Good afternoon fellow modelers. I have a 1st gen (2004/2005) Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidated that has 1/8" carbon brushes and springs that ride against the wheel hub for each wheel. Unfortunately Bachmann doesn't carry these brushes in stock as a replacement part online. When I contacted the service department via phone they stated that they no longer use carbon brushes for there locomotives and would be unable to assist me.
My question to first gen 2-8-0 owners is have you tried replacing the brushes in your locomotive, and if so, where did you get the brushes? I have carbon brushes for my LGB Loco's and USAT rolling stock but those are 11/64" (too large) to fit in the brass sleeve. I can post pics if that help.
Please Help!
Hi All,
I noticed there are no responses, so can anyone come up with something to help Chad??
This is my desperation idea. Awhile ago I had to thin a plastic rod to fix a part on my refrigerator. The part was not available so I took the plastic rod and chucked it into a variable speed battery powered electric drill. I used very fine sandpaper wrapped around the rod while running the drill at very slow speed until it was the width I needed, then cut it to the length I needed. The repair has worked just fine ever since. Doing this with carbon brushes would be tedious but might work.
I would chuck it into the drill( or motor tool??), thin it then reverse it to thin the other end. I know this sounds crazy and risky, but it is all I can think of, and there must be an easier way.
The challenge is to find a better way than mine. There must be one???
Loco Bill
Quotehave you tried replacing the brushes in your locomotive
You are in luck. A gent over on MLS had the same problem and found a solution. Basically, he put a strip of phosphor-bronze (springy) over the brush holders resting on the hubs, and used some old Kadee springs in the brush holes to suspend it on the axles.
https://www.mylargescale.com/threads/power-pickup-brushes-for-older-bachmann-spectrum-2-8-0-consolidated.91625/#post-1165559 (https://www.mylargescale.com/threads/power-pickup-brushes-for-older-bachmann-spectrum-2-8-0-consolidated.91625/#post-1165559)
(https://www.mylargescale.com/attachments/20210624_165415-jpg)