I'll be anxious to see if the Class J 4-8-4 is one of the "re-tooled" steamers in the HO line.

Thanks much for the replies!

I noticed on the Bachmann "online store" page, the HO scale N&W Class J 4-8-4 has been discontinued.
I have one of the Bachmann Plus split frame Class J's manufactured prior to Bachmann moving that model to the Spectrum line.
Though I haven't operated the Spectrum model, my feeling was the new Class J was superior to the Plus model, and it had found a niche in the market.

I see Bachmann is "re-tooling" some of the locomotives in the steam line.  Is this the case with the Class J or will it now be available only in the N scale version?
I have one of the N scale Class J's and it is definitely a better performer than the HO Bachmann "Plus" unit.

Happy railroading!

Thanks for the excellent advice!  This is the kind of help I was looking for.
I really appreciate the recommendations!

Greetings!

My wife purchased Bachmann's HO "White Christmas Express" train.   I suspect the train has been on a shelf or in storage for a while.  The locomotive is Bachmann's USRA 0-6-0 switcher.  I ran it a little and noticed it's somewhat noisy, what I believe is gear "whine".  I was considering putting some grease on the drive gear, but I see Labelle's 106 grease is a little pricey for an occasional use locomotive like this.  I know this is a "train set" locomotive and it has limitations.  Any recommendations from experienced modelers on how to "quiet" this little loco?

Many thanks!

I really appreciate the excellent input and suggestions!   I'm glad I created this post!
I do agree it would be much more convenient if the traction tires of the 2-8-0 were on an axle not connected to the drive rods.
I have the Spectrum 4-8-4 Class J... and the traction tires are much easier to access with the drivers not connected to the rods.

Thank you all!

Thank you for your tip!  I appreciate the help! I don't want to get the drive wheels out of quarter, so I thought I'd get some input from folks who have changed the 8mm tires. 

Greetings all -

I have a Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation that needs traction tires.   I would value advice and tips from those who have done  this job before I tackle the project.

Thank you!

Excellent...  Thanks so very much for the help!

Greetings all!

I have a Spectrum 2-8-0 and a Spectrum J 4-8-4 and both locomotives have lost traction tires.  I use standard nickel-silver track.  The locomotives are not abused, they are primarily "pullers" and not used in switching operations.

Why would traction tires just slip off the drivers?  The Consolidation will pull a small train without traction tires.  I have not attempted to use the J without traction tires.

Has anyone used any of the "after market" traction tires?  I'm not interested in doing a project like Bull Frog for traction... I have enough trouble with tiny N scale repairs and replacements now.

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated!

Thank you!

Greetings all....

There is a "date code" stamped on some Bachmann locomotives.  The code also appears on the flap of some Bachmann boxes or on the inside of Spectrum boxes. How should the code be read to determine the date the item was manufactured?

Thank you!

Greetings -

I have a Bachmann Plus (White Box edition) 4-8-4 Class J.  Recently the locomotive has been slowing in turns, then returning to running speed on straight track.  I cleaned the axles (thinking the engine wasn't getting sufficient power) and I cleaned the portion of the split frame that makes contact with the axles and there was no improvement.  I tried running the locomotive with just the frame and drivers (no shell, no plastic chassis) and the running improved in turns.  I have a Bachmann Niagara 4-8-4, and it runs flawlessly.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Many, many thanks for your evaluation and tips!  Both are greatly appreciated!  Thanks also for the helpful link.  I agree the design of the 0-6-0 lends itself to issues.  I have other locomotives that run flawlessly.  I'm interested in improving this model because it was a gift.  I am grateful for your kindness and. thoughtfulness!

Hi James...

I was interested in your thoughts on the exploded view of the 0-6-0 locomotive.  It seems to be a split frame design Bachmann has used on several HO steam models.

Many thanks!

Hi James...

I do not have a multi-meter. 

You can see an exploded view of the 0-6-0 locomotive I have here: http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/50440_HO_USRA_0-6-0_w_Short_Tender.pdf.

Thank you again for your time and thoughtfulness!

Hi James

Thank you for your thorough and thoughtful reply regarding my HO 0-6-0 split frame locomotive.  The engine has electrical pick up "sleeves" on each axle.  So the power goes from the track to the wheels and transfers from the axles to the frame.  A can motor and worm are positioned in the center of the split frame.  Ideally with six pick up points,  there should theoretically be continuous power to the frame and motor.  The locomotive is quiet and with exception of the hesitation, I am happy with the performance.

Thank you again for your excellent help.  It is appreciated!