That's great.  I was hoping it wasn't required.  And I wouldn't have purchased it for performance reasons.  I only have $20 in the loco I picked up at a train show.  And I got the Digitrax decoder on sale for $35.  So this will be perfect for my boy.  He can be an "engineer" along with daddy, and not be relegated to a DC child layout.  He is going to love the sound!  Now I need to upgrade one of my locos and we will be chuffing around the layout together.

Thanks Again

I see listed in the parts that can be ordered for a 2-6-0 Mogul (Standard Line) there is a DCC wheel assembly.  Since I am getting into DCC and about to install a decoder in this very Bachmann loco, this made me pause.   Must I use this DCC wheel assembly?  Or does it help in performance?  I noticed the axles are partially plastic (or maybe that is a sleeve) on the non-DCC assembly.  So maybe the DCC assembly is meant for the newer versions of this 2-6-0 Mogul that are DCC ready or have it preinstalled? 

Thanks Everyone,

Old Steamer

I recently purchased a Bachmann standard line 2-6-0.  It ran well for several months.  But the mogul sit idle for a couple of weeks and now it is very jerky.  In truth, it was always jerky in reverse.  But forward running, it was very smooth unless is was cold in the hobby room.  But it was warm and running smooth in a couple of laps.  I have a figure eight layout.  Even now the engine runs fairly smooth uphill.  But when going downgrade, it jerks terribly. I have given it plenty of time to warm up.  And the position on the track isn't consistent.  I have cleaned the wheels and the track.  Neither have made a difference.  I have noticed that if I hold the mogul in place with my hand, it runs very smooth.  It seems when it is under a load, either going uphill or held in place, it runs smooth.  But when there is little or no significant resistance, it is jerky.  Speed is a factor too.  it runs more smooth at slower speeds.  But when I crank up the throttle, the jerkiness worsens.  What is going on here?  Does it need lubricating?  Is there a gear or motor issue? I have no reservations opening it up if needed.

And where are the pickups?  I cannot find any pickups on the wheels.  Are these inside what I would call the gearbox?

I apologize in advance for my ignorance,

Old Steamer