Large Scale Central

Bachmann Climax

Hi fellows,
I have a Climax that suddenly just started dragging one of the motors. I soon had a second unit that ran perfectly for about 2 years…then it too just started dragging one of the motor blocks.
There was no warning or any signs of a malfunction in each case.
Is this a common issue and is there a ‘fix’ for the problem?
I have joined the club with several ‘dead’ 10 wheelers and 2 Colorados that parted the way with the gears after 2 hours running.
I have just had my Connie converted to a BBT drive train - just great!!!
My Shay has had the metal motors fitted…
I don’t buy Bachmann any more after spending many thousands of dollars on locos that simply do not perform for very long, but I would like to resurect the Climax if it is possible.
regards, Peter Nelson - down under in Oz.

most likely the contacts between the motor block and frame have failed. They are best ripped out and hard wired around.

That’s what I do to the Bachmann geared engines.
Hard wire new wires to the motors and remove those goofy ring contacts.

Whatever, you prolly have to disassemble the thing to find the problem.

Thanks fellows,

I have just had a 'phone call from Tony Walsham who told me he will be in Brisbane in a couple of weeks and he will call in to sort out the issue for me. He also thinks it is contact related.

Regards, Peter Nelson - down under in Oz.

I’ve had it with Botchmann also.
If I get another Climax loco it will be live steam.
I’m not buying Bachmann for power any more.

Dave,
Once you completely gut everything inside them and throw it away, they ain’t too bad. But having said that, there’s not a single one that I have owned except an Annie, that is trouble free. (So far–but I don’t have too many hours on them yet.)

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I guess that I’ve been lucky. My Bachmann Climax was an unwanted birthday gift, got rid of by an ungrateful husband for peanuts at a train show in 2003. So far it has been faultless, and in fact, it’s running right now with my grandyeb driving six skeleton cars and real logs.

tac

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