The new Bachmann HO 2-truck Climaxes have arrived. UPS delivered my package from Micro-Mark yesterday afternoon.
Many on this forum are likely familiar with the history of this model. About 10 years ago, Bachmann released their HO Climax and reports of split gear problems surfaced thereafter. NWSL produced replacement metal gears for the trucks, but this did not necessarily solve the problem, as split gears also developed up within the gear tower (plastic gears pressed onto metal shafts....). The locomotive really "fits" my layout, and I had several. Bachmann replaced the one inoperable Climax with a 3-truck Shay which is still running with the NWSL Shay regear. I had two other Bachmann Climaxes, but since they had received the regears they could not be returned to Bachmann and once the gear tower problems developed they became paperweights.
Bachmann later produced a 3-Truck Climax that had a better history. Apparently the gear system was much more robust. I never had one of the 3-truckers after getting hurt by the problems of the initial 2-truck models.
So now we have a re-released 2-Truck HO Climax that presumably has the improved gearing system found in the 3-truck. This model was initially announced in about August of 2014. I pre-ordered mine from MicroMark in early May and they advised me Monday (11/02/2015) that they had shipped. The package arrived without visible damage.
This is a small locomotive, measuring only about 36 scale feet long. The prototype is the 1910 55 ton Climax #3 of Moore-Keppel Co (cn 1059). This locomotive is currently operated by the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley RR in West Virginia. Videos of it in operation as the "Durbin Rocket" are readily found.
The model comes packaged in a clear formed "bubble". Mine is unlettered black (smokebox is graphite color) and DC equipped - no sound module. I operate DC. I put it on the track. The headlight AND back-up light came on before the engine started to move, and then it wobbled badly up the track before the front truck derailed. It was slightly better in reverse, but the front truck was bouncing around. I moved it to the workbench cradle and checked the gauge, which was correct all-around. I then noticed that the front drive shaft had separated where it fits into the front truck. After some fiddling I got that back together. The shaft only extends into the front truck mounting by about 1/64th of an inch, so that is a potential source of future problems. Both headlight and back-up light come on however the model is run, and I am disappointed that it doesn't have directional lighting.
I don't have any grades on my shelf layout, but I coupled the Climax up to 16 coal hoppers and it moved them without trouble ( 6 Accurail; 6 Westerfield with Kaydee trucks; and 4 hoppers with old MDC trucks). It thus seems to have plenty of power for its size. I will have to slightly adjust the uncoupling pins a bit lower to access the magnets, and the rear coupler does appear just a smidge high.
I will letter my new Climax as Winneshiek & Western #2 within the next week and expect to have it in regular operation thereafter.
Bill
Have not yet had a gear problem with mine but that could be because of where I live, ussually never too hot or cold and the engine is in a protected space.
I've had a couple Bachmann diesels and all have sufferd with the split gear problem. No one makes replacements and Bachmann will only sell complete trucks. I was looking at the 2 truck Climax myself but with the history and lack of product support I will pass.
I had a gear issue with my 3 truck Climax, send it back twice, they sent it back still unrepaired, I should give them a call as they accepted my cash and never repaired it. Its now a paperweight.
I decided to forgo Bachmann geared steam and I picked up a United 2T shay at a train show for $175.00, already painted with an improved motor, I installed a KAT 26 decoder and havent looked back, it out pulls all my Bachmanns and runs smoother.
I hope they have finally conquered the gear problem for the sake of geared steamers everywhere.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
I am hoping Bachmann re - release the On30 Shays and Climax with improved metal gears in the future.
The company has outlaid too much investment in tooling etc to have them ruined by something so simple as split gears.
Once they can get this issue conquered I am sure sales will go up.
http://southcoastrail.blogspot.com/