Hello,

What locomotives can run/will run on an 18R code 83 curve? Due to some space limitations I had to include some 18R curves on my Greensboro Bend (VT) (STJ & LC) layout. Just looking for a list of what I might be able to run up that way? I would assume any 4 axle diesel, not a 6 axle, but more in the ways of what steam can I run?

Thanks,
Rob

Hello,

I have an HO Scale Bachmann Plus 4-8-4 Niagara that has a main gear cracked axle type thing going on. I have not been able to locate a gear for it. Shapeways only has the Northern gear, which does not fit. I already tried it, it's too big in diameter. Where can I possibly source a gear for it? It used to run beautifully, but now sits on the shelf awaiting a new gear.

Thanks in advance,
Rob

Hello,

I'm looking for a wiring diagram (more of a what pin controls what part) for the 4 pin plug on the ho scale 4-4-0 dcc on board (no sound). Trying to figure out a short, but all the wires are black, so I'm knocking my head on the wall.

Thanks,
Rob

Hello,

Just got a DCC-ready (#64802) Alco FB2 & want to pair it up to my Sound Value FA1. I've heard a few different opinions for sound options, but what would be the best one to use for it -- is there a plug & play option perhaps? I've heard about Loksound, Soundtraxx, & something called ESU-Sound.

thoughts? maybe sound samples?

Thanks,
Rob

Hi all,

I am wondering on the dimensions for the E7A units, because on another forum the fix for the 1980's rivarossi E9's is to use a Bachmann E7A power train. I have 3 beautifully done up custom (A-B-A) units (got in an estate sale of family who I didn't know had them) whose drivetrains have all but burnt out. I'm wondering if anyone else has used or tried this method since locating new motors for the old 1980's units is pretty much a bust.

Thanks,Rob

Can you interchange the 2 motor wheels with the single motor wheels? Single motor version has 2 cracked axle gears, but I have quite alot of the 2 motor ones here in the shop.

Also, side note, looking for if/when the 3 truck shay sideframes are coming back out. Got 2 shays that dropped most of the gearings last night while trying to show my kid how they worked. :\

Thanks,
Rob

So it boils down to where I'm just going to have to repair them myself, so I would ask the forum on what they thought I might have to replace, so that I'm not tearing these tiny gearboxes apart more then once.

I have 2 of the Climax locos, a 2 truck & a 3 truck. Both are broken.

The 2 truck version runs, side cylinders running but the unit won't move.

The 3 truck version moves, but only with a 3/4ters rotation of the side cylinders before locking up.

I have the following parts:

2 of the "Driveline - Long (HO 50 Ton 2 Truck Climax)"
link: https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68_689&products_id=10183&zenid=52ft1daqegci0rcdtm46c11986
2 of the "Driveline w/ Metal Gear - Gearbox (HO 50/70 Ton Climax)"
link: https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68_689&products_id=10184&zenid=52ft1daqegci0rcdtm46c11986

If I replace both of these in the units, will that fix the problem, or do I need other parts as well?

Thanks for your time,
Rob

Got one of these the other day, & it's awfully loud. Been trying to find the best setup in the CV #'s to set the sound levels, & this new thing I found while googling it up called Reverb?

Does anyone here have a CV list for the sound volumes/settings that seem to work best for them? I'll give them a shot to see what works best. LAyout room is a stone(field stone, 5ft thick) walled basement if you need locations for environment.

Thanks,
VTBob

((I'm in the long process of switching everything over to sound DCC simply because of the ease it is to select a loco to run without having to go box hunting, or trying to remember which way to throw the toggle switch for block control. The only toggles I plan to have is signals, with a master override from the dispatchers chair))

So I'm going to try my hand at repairing the 2 climaxes that i have, but I want to ask for advice on what parts I need to order from the parts dept..

1. DCC-No Sound 3 truck Climax: It moves 3/4ters of a revolution on the outside valve train before jamming up. When placed in reverse, the same thing happens. Would this be the "Driveline to the cylinders" gearbox piece? Link is: https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68_153&products_id=10180&zenid=qs7qijkjusg0p6jn1b9dhkc420

2. Original run 2 truck Climax: cylinders runs great, however unit doesn't move at all. Shaft going to the trucks doesn't move, front or back, however when fed with a 9V battery upside-down, the shaft in the gearbox is indeed turning, however the wheels/trucks aren't. Would this be the truck gearing, or the universal assemblies cracked? Would it be better to purchase a pair of assembled trucks, or is it an easier task to fix?

Thanks, & I've finally got my workshop back together so I can repair my equipment once again.

VTBob

Is it possible to shell swap certain Bachmann sound equipped locomotives? Case in point, I was looking at my FA & wondering if the RS3 shell would fit over the running gear of it. I don't want to take it all apart if it won't fit, that just seems like overkill if it won't fit. Has anyone here done this or tried to attempt it?

Sounds like a dumb question, but I've been pondering it for a couple days, figured it doesn't hurt to ask.

Thanks,
VTBob

how do the shell come off the modern 4-4-0? I need to get to the motor & its wiring to check and see if there's a motor problem.

I'm converting the dcc to a straight DC locomotive, as my new shelf layout is not going to be DCC at all. I'm in a bind where if I want a layout at all, it has to be a shelf style one around the room, as opposed to a "takes up the entire room" layout. Most of the smaller engines I have are straight DC & I like the block system with toggles then the DCC style of all on.

Thanks,
Vermont Bob

Been away for a long while, been working on getting a CDL A for a new job.

Anyway, I have a DCC on board 4-4-0 Southern locomotive. It was running fine until I had a brownout of power at my house. Since then (last summer) it deosn't move an inch. I can get it to respond via the headlight only, as in I can type in loco address 03, & then turn the headlight on & off via the handset, but other then that, I cannot get it to move in either direction. Also strange is that when placed on the programming track, it can't find the decoder make or version at all. Just reads "CANNOT FIND CV". I have an NCE Power cab set up. On straight DC power, I get a headlight, but still no movement.

I've run countless google searches as to the solution, but I can't seem to find a working solution. I've tried the CV 8 = 8 , or CV 30 = 2 resets, but alas, nothing. I've tried clearing every consist I ever had for my new layout, still no luck. I've even taken the loco apart to see if I had a burned out circuit, or broken wire, but all is in tact, including no wire shorts or pinching.

It's a beautiful little locomotive, but it'd be sure nice to get it running again.

Thanks,
Robert

I have a question pertaining to the original Climax releases,

I have a 2 truck, & a 3 truck(DCC - No Sound) Climax. Both refuse to move at all, due to the gearbox failures (plastic gearing). Can I buy just the gear box &/or the trucks separately without having to mail the locomotive all the way back into the shops? I'd like to get these gems back on the tracks again.

Thanks,
Vermont Bob

This is not meant as an argument starter, or flame war. Just a few questions that I don't know the answer to.

1. Why was the high-drivered 4-6-0 discontinued?

2. Did something happen to the back box Spectrum line?

3. I heard someone at a train show talk about both Plus & Spectrum lines being discontinued in favor of a DCC/Sound value line only. What is the story on that?

In other news, I am moving again & this time I actually have a place to build an actual layout. Photos when I get everything sorted.

Thanks for your time,

Vermont Bob

Just bought one, new-in-box. Have ALL the documentation. This is a painted, unlettered, DCC no sound version.

Is there anything I have to do with this locomotive before hauling a train of about 10 MDC log bunks (empty) at my railroad club?

Just asking to make sure because I love the 2 truck version, but the main gearbox has a cracked gear in it. I really don't want to send in the 2 trk because I don't need another 3 trk in return.

Thanks,
Vermont Bob

Is there a regear kit maybe by NWSL for the main gear box? Mine's been sitting on the shelf for a long time needing the front gear in the box. The plastic gear split on the shaft which renders the front drive shaft inoperatible.

I don't really want to send it back for one of those fancier 3 truck versions if I can help it. I like the littler 2 truck version.

VT Bob

What about the little "Condensed Hudson" that Blount ran when Steamtown was still located in Bellows Falls, VT?

There's a video here: http://youtu.be/TqAmm5WaZ-I

It was a 4-6-4T & was pretty sharp looking. Only model of it I saw was a GEM model from years ago, with an open frame motor.

I think it'd be a good addition because you pretty much could slap any road name on it, & with the exception of the purests (no offense meant), there wouldn't be any complaints.

Just a thought for those of us who don't have room for a big hudson other then in a display shelf to gather dust.

VT BOb

Hello,

I have searched without understanding about tender swaps. I have a 4-6-0 first run spectrum loco. A failed sound decoder install (MRC plug & run) has fried the factory circut board. Can I use the small, 4 axle vandy tender with this locomotive? Switching boards is not an option because the board is fried, & is too big to fit into the vandy tender anyway.

Thanks for your time,
Vermont Bob
(just starting to get back into the hobby after more then a year's vacation from it all)

Having recieved a future update in a Micro-Mark catalog, I was genuinely surprised & definitly pleased to see Bachmann is coming out with a decent looking 2-6-0 Alco with full valve gear. I model the Boston & Maine, & a few other new England roads all mixed into a fictional version of the Central Vermont railway, era 1920 - 1940's mid-wartime.

Only thing is that I cannot find any more information or a bigger then a tiny photo of the preproduction model.

Having been recently put into wearing glasses, is the a place where there is more information on this delightful little addition to your line up, & when, pray tell, will it be released. I have a warm home for several of these little gems as soon as they come out.

thanks,
Vermont Bob

I have run through the search function repeatily, & I still cannot locate which post had the breakdown list of what tenders work with what locomotives. I have found several that work with the smaller locos, 4-4-0 to the 2-8-0. There's a few mentions of the 2-6-6-2 with the vanderbuilt tender, but still not answering the specific question I have, which is:

Will the DCC long haul 4 axle tender that came with the 2-10-2 work with the 2-6-6-2 (first run, no DCC) locomotive? I have a club meeting tonight & would like to run it tonight.

Thanks, & sorry if I missed the proper post,

VermontBob