I really love my DM&IR 2-10-2 .Runs smooth,looks great ,but the traction is lower than what other Bachann 2-10-2s. I seen to remember on some forums that other had added a thin piece of tape under the bearing blocks to lower the wheels with TTs.
I could not find any info by googling this.does anybody remember the details?
Side note:I file off the trailing truck detail and added delta side frames to match the DM&IR prototype.
An occasional problem with Bachmann steam engines is that the driver bearing blocks wind up with excessive freeplay due to the frame cut-outs (wherein the driver bearing blocks seat) being cut inaccurately at the factory. If you eyeball the drivers as the engine rolls along and can see the TT-equipped driverset moving around excessively (up and down and/or side to side), then it's the cutouts that are the problem ('cuz if the traction tires aren't in firm/constant contact with the rails, pulling power is going to be greatly reduced).
A relatively simple way to fix the problem is to remove the plastic bottomplate and lift out the TT driverset. Then apply a thin strip of electrical tape to the edges of the cutout. This will serve to shim the bearing blocks and keep the drivers from moving around too much.
Cheers,
-Mark
Thanks you. I sorta thought you would be the one to have this information. I will check for driver wobble.
Are the TT drivers connected to the side rods. It would be convenient if there are not. Guess i will find out.
Quote from: RGW on February 02, 2015, 01:39:42 PM
Thanks you. I sorta thought you would be the one to have this information. I will check for driver wobble.
Are the TT drivers connected to the side rods. It would be convenient if there are not. Guess i will find out.
You're in luck - they are not. So, all the much easier ;D
Cheers,
-Mark
Mark, I finally got around to adding electrical tape to the bearing area (only to the rear TT driver) and it seems to pull better and it had a rhythmic clanking noise that I do not hear any more.
I assume this was the driver oscillating in the frame.
Thanks for the Info Bob
The tape shim trick works great to tighten up sloppy tolerances.
FWIW the scotch tape I use is .002 and the electrical tape I have is .007.
What's the thickness of what you're using on that 2-10-2?
I do not know the thickness just some cheap electrical tape. I can check the roll,maybe it is listed.