Large Scale Central

Bachmann drive gear replacement.

Problem Solving
#1

A friend has a beautiful Bachmann 2-8-0 Consolidation and it has a cracked gear on the drive axle. He contacted Bachmann for a replacement and was sent a package with 3 gears in it. We took the loco apart looked at the gears and guess what they were the wrong ones. He only needs the drive axle one. He contacted Bachmann today and the proper gear which comes on an axle with wheels is out of stock.

Can another assembly be used in this engine like from an Annie? Is there a brass alternative that can be used?

#2

If this is the older inside frame 2-8-0 then its very common to have that gear split. Contact http://www.rctrains.com/ they have fixed this problem on other 2-8-0’s and I’m sure he can help you.

#3

I also would not get a replacement from Bachmann even if they get them back in stock. Its the same gear and will split again.

#4

Todd,

Bachmann has indeed fixed the problem. The new axle and gear is a steel axle with a brass gear. Order this part: http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_69_142&products_id=3843 from Bachmann and the issue will be resolved. Unfortunately Mik’s how to has gone away from the web. Someone else may be able to connect you to the how to. When I did mine I didn’t take any pics…sorry.

Bob C.

#5

I have the how-to with pics from Miks site archived here: http://www.cvsry.com/MIK/Ashpit/gear.html

#6

I had no idea NWSL made that gear. Super cool :slight_smile:

#7

Another option but a bit more pricey is getting a whole new gear and motor assembly from Barry’s Big Trains, if he still creates them. I put out the $$ for one when my gear broke and my Connie runs so smooth and efficient. I love it.

Richard

#8

Todd Haskins said:

A friend has a beautiful Bachmann 2-8-0 Consolidation and it has a cracked gear on the drive axle. He contacted Bachmann for a replacement and was sent a package with 3 gears in it. We took the loco apart looked at the gears and guess what they were the wrong ones. He only needs the drive axle one. He contacted Bachmann today and the proper gear which comes on an axle with wheels is out of stock.

Can another assembly be used in this engine like from an Annie? Is there a brass alternative that can be used?

Todd

I have a new NWSL gear which you can have for 1/2 off plus shipping.

However I would try ordering the part G813X-AXELBG directly from the Bachmann Web store.

http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_69_142&products_id=3843

There is a very good chance that you will get the part you need that way and the Bachmann Part is a better solution.

Stan

#9

Thanks for the links guys. That steel axle and brass gear looks good and I will tell my friend about that. I wonder how robust are the other gears inside between the motor and drive axle? If this loco gets stopped in its tracks and strained will those gears strip of crack?

Thanks again.

#10

I can’t say the idler/reduction gears in the gearbox won’t break, but it’s uncommon. The cracked gear issue stems from the gear being pressed onto an axle with a press fit. If that fit is too tight, it puts pressure on the gear and it will crack from the hub out to the edge. The idler gears spin loose on steel pins, so there’s no expansive pressure on the hub of the gear.

Later,

K

#11

Bob Russell said:

I had no idea NWSL made that gear. Super cool :slight_smile:

I am surprized he was able press on the NWSL gear. We tried and damaged the axle. After drilling out the gear to the proper size, we were able to install it.

The Bachmann axle replacement gear has no shoulders. I had to add a .010" washer on each side to get a proper fit.

#12

Just a little note Todd. Although its obvious you have had it apart already, and probably know this, just don’t forget to get all those little axle supporting springs back in. Check you didn’t loose any when you took it apart they have a habit of flying out unnoticed when an axle is lifted from the frames. Just one of those things I found out the hard way when I replaced my Connie’s split gear a couple of years ago. Bachmann still had the axle/gear combo in stock then. Max

#13

Update: The gear is in. My friend bought the metal axle with brass gear from Bachmann and it was easy to replace it.

When we took it apart the first time one of the springs from the drive axle fell into the loco. After it was back together I was able to shake it out. When my friend came back with the proper axle and gear he forgot to bring the springs.

Are those springs really that important? The drive axle has blind wheels so they don’t need to contact the rails to help guide the loco.

I figure gravity will keep them in place. Am I Nutz?

#14

Yes Todd, they are that important. They are part of the locomotive suspension.