Bob, I have a couple of 3% grades and my Annie just manages to pull 4 coaches up, on a good day. I wouldnt reccomend any grades more than 3%, unless you are wanting to double head. It also puts a lot of stress on the drive train which will result in premature wear in the gearbox.

              Dave
               New Zealand

Its cheaper and easier to purchase a complete new Chassis. Bachmann have them for as cheap as $30 and you will be getting a completely new motor, gearbox, wheels, in fact the whole shootin box.
             Dave
             New Zealand

You need to tell us, What power supply you are using, What are the other Locomotives and if you are using Linear or PWM.

                Dave

Hi Joe, I am in the process of building a Garrett, using two 4-6-0- Bachmann Chassis, and have fitted Knuckles to the front of each chassis. You will need plenty of sideways movement which means removing enough of the cow catcher to allow for that. My minimum diameter curves are 8ft and I found that you will need to remove the centering  piece of plastic rod that is underneath the coupler shank, on both your Loco and first car that is coupled to the Loco. This allows for plenty of coupler swing, and you will need it.        I very much doubt that you can negotiate curves of less than 8ft diameter and reverse curves are definitley out unless there is a short transition straight between them, of at least 1ft.
         Cheers
            Dave
            New Zealand

Some more info will help a lot, ie, Brand and type of Loco and also is the track Brass, Stainless Steel, Aluminium or what?  It all helps the members of the forum give you the right information.

       Cheers

             Dave 

Ive got one of these Locos Barry, and you are correct, there is no Lube port. Rather than fix the gears I would suggest a repower with a series 5 Chassis that Bachmann are selling.Probably the cheaper option, but if you want a drivetrain with a bit more grunt, then Barry has the answer. I have just purchased a series 5 to repower my series 2 Big Hauler and they are really good value. My next project, a Garret, using 2 of these Chassis,when I get a roundtuit.

              Dave
                 New Zealand

Those little motors wont handle running at a speed much above walking pace,[ scale speed]
My first motor was also short lived so I replaced the motor and converted it to Battery.
  3 AAA rechargables in the Trail car and it will run for hours at a nice respectable speed. I dont have any speed controll, just switch it on and let the boys inspect the track while you get steam up, or however you power your Locos.

                 Dave
                    New Zealand

 Bach-man,When are you coming to New Zealand?

Was that the Mason boogie-woogie bugal boy from Company B

Thanks Bill, Have ordered the Chassis and its on its way.

                 Dave

My Series 2 Big Hauler is in dire need of a new Drive Train. What is the best Chassis I can retrofit to it. It presently has Stephensons Motion but I prefer Walschaerts, if that is possible.
                  Dave
                    New Zealand

Thanks Barry,
             Got your right address, your Profile still has the old address on it.

               Dave

Hi Barry,
         Tried to send you an email but it came back as undeliverable.

              Dave Cole
               New Zealand

Why dont you try connecting the pick up wires directly to the motor wires. After all, the PCB is only there in case you want to install some fancy DCC or the like. I did that to my 2Truck Shay and it hasnt been a problem at all. Just an idea.

               Dave
               New Zealand

I would like to be able to post a few photos but I havnt any idea how to do it.  You can send me an Email if you wish and I will reply with a photo or two.

                 Dave