I have a K4 Spectrum series that "wags" from side to side . I can not figure out how to remove the shell so I can lubricate and check for bent axles. Also would the valve gear binding be more likely to cause this . ( It looks good and I can not see any issues) I can attach pictures to another email (the pictures are to large to attach )
Thank you
dmiller
Well, first of now you need a photo hosting site.
Below is site should help you. The loco has a split chassis.
The wheels could be out of quarter or side rods not correct.
https://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/1229
Another diagram
https://hoseeker.org/assemblyexplosionbachmann/Bachmannspectrum462k4pg2.jpg
Rich
I have repaired a few K4's that waddled like you describe.
Look closely at the drive wheels. The wheel itself is metal while the black spokes are a plastic insert; like a hubcap.
The 'hubcap' expands over time and bulges out; interfering with the siderods.
The fix is to cut out the 'hubcap' with a sharp knife and then paint the metal spokes that are left, flat black.
Thankyou. That is the problem.
I have a second K4 where the running gear broke and can NOT be repaired, so I was going to swap the drivers of the broke K4 to the K4 with bad drivers. Sounds like trimming the tires is the easiest. but I would like to disassemble the bottom frame to remove drivers. Never seen a model so complicated to access and lube.
-dmiller
This all part of model railroading.
Good luck.
Rich
A good place to find diagrams that will help you understand construction and assembly work is'
https://hoseeker.net/
That site will have what you need to understand.
There are some Bachmann K4. Bachmann does change some.
https://hoseeker.net/bachmann.html
I have some different Bachmann steamers.
Rich