Large Scale Central

ANOTHER CONNIE DRIVE THREAD

General Discussion
#1

Hi all, I bought a Bachmann Consolidation when they were first introduced a few years ago. It sat on the shelf without running for about 2 years before I got around to bashing/modifying/rebuilding it. The first thing I noticed when getting started was of course a cracked/broken axle drive gear. Contacted Bachmann and got a new gear, this was before other options were available, and installed it. The "Connie has undergone several rebuilds through the years with modifications including on board battery/RC/sound and has ran flawlessly on level track pulling on average 3-5 cars and a “boose” with out any problems for years. However Knowing all the problems with the infamous “cracking gear” in this loco I knew it was only a matter of time so several months ago I opted for the Barry’s BBT drive conversion for my loco. I finally got around to the install this past week; just as an aside the drive train was easy to install and upon completion runs very smoothly. I have as yet to put much of a load on it as I am breaking it in slowly. Anyway The real subject of this post is the fact that my "Connie’ has been running just fine with a very “cracked” gear. From the looks of this gear, see picture, it was all set to let go at any time, probably at our next public display in February. Done deal now and all is right at the roundhouse of the Shasta Pacific Happy New Year to all Rick

#2

My Connie is still at Jonathan’s for the BBT drive and a G2 decoder. You might have yours before I do!:slight_smile: HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and Pat.

#3

Rick and Gary,

Thanks for posting. A gentle break in is probably all right, but harsher one may be quicker.

Keep posting as things progress.

Barry - BBT

#4

It seems a shame that such a fine looking and otherwise good running and dependable engine would be plagued with a problem that Bachmann could have avoided by investing (and passing along to the buyer) just a few more penny’s for quality gears. But it is what it is - and I’m wondering if there isn’t some simple “fix” for this. I was thinking of something like a split collar that could be put around the hub to contain the crack and prevent the gear from slipping. Does anyone know of something like that? or something that could be reworked to do the job?

I have two Connie’s that I seldom run but will start using a lot this spring. I’m not looking forward to the task of disassembling them and replacing the gears or the cost of sending them somewhere for the repair.

#5

Walt, I think its more work than its worth. If you dont want to invest in Barry’s conversion, there is a cheaper alternative. But, is not as effective. Northwest Shoreline does sell a “beefer” replacement gear.

Me, my Connie finally died on me this Christmas at a museum display (I planned on that and had a spare waiting.). I plan to give Barry a call in the very near future, then I know it is fixed.

#6

I think I saw in the latest GR an add from Botchman that they were making the latest Annie with metal gears. Did they finally get the word?

#7

Walter,

There is a fix which I have done in a couple of cases. I sliced a couple of “collars” 1/8" thick from some brass tube which would fit over the gear hub, both sides. Put glue into the cracks where possible, filled each hub ‘valley’ with epoxy (not the 5 minute stuff), the n pushed the brass slices into the epoxy on both sides of the gear. Clean everything up, no epoxy in gears, etc.

Made a couple of repairs this way and no returns (it’s been about a year). But the delrin gear from NorthWest Shortline, www.nwsl.com is a better answer. #2226-6 $13.95 plus freight.
Still the same motor.

Barry - BBT

#8

Barry,

Thanks for the tip, much appreciated. I must admit that I haven’t really spent much time or effort to acquaint myself with the workings of the Connie because I’ve run them very little. But I’m now trying to be pro-active to try to prevent the problem from happening.

Thanks again,

#9

Thank you, Barry. So far my pair of Connies are still running, but I fear that the original gears may give up any time soon.
By giving the part numbers from NWSL, you kicked me in the butt…gently, I might add…!!..and I picked up the telephone, and called NWSL.

The young lady answering the call, was very pleasant, and knowledgeable, filling my order within minutes.  I now have two gears heading my way, by USPost/Canada Post.

I’m now reserving bench space for the twin restorative operations, on “The Girls”, some time in early February.
Thank you for posting here on LSC.