Hello everyone! 
I bought B-mann's "Yard Boss" set a few weeks back as an intro to N scale since I had always had HO before. I realize that a "starter set" is not really the best way to get started *lol* and is best for Christmas gifts for the kids, etc. . . . . BUT . . .
I also purchased a set of 6 x 5" straight EZ track so I could make an oval that would easily fit on my 2' x 4' coffee table!
Anyway, after running this little train set (which I really like!) around a few weeks . . . I have some questions. Perhaps the "Bach-Man" or others could chime in and help me.
1) I noticed that after an hour or two of running, the little 0-6-0 ran much more quietly and smoothly. I ran it forwards and backwards at varying speeds until it seemd "broken in" . . . So: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BREAK IN A NEW LOCO?
2) After a week or so, I cleaned the track because the loco seemed to run in jerks and spurts. I used an old cotton T-shirt cut into strips. I also used rubbing alcohol.
3) Over the next week or two, performance noticably DECREASED in spite of judicious track cleaning, etc.
4) If I ran the "Yard Boss" in reverse, performance was noticably BETTER, and very prototypical at a setting of ~ 30-35 on the Bachmann power pack.
5) Now . . . in spite of track cleaning, running forward and reverse at varying speeds, etc. etc. my little "Yard Boss" isn't doing well at all.
6) I realize this is an INTRODUCTORY set . . . and not the highest quality that Bachmann makes (as compared to their "Spectrum" line?) but, could someone give me some advice?? . . . . Do I need to clean and/or lubricate the locomotive, etc.
(I looked and searched on this site for "lubrication" etc. but it seems that "less is more" when it comes to oiling a loco)
I can't see how this would be necessary . . . perhaps the product sat on my LHS shelf for a few years?
I understandably bought this "introductory" set as a "feeler" for about $130, but . . . Jeez . . .before I spend $200 or more for a good qaulity loco, can someone here give me some suggestions or tips?
Thanks, and all best,
Joe
I bought B-mann's "Yard Boss" set a few weeks back as an intro to N scale since I had always had HO before. I realize that a "starter set" is not really the best way to get started *lol* and is best for Christmas gifts for the kids, etc. . . . . BUT . . .
I also purchased a set of 6 x 5" straight EZ track so I could make an oval that would easily fit on my 2' x 4' coffee table!
Anyway, after running this little train set (which I really like!) around a few weeks . . . I have some questions. Perhaps the "Bach-Man" or others could chime in and help me.
1) I noticed that after an hour or two of running, the little 0-6-0 ran much more quietly and smoothly. I ran it forwards and backwards at varying speeds until it seemd "broken in" . . . So: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BREAK IN A NEW LOCO?
2) After a week or so, I cleaned the track because the loco seemed to run in jerks and spurts. I used an old cotton T-shirt cut into strips. I also used rubbing alcohol.
3) Over the next week or two, performance noticably DECREASED in spite of judicious track cleaning, etc.
4) If I ran the "Yard Boss" in reverse, performance was noticably BETTER, and very prototypical at a setting of ~ 30-35 on the Bachmann power pack.
5) Now . . . in spite of track cleaning, running forward and reverse at varying speeds, etc. etc. my little "Yard Boss" isn't doing well at all.
6) I realize this is an INTRODUCTORY set . . . and not the highest quality that Bachmann makes (as compared to their "Spectrum" line?) but, could someone give me some advice?? . . . . Do I need to clean and/or lubricate the locomotive, etc.
(I looked and searched on this site for "lubrication" etc. but it seems that "less is more" when it comes to oiling a loco)
I can't see how this would be necessary . . . perhaps the product sat on my LHS shelf for a few years?
I understandably bought this "introductory" set as a "feeler" for about $130, but . . . Jeez . . .before I spend $200 or more for a good qaulity loco, can someone here give me some suggestions or tips?
Thanks, and all best,
Joe