And the email is ...  barrysbigtrains@live.com

Barry

Super Clean is available at Walmart and most Auto supply stores.

Barry

Check with Hans at Gold Coast

Barry

I've never seen one in Red, but it could be painted. (Seriously?)

Send me your address, I'll send you a stock Pilot truck (I have hundreds).

Barry Olsen

6822 W. Villa St.
Phoenix, AZ 85043

623-936-6088

Kevin,

I did a EBT for a review in GR with my 2-8-0 drive, with 36" drivers, etc.

Wheel spacing is equal, rather uneven as in your prototype version.

Barry

Caveman,

I have spare pilot truck frames, no charge (use your wheels).

I also build an improved pilot truck frame and arm for the 4-6-0 (no weights, no derail) $25.00.

Barry

Let me be more definitive for you.

Each wheel has a insulated center through which a standard Bachmann axle is pressed on (2.97 - 3.0 mm).

The spacers between the wheels (2) maintain a near perfect 1.575" back-to-back spacing.

Perfect for track pick up from the backs of the wheels.

Barry

The way the wheels are mounted on the axles is the issue.  In each wheel there is a plastic insert which mimics the metal wheel spokes, push the insert out from the back of the wheel, the insert can be removed (not completely, unless the rod post is loosened and the siderod removed.  Not necessary, yet).
With the insert loosened you can see a phillips screw at the center of the wheel into the axle, these can be loose, Tighten and move on to all of flanged drivers, front and rear.  If you have found even one of these loose you have probably found your problem.

Barry 

Ray,

These wheels and axle halfs are from the big Hauler pilot truck, any washers, gear, etc. are to locate the axle and the frame.

The pilot tube from the pilot truck is generally too loose, but a bit of super glue on each stub will hold everything in place.

If you want I can send you a couple of these, other wise with a caliper measure the stub from the axle half and equate that to a drill bit size and drill out the hole you need.

Barry

Wade,

I want to stress the Circus Loco you bought is under my warranty, I warrant the product not the owners.

What this means to you is that if you have a problem, call me and we'll decide what to do.  If it means sending to  me, you pay the way here.  I fix the problem (no charge) and I'll pay the way back.  The only exception is the Pittman motor which I don't make and any deliberate damage.

Barry

623-936-6088

The 177 is a gen 5 drive,
178 is a 10th anniversary and
179 is the 6th gen with the metal gears. and pilot truck with an arm.

Barry

Larry,

Just my opinion, but I think Bachmann made that decision 12 years ago when they brought out the "Tenth Anniversary" models.

I was hoping for the same thing, but a 10% increase in size is a big call and I suppose they took a look at the change as it might have been and decided it wasn't enough.  We always have Spectrum.

Barry

If anyone is interested I have a collection of converted Bachmann Big Haulers with brand new BBT drives.

These are available at discounted prices. 

If interested send me an email:   barrysbigtrains@live.com

and I will reply with the list.

Barry   

I make a pilot truck frame and arm to solve the BH pilot problems.  Bachmann adopted the arm for the latest Annie Big Hauler.  But they haven't kept the pilot truck flexible.

If interested the kit all metal (aluminum and stainless steel) is available for $25.00.  Use your wheels and spacers.  Instructions included.

Barry Olsen

6822 W. Villa St.
Phoenix, AZ 85043

623-936-6088

Chuck,

I'm still here.  Also will be starting a gearbox run in a couple of weeks.

Barry