I took the bottom cover off and didnt get it back on correctly.  The some of the fingers that pick up power got jammed between driver spokes and bent.  I ended up buying a new underframe piece.  The third thing was a pin or screw on one the smaller rods (dont rember which) fell out one day.  No idea where it went.  I was able to manufacture a replacement. </p> <p>I have also had various electrical pickup issues with both Bachmann locomotives and tenders.  It is my opinion that the method of picking up power is poorly designed.  I was able to fix some of the tender issues by swaping the position of the wiper fingers with the washer, so that the washer pins the wiper against the tender underframe.  As recieved from the factory most of my tenders have had loose wipers that can work their way over the machine screw head.</p> <p>A note on this, the tender trucks are held on by a machine screw and nut, on the 2-8-0 the nut on the inside of the tender can come off and result it the truck falling off.  It is best to remove the tender shell before attempting to adjust tender truck pickups.</p> <p>Other than these things, I have not had any other major issues.</p> <div style="clear:both;"> </div> <p> </p> </div> </blockquote> <div class="quote-footer"> </div> <p> </p> <p>Seven years ago (where does the time go?) I posted a thread about addressing some of MINOR issues with spectrum locos:</p> <p><a title="http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/p/181314/2111587.aspx?" target="_blank">http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/p/181314/2111587.aspx?</a></p> <p>Not sure this link will work, but I will also bump that thread.</p> <p>Anyone buying older new old stock Spectrum/Bachmann locos may have interest.</p> <p>Sheldon</p> <div style="clear:both;"> </div> <p>[/quote]</p> <p>Added thread to favorites, thank you</p> <p> </p>
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