Large Scale Central

Bachmann Railtruck fix plus questions

Problem Solving
#1

I took advantage of the Trainworld sale on the Bachmann railtrucks and picked up a nice new shiny red one. I remember reading that these had drivetrain issues so did a search here and found the fix it procedure writeup courtesy of Curmudgeon Mcneely. I also found a how to with photos on George Schreyers website.
Question is while I have this buggy apart should I be doing anything else to make it more reliable?

I’m also considering turning this into a battery powered vehicle with RC control if it can be done on a budget. While the truck is stripped down for the screw fix it would be a good time to add stuff.
It would be fun to have a regular track powered train running the main playing dodge with this railtruck. What RC battery system would you recommend?

Another thing. What scale is this truck? It looks very small next to a 38 ton shay and even looks small next to a Aristo center cab switcher and a Bachmann Davenport. Bachmann hired a special driver for this truck and he is small compared to their regular crew figures like the guy with the derby and the fireman that seem to come with everything Bachmann sells ??

Thanks guys.

#2

Supposedly it’s 1:20. It seems small but the originals were made from Buick and Pierce Arrow chassis.

Compared to a 1:18 Hubley Vehicle they are larger then them.

BTW, I bought one too, I’m making a Van body for the back.

I’m using the RailLinx in mine, but the Revo seems to be the R/C of choice nowadays.

#3

It is 1:20, though Bachmann took some liberties in some of the dimensions when you compare it to drawings of the prototype. (Mostly the width, and a little bit on the length. There was a thread a while back either here or on MLS comparing the model to the prototype.) Ken, if that’s the same Hubley Model T kit I’ve got, it’s also 1:20.

When it comes to figures for this (or other critters), remember that when we sit down, our bottom ends squash a bit, as do the seats we’re sitting on. I’ve been working on a few railtrucks myself of late, and found that I had to do some filing to get a “1:20” seated figure to actually sit inside a 1:20 model. (And both are dead-nuts on for 1:20, so it’s not a scale thing.)

For R/C, you might want to consider Airwire’s new “Convertr” wireless receiver and a small HO or O-scale motor decoder. I’m using Soundtraxx Tsunamis for my critters, and they run and sound great! If you don’t want sound, you can use an even cheaper motor-only decoder.

Here’s a link to a speeder Paul Burch just finished for his railroad using the Convertr:

http://www.mylargescale.com/Community/Forums/tabid/56/aff/35/aft/129710/afv/topic/Default.aspx#314505

Later,

K

#4

That is a cool little speeder setup Paul built.
It sounds typical of “G” scale that we need to squint a bit when admiring our trains. Oh well I guess overall it is close enough for me.
I will have to check out that airwire system. I’m not great with electronics so I would like to get something that coems all together instead of mixing and matching components.

#5

Kevin Strong said:

Ken, if that’s the same Hubley Model T kit I’ve got, it’s also 1:20.

Later,

K

It probably is then. Some that I bought were 1:18 and some were 1:20. Couldn’t remember which ones were which…:wink:

#6

I got a nice back for the rail truck from:

http://www.mountbluemodelco.com/largescalehtm.htm

http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/gunjeep444/_forumfiles/projects/Stack build.jpg

Laser cut wood pieces, goes together easily.

Roof lifts off to access the battery. Just an on/off switch for it.

#7

That is sharp looking Jerry. I like the passenger area behind the cab and your rusty touch.

My railtruck is still riding the shelf since I have had more pressing things to work on.