How to remove shell from Bachmann Spectrum K4 to check axles and gears

[dmiller4947@gmail.com]

I have a K4 Spectrum series that "wags" from side to side . I can not figure out how to remove the shell so I can lubricate and check for bent axles.  Also would the valve gear binding be more likely to cause this . ( It looks good and I can not see any issues) I can attach pictures to another email   (the pictures are to large to attach )
Thank you
dmiller

[rich1998]

Well, first of now you need a photo hosting site.
Below is site should help  you. The loco has a split chassis.
The wheels could be out of quarter or side rods not correct.

https://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/1229

Another diagram

https://hoseeker.org/assemblyexplosionbachmann/Bachmannspectrum462k4pg2.jpg

Rich

[rbturner]

I have repaired a few K4's that waddled like you describe.

Look closely at the drive wheels. The wheel itself is metal while the black spokes are a plastic insert; like a hubcap.

The 'hubcap' expands over time and bulges out; interfering with the siderods.

The fix is to cut out the 'hubcap' with a sharp knife and then paint the metal spokes that are left, flat black.

[dmiller4947@gmail.com]

Thankyou.  That is the problem. 

I have a second K4 where the running gear broke and can NOT be repaired, so I was going to swap the drivers of the broke K4 to the K4 with bad drivers.   Sounds like trimming the tires is the easiest. but I would like to disassemble the bottom frame to remove drivers.  Never seen a model so complicated to access and lube.

-dmiller

[rich1998]

This all part of model railroading.
Good luck.

Rich

[rbturner]

A good place to find diagrams that will help you understand construction and assembly work is'

https://hoseeker.net/

That site will have what you need to understand.

[rich1998]

There are some Bachmann K4. Bachmann does change some.

https://hoseeker.net/bachmann.html

I have some different Bachmann steamers.

Rich