Hello there.

With regards to the groaning noise mentioned by abu0724, the noise also comes from my GP40 which is standard DC.

Of course this does not bother me as it runs well !


Also, may I suggest if someone could show step by step pictures on how to remove the shell of the Bachmann GP40 as it will be easier to grasp if someone could.

I'd like to know if it is the same for the Bachmann B23-7 as I haven't ever removed the shell of of that loco since I got it.

Need to know this as it will be needed to perform maintenance (lubrication) of the locos.

Thanks in advance ,

Loco722.   

Hello there!

Thanks for the input guys !

But I seemed to have forgotten to mention a few things about my new layout.

Firstly its an over and under twice around design.

Secondly, the tracks I'm using come only with a few types of track sections. (I'm using Life-like Power-loc tracks).

The latter mentioned is what has really made me choose 4% gradients on my layout .

I did go thru the track plan (still on paper) and did notice I maybe able to reduce this to about 3.25% using 12 section of track like Jward mentioned.

However the clearance between the top of the tallest box car I have from the roof of the planned tunnels will be 1/2 on inch roughly 43 scale inches.

Would this really be enough I wonder ?

Thanks again!

Loco722

Hello there!

I'm in the process of designing a track plan for a new layout with a twice around oval track design.

After doing some research on the internet it seems like the maximum acceptable gradient for HO scale model railroads is 4%.

I'm modeling a fictitious branch line where the trains will be limited to only one locomotive (only diesels) and a maximum of 4 50ft box cars and a caboose.

The table is a 4 by 8ft table. All the curves will be 18'' radius and all gradients 4%.

Any opinions/comments/advice are most welcome .

Loco722.

Hello,

Thanks abu0724.

Despite the groaning noise it runs well ! So I assume I need not worry about it!

Loco 722.

Hello there!

I received my Bachmann GP40 today !

It is a GP40 with Union Pacific livery.

I ran it to make sure it worked fine and it did ! Runs smooth-I was expecting it to be jerky since it had no fly wheel-and has really nice low speed performance!

Thanks to all who gave me info !

There seems to be one problem, when the throttle is at 1/4 to between 1/2 to 3/4, it emits a small groaning noise. I ran it for an hour or so and the noise now seemed to have reduced.

Did anyone else experience this with their new Bachmann GP40s ?

Thanks in advance!

Loco 722.

Hello there,

Thanks for the input guys . Really helped me.

I have placed the order for the Bachmann EMD GP40 and am waiting for it to be delivered !

Just one more question. When I got the Bachmann GE B23-7 to break in the new locomotive I ran it forward at half throttle for 10 mins and reverse again at half throttle for 10 mins. I never did lubricate it even once (It still runs well though).

After reading some model railroad forums about how to run in a new model locomotive: some plain simple, others there are procedures to follow, I was wondering if I was doing the right thing or not . Please let me know.......

Thanks again in advance !

Loco 722.

Hello there.

This may be a really stupid question to ask but....... ,

Some months ago I received the Bachmann GE B23-7 locomotive and was very pleased with it.
I was really impressed with the fact it was 8 wheel drive and pickup which gave it smooth operation .

I have plans now to purchase a second Bachmann locomotive, a EMD GP40 from a online model train store and was wandering if it too had 8 wheel drive and pickup as the B23-7 as it did not mention it in the info .

My question is does all new Bachmann Diesel come with all wheel drive now ?

PS: Also is there any other alternative oil I could use to lubricate the locomotives other than the purpose built model locomotive lubricant ?

Thanks a lot in advance ,

Loco 722.