Hey this is where we ask general train questions, right?
I have bought several Bachman HO trains from the same shop in Guadalajara. All of them are labeled as "new," and a careful inspection of their boxes confirms this. Yet all of them have constant trouble stopping at certain sections of track, no matter how carefully I clean them.
Someone suggested that if I disassemble the wheels, I will find that the insides are full of dirt from the factory. Does anybody know anything about this?
Vince53
Bachmann is a subsidiary of Kader Industries, They posess the molds to Bachmann & the former Aristocraft use to make the B-mann trains. Possibly others too. Elgeebee knockoffs, Riviolli etc.
You might look/see the manufacture date of the trains, if post cv19 pandemic lower employee workforce, quality controll issue.
First, You will want to make sure your power is constant, use a voltage meter to check each piece of track for continuity.
Make sure the track pins and connector slots are clean/ bright for best continuity.
Second, Now l am not recomending this, but l do it: On my n-scale trains, if the wheels etc build up crud l take a can of electrical contact cleaner and spray the wheel assembly down with it until it runs clean. lt works for me.
Make certain you lube well after any cleaning.
I hope this is of some help.
Happy Rails!
dave
Dave, do you spray the contact cleaner on the outer wheel, or do you disassemble the wheels first?
Vincw
l just hold them wheels down and spray inside & out & let the contact cleaner do its job.
Time for some big HO news!
I have had trouble for years with my Bachman HO locomotives needing constant cleaning to run smoothly. Like many enthusiasts I use rubbing alcohol on the tracks and loco wheels. Dave (djacobsen) told me that I need to get contact cleaner, which I found in an electronics shop.
It works great! The immediate improvement was noticeable. Be careful not to let it into your eyes, as it is a fine mist that bounces off the wheels.
PS. Dave, you're a genius!
Vince
Make sure you Lubricate well after cleaning.
my main lubricant is Mobil 1 synthetic oil. a qt is about 7$.
last one l bought should last me practicly forever.
Happy Rails...
dave
Dave, how do you apply the Mobil 1 synthetic oil?
Vince
l used to use special bottles with needle type tips sold by various hobby shops. Now just get a few syringes from a diabetic friend and load them up. Allows me to put the oil exactly where l want it...
Happy Rails....