To those who responded, especially Kevin S. -  Thank You for the information.
I think I will take the gears out and this will become a "push toy"

Thanks again, Dave

Does anyone know where ( and possibly a rough cost ) for a motor for an old battery powered Big Hauler.

I took one apart for a friend who had left 6 D cell batteries in it for years.  The batteries leaked all over the battery
compartment and down into the motor and it seems like the motor is froze.  Also one of the capacitors near the motor
appear to have a crack in it.  Gears and the rest of the "under chassis" appears ok.

Don't know if this engine is repairable or is it now a display?
I called Bachmann parts and they have nothing for an R/C Hauler.  I checked E-Bay and found nothing.

Appreciate any info.
Thanks, Dave

Thanks for the advice everyone!

It looks like at the very least, I need a transistorized power pack but then maybe this
engine is what pushes me into DCC.   The sound does add a lot even if it is not what is should be at this point.  I have a a major portion of a layout built which will evenuatally will go all the way around the basement, 25X44'. 

I will be a single operator so I am thinking wireless DCC will work the best.
Are there other single operators out there who operate DCC who have god experience with some of the DCC systems - I would like to hear your thoughts or recommendations.

Thanks for any input.

Dave

Help?

Just bought a Spectrum 4-6-0 which is DDC ready and with sound. 

Do not have DCC anything at this time as this my first loco with a DCC decoder already installed.  I actually was shipped the wrong loco as I ordered the same loco but just for analog or DC.

I am running it on a test track with an old MRC Throttlepack (501).  I know this is an old rheostat power pack.  So the loco runs jerky and the sound really doesn't seem to match the speed of the loco.  Is this expected?  Would a newer DC power pack make an improvement?  Will it always run this way on DC until I finally give in and go to a
DCC system?

Any suggestions or any one else out there who has experienced the same thing?
Can I ever make this loco run better on DC power and how?

Thanks for any suggestions.
Dave

Thanks to all who responded.

It sounds like this loco is a "decent" small engine with limited pulling power.
I did not intend to worry about the smoke as I think that is a waste anyway.
Just disconnect it and then you don't have to worry about it.

As with many inexpensive locos, some added details and weathering could make this loco much better.  At least it sounds like it runs OK and that iswhat I was hoping for.

Thanks,
Dave

Thinking of buying a Bachmann 2-6-2 prairie.  I know they are not Spectrum quality but are they worth buying?  Do they run well or do they need work to get them to run well.
Not concerned about DCC ability.

Thanks for feedback,
Dave

Thanks for all the replies
This is more information than I ever thought I would get on this subject -the value of the forum.

I was in my local hobby shop and they had Blacken-it and reported good result
so I am going to give it a try.  They told me I would have to order Neo-lube online to get it so I decided to get moving on this project and will try Blacken-it.

I'll report back on the results as I have several steamers to try it on.

Dave G.

Heys guys, thanks for the discussion on this.

I bought some Blacken-it but have not tried applying yet, that's why I am so interested in your experiences with this and Neo-lube.

Its sounds like if you "roughed up" the surface with light sandpaper or the brush and broke thru the chrome finish and the grease that probably builds up on the running gear just from handling  - that Blacken it would have a better surface not only to adhere to but to get a better, smoother finish - just wondering if that makes sense.

I'll be watching for your comments and anyone else who has made running gear black somehow.

Dave

Thanks for the replies - I have learned a few things already about Blacken It and Neo-lube for blacking side rods/running gear.

Question - A couple of you said you removed the rods/running gear to apply Blacken-It -  Is it necessary to remove them or can you brush it on and it will do the work??

Neo-lube might be better as it sounds like you can just brush it on and it drys flat.

Thanks for the links to the sites - I took a look.

Dave

Thanks guys for the responses. 
Shiny running gear certainly doesn't look like right on steam engines.
They look like they have been working when they are black!

Dave

Is there a product, besides paint, that you can brush on to paint running gear on steamers?

Appreciate answers.

Dave

Dear Bach Mann,

Thanks for the reply,

Two things - how do I get at the gears to lightly lube, from the bottom
(driving wheels) or from the top by taking the boiler off.

If I try to take the engine apart to lube does this negate my warranty if I need to still send it to Bachmann for service.

Thanks,
Dave






d

My first post.
Appreciate any help ---
Just purchased a 4-8-2 Heavy Mountain (C&O).
Runs quiet when running forward but makes a gear sound at all speeds in reverse.  Sounds like a whirling gear sound in reverse.
Run DC,  Not DCC
Noise started from the first time I put it on the track.

Anyone have any suggestions?  Lube it or send it back to Bachmann?
How difficult is it to take the boiler off or do you get at it by taking the plate off the driving wheels underneath?

Thanks,
Dave