Greetings all...

I need help reassembling the boiler of a Spectrum 2-8-0.  If I get the washers aligned to attach the screws and chassis connectors, the spacers on the bottom of the boiler either move or fall out of place. If I get the bottom of the boiler aligned, the top is too wide to accommodate the chassis connectors and screws. If I am fortunate enough to get the boiler alinged, it's difficult to get the cover over the motor assembly without everything coming apart and keeping the motor in place with the belt drive.

I know I can use a drop of glue to secure the washers and spacers until I get the screws in place, but, that doesn't resolve the alignment issues so everything fits as it should.

This has been a frustrating task. I would prefer to keep the engine running and not make it a display model.

I truly appreciate your help and suggestions! Thank you in advance!

Greetings all -

I have a Bachmann Plus Class J 4-8-4.  The locomotive has started to lose speed on curves.  On straight track, the speed is good, then the speed will drop in a curve and then the normal speed resumes on straight track.

I clean the wheels and the track.  The drivers and side rods don't seem to be binding.  Even though the speed drops, the locomotive is smooth through turns, so I don't believe it's "out of quarter".

I appreciate your thoughts!

Many thanks!

Greetings Bach-men and Bach-ladies...

I have a pre-Spectrum Class J 4-8-4 (model 65759).  The model runs great, however, when I change the traction tire on the rear driver, the locomotive comes out of quarter.

What is the best way to re-quarter the drivers without a quartering tool... and... how can I keep the drivers in quarter when I change the traction tires???

Many thanks for the help!

Greetings N Scalers....

A couple of questions regarding Bachmann GP50 (analog).  For some unknown reason, my GP50 "leans" slightly toward the engineer's side (short hood forward).  There are no obstructions under the frame... the split frame design only has the motor and gears inside... so my question is why would it lean?

Also... for some reason... this unit runs very smoothly forward (short hood forward)... but... in hesitates in reverse.  Again, no clear indication there is anything impeding electrical pickup.  The wheels and track are clean, all contacts are in place.  Forward direction is fine... reverse is hesitant with speed variations.

Thanks for your input!

Greetings....

I bought an older Bachmann F9.  The chassis is stamped "30819".   What is the "translated" date for that code?

Also, I see newer Bachmann products with a longer alpha-numeric code (The code begins with a letter).  How should those codes be interpreted???

Thanks in advance for the assistance!

I purchased an older 40 foot, four bay coal hopper with the Clinchfield road name from a hobby shop.

The only markings underneath the car are "Made In China".  The road number is CRR 47000

I've researched some of the older Bachmann tooling and found similar 70 ton hoppers, but none are Clinchfield.

Does anyone know if this is from an older Bachmman run?

Many thanks!

I have an opportunity to purchase a Sound Value Class J 4-8-4 (BAC 53201).

I understand the locomotive is "recommended" for 22 inch minimum radius curves.  How does it perfrom on 18 inch radius curves?

Model Railroader reviewed the model in both DCC and DC mode.  How is the DC performance?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Greetings all...

I just unboxed a Spectrum GP30 (split frame, dual fly wheel, directional lighting) and I was surprised to hear what sounds like gear noise!  I was anticipating (and hoping) the unit would glide quietly over the rails.  This unit sounds like a locomotive from a generation ago or more, when diesel models used to "grind" around layouts.  The locomotive has excellent detailing... I just wish it ran as good as it looks!

Has anyone else had the same or similar experience with a Spectrum GP30?

Thanks much!

My amazing wife purchased the Spectrum N Scale Class J 4-8-4 for me.  The locomotive ran great out of the jewel box.  The other day, I am running the J, I turn my chair to look at something else and I hear a "thud".  I turn back to the layout to find my J on it's side.  The disc (part #MTB17) that holds the short drive rod (part MTD05) in place just popped off, jamming the drivers on the fireman side of the locomotive.

Even though the locomotive is just past the factory warranty, I am aware I can return it to Bachmann for repair, but I'm putting more money in what I thought was a nice locomotive... and... having sent other units back to Bachmann... I know the turn around time can be lengthy.

I'm at the point of thinking my N scale layout is going to be "diesel only" with these kind of issues.

Merry Christmas all!

Greetings all...

My Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation threw a traction tire.  I purchased the replacement tires... and I am having some installation issues.

The traction tire for this locomotive is on the third drive wheel.  A screw holds the drive rod assembly in place on this wheel.   When I attempt to remove the screw... it doesn't budge.  I don't want apply too much torque because I don't want to damage the fragile components on the locomotive.  I was surprised to find this screw so tightly inserted.   What is the remedy?

Many thanks for your expertise in advance!

I noticed on the Bachmann "online store" page, the HO scale N&W Class J 4-8-4 has been discontinued.
I have one of the Bachmann Plus split frame Class J's manufactured prior to Bachmann moving that model to the Spectrum line.
Though I haven't operated the Spectrum model, my feeling was the new Class J was superior to the Plus model, and it had found a niche in the market.

I see Bachmann is "re-tooling" some of the locomotives in the steam line.  Is this the case with the Class J or will it now be available only in the N scale version?
I have one of the N scale Class J's and it is definitely a better performer than the HO Bachmann "Plus" unit.

Happy railroading!

Greetings!

My wife purchased Bachmann's HO "White Christmas Express" train.   I suspect the train has been on a shelf or in storage for a while.  The locomotive is Bachmann's USRA 0-6-0 switcher.  I ran it a little and noticed it's somewhat noisy, what I believe is gear "whine".  I was considering putting some grease on the drive gear, but I see Labelle's 106 grease is a little pricey for an occasional use locomotive like this.  I know this is a "train set" locomotive and it has limitations.  Any recommendations from experienced modelers on how to "quiet" this little loco?

Many thanks!

Greetings all -

I have a Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation that needs traction tires.   I would value advice and tips from those who have done  this job before I tackle the project.

Thank you!

Greetings all!

I have a Spectrum 2-8-0 and a Spectrum J 4-8-4 and both locomotives have lost traction tires.  I use standard nickel-silver track.  The locomotives are not abused, they are primarily "pullers" and not used in switching operations.

Why would traction tires just slip off the drivers?  The Consolidation will pull a small train without traction tires.  I have not attempted to use the J without traction tires.

Has anyone used any of the "after market" traction tires?  I'm not interested in doing a project like Bull Frog for traction... I have enough trouble with tiny N scale repairs and replacements now.

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated!

Thank you!

Greetings all....

There is a "date code" stamped on some Bachmann locomotives.  The code also appears on the flap of some Bachmann boxes or on the inside of Spectrum boxes. How should the code be read to determine the date the item was manufactured?

Thank you!

Greetings -

I have a Bachmann Plus (White Box edition) 4-8-4 Class J.  Recently the locomotive has been slowing in turns, then returning to running speed on straight track.  I cleaned the axles (thinking the engine wasn't getting sufficient power) and I cleaned the portion of the split frame that makes contact with the axles and there was no improvement.  I tried running the locomotive with just the frame and drivers (no shell, no plastic chassis) and the running improved in turns.  I have a Bachmann Niagara 4-8-4, and it runs flawlessly.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Greetings all...

I have a Bachmann 0-6-0 (Smoky Mountain) switcher... in the split frame design.  If the locomotive is idle for more than a day or so... it hesitates when I put it back in operation.  If I run the locomotive at full throttle, back and forth for a bit... the performance will smooth out and the engine will run fine... until it sits for a day or so and the hesitation returns.  The track is clean, the locomotive wheels are clean, I don't understand why it hesitates.

Thanks for the help!

Greetings all...

I have the Bachmann Plus 4-8-4 Class J.  I know the re-tooled Spectrum "J" is superior to the "Plus" version Bachmann sold in the '90s.  Recently my "J" has a flickering headlight on curves, making me wonder if the electrical pick-up isn't as good as it should be.  I've cleaned the wheels, the axles, the split frame that makes contact with the axles and the track and the issue persists. The "J" also requires more current to operate at "running speed" compared to other locos. I also own the "standard" version of the Bachmann 4-8-4 Niagara with the additional hard wired pickups on the trailing truck and that locomotive runs flawlessly. 

I greatly appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.

Thank you!

Thank you for the Bachmann N scale forum.  My first experience with HO trains was over 45 years ago.   N scale was added to my train room not long ago when I won an N scale set at a train show.  The forum is an excellent resource for N scale information.  Thank you again!

I purchased some IHC (Mehano) covered hoppers to make a grain train.  I've noticed this train strains even my best locomotives.  It even feels "heavy" to push/pull by hand.  The are no visible defects to the trucks or wheels.  Why would the "drag" on these cars be greater than on any other 50" foot HO car?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks much!