I have the 2-8-0 Spectrum I bought new in '07 and it maybe has less than 3hrs run time but has been in airconditioned storage. When I took it to our Club Christmas train run at a local car dealer this past week you could hear the motor running but no motion. The wheels would not drive and were more or less free wheeling.
Suggestions please...
Shayster... :(
Your drive gear has broken. You need to replace the gear.
Here we go again. Very common issue.
Shayster,
Joe has hit the nail on the head. This is a very common problem with the Spectrum 'Connie'. You basically have two options. Option one is to send the locomotive back to Bachmann, along with a $50.00 check and they will repair the unit for you using the same axle/gear combination that failed in the first place. Option two is to purchase the replacement axle/gear combination from the Bachmann spare parts site for $10.00 and repair it your self. The replacement axle/gear http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_69_142&products_id=3843 is a brass gear, not nylon as originally supplied, and will last literally for ever.
I don't have the threads bookmarked, but do a search for the subject on both Large Scale Central (www.largescalecentral.com) and My Large Scale (www.mylargescale.com). There are a whole bunch of great people with tons of knowledge that will chime in to help. After a quick search here, I found this thread http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,15307.0.html which may also address the 'how to' of replacement.
Bob C.
Thanks for all the Info...
I'm inspired, I'll tackle the job and order the part...
Shayster,
I just replaced the gear on my Connie. Called B-mann was told they did not have brass gear in stock. I got a delron gear from NWSL. Check on Large Scale Central, there is a thread in the modeling forum, look for a post by Mic he has a link on how to replace the gear with the part number you need. Hope this helps
Chuck
I used the NWSL gear when I replaced the gear in a friends Connie, since then he has run the loco for many many hours without problems.
When you do the job I recommend using sealable snack bags to put the parts and screws in as you go. I number each bag and put a short description on it with a sharpie marker. Helps a lot and reduces confusion about which screw or part went where!!
Have fun doing your repair and take your time!!
Thanks again, I have the part on order.
The final drive gear (white) is split.
Wish me luck on the refurb...
Shayster...
Luck~! ;)