Doug C.

If you don't know, I have been building an upgraded drive for the Big Haulers (of all types).  The basis is a custom extruded aluminum, black anodized frame.  New axles with bearings, reworked Bachmann drivers or custom brass and SS drivers, with an 8000 series Pittman motor, I make my own pickups, which have proven to be very durable.  Finally, it is warranted for life (my life) as everything I have built for the last twenty years.

Want more info:

barrysbigtrains@live.com

Barry Olsen

623-936-6088

Bill,
Good work!!!

Barry

Gandy,

Things are a bit hectic, I will get back to you.

Barry

Flattered.

I do make a drive for the trolley.  I use the guts from a shay power truck stretch it out to the trolley wheelbase

mill the frame sides, add weights on the ends, power both axles (essential).  Enjoy.

Interesting fact the Shay wheels and the trolley are virtually the same size.

Barry

re: Gandy dancer, I gave up on it years ago, I'll take another look.

Aren't the cowcatchers interchangeable?

Barry

Sometimes the arrow block will fall out, so you need a new spacer, glue it in place.

A little hint, paint the trailing edge of the pilot truck frame (and maybe the axle insulator) in white paint.  This way if you see it from the front you will know it is reversed and will short out the loco.

Barry

Rod,

You don't need the number.  What you want is the latest drive (for a Royal Blue) that you can get.  In Bachmann's scheme of things as time passed the drives have gotten better.

The only drive to avoid (with the cylinders) is the Tenth Anniversary (Annie) model, there is some interference with the air tanks and the cylinders.  (see below)

Basically, the drive units will accept any Boiler/Cab combination.  And there are always variations to consider.

Early drives had the simple "Stepenson" valve gear and the complicated "Fancy" valve gear.  Both are all plastic.  Tenth Annie drives have a Stephenson valve gear and a true Walschearts valve gear.  The Annie valve gear does not transfer well to the earlier chassis (also requires the larger cylinders).

Barry 

Embarrassingly, I know what the alloy is, but can't recall (old age syndrom).  But the specific alloy has about 30 grades of quality.  Bachmann started out with some very low grade and over the years beginning with the Shay and Tenth Annie locos have developed great detail parts with darkened parts and greater strength than the originals.  First lesson, the early metal wheels can't be soldered (nor any of the detail parts).

When I do recall this stuff, I will advise.  My old DOS machine is down, otherwise I know where to find it.

Barry

Bill,

Just one correction and a comment.  At the introduction of the Tenth Anniversary Big Haulers, it was announced that Bachmann had produced one million Big Haulers at that time, now nearing fifteen years ago.

Lee Riley's selection of the T & W N C, ten wheeler had something to do with Lee's participation on the restoration board at Tweetsy.  Knowing it would be available for measurements, etc.

I bought my first BH the Christmas of 1988 and I still have it, but with one of my drives in it, and upgraded details.

Bill, this should be interesting, thanks, Bill.

Barry

Joe,

Thank you.

Barry

Along with the Tenth Anniversary Model announcement, it was added that Bachmann had sold one million Big Haulers to that time.

I was thinking like Tony, just ignor the battery models and count from the first track powered versions.

Barry

Bob C,

My response was a bit terse and not intended, I will checkout Fastenal.

Barry

Bob,

It may be that I am getting a better break as a dealer/manufacturer but my statement does stand.

Barry

I have been buying BBearings for over 20 years and my primary source is Boca Bearings in Fla.  The catalog is 52 pages long and divided into Metric and Inch sizes,

Email: info@bocabearings.com

Web: www.bocabearings.com

Real nice people and the best prices I could find.

Barry

I bought my battery powered Big Hauler from Toys R Us for $39.95 with a yellow Gondola and a Bobber caboose.  That was in December of 1988 and I still have the loco, but it ruins a lot better now, it's on it's third repower  and one more to go.

Barry