TOC–would be thrilled if you could help me out here, as I’m way over my head.
K-27 is binding badly, 3-4 times per wheel revolution, making a grinding sound from the gearbox, and jerking badly. It won’t run below 20 scale mph, it just stalls.
Any thoughts? I’ve lubed it, checked the counterweights, everything–it’s getting worse. It’s only two months old, hauled a max of ten cars; nothing serious.
THANK YOU in advance!!!
Hmmm, it could be terminal.
I will be happy to take it off your hands, for a small price. Just box it up and send it via Pony Express. :lol:
Me too for just a little bit bigger price than the small price from Steve up above. Hah LOL Probably make a good door stop, or trackside static display or wreck scene. Hee Hee LOL The Regal
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Robbie, Have you reviewed all the old forums on the K-27? TOC had a bunch with all his findings and fixes.Also check MLS forums for the same. Lots of info. Sorry I can’t help more.
Dave
Can you open up that gearbox so you can see just how bad the news is?
Robbie.
Normally I am certain TOC would be only too willing to help you diagnose and fix the problem.
However, as Mr Stanley Ames claims the gear ratio and gearbox design is perfect the way it is, it cannot be the gearbox that is at fault.
Right Mr Ames???
Grinding noises coming from the gearbox usually indicate a gear problem.
My suggestion is to call Irv at Bachmann and then tell us what he advises you to do. If Irv knows what to do right off the top of his head that should tell you something.
The axle O-rings on the sides of the gearbox were so tight as to prevent the drive axle from sliding.
I moved them inward into the gearbox and it runs more smoothly than it has before, makes no noise, and tracks perfectly.
Robbie.
That sounds great.
As it had been running perfectly prior to this can you offer any suggestions as to how the O rings moved such that they casued binding etc?
That is good news. I’m glad something wasn’t amiss in the gearbox.
Dang STeve there goes our sale. hah lol the regal
@Tony: I honestly don’t know why they were the way they were. However, I can guess:
I hadn’t run it with more than five cars before(received the four reefers last Friday). It ran fine with five. However, after hooking up four more cars(plus a free rolling flatcar–not counting that), it began having problems.
First: I first ran it with the nine cars on slightly damp rail. This increased slippage and rpm, therefore increasing heat.
Second: This heat warped or otherwise changed the washer. This moved the axle gear closer to the one above it and held it there. This caused gear noise and the binding and prevented the axle from sliding, causing the engine to try to turn on a straight and causing derailments.
Third: Moving the O-rings into the gearbox eliminated the pressure and allows the gearbox to ride on the axle again rather than being pressed into it.
I may be wrong, as I’m not officially a mechanical engineer yet–but I don’t know, that makes sense to me. The O-rings(axle seals) barely spin on the axle at all.
Please do remember that I have a 6 or 8% or thereabouts grade(albeit for a short distance)–that puts a LOT of strain on the engine no matter what you’re hauling 
Robbie,
Not meaning any disrespect at all:
Unless you are running geared loco’s (Shays, etc)
Get rid of that grade!
John,
My outdoor layout is on a driveway–side to side(12 feet) there is several inches difference in the height of the pavement. Nothing I can do about that!
Heading for college in a month, or else I’d build a more permanent outdoor layout with better grades–oh well, five years and I’ll be on my own with (hopefully) some land to play with
Robbie Hanson said:
John,My outdoor layout is on a driveway–side to side(12 feet) there is several inches difference in the height of the pavement. Nothing I can do about that!
Heading for college in a month, or else I’d build a more permanent outdoor layout with better grades–oh well, five years and I’ll be on my own with (hopefully) some land to play with
Steve i’m a thinkin maybe Geoff George will be a helpin Robbie there Maybe!!! I would ifin I was closer. Hee hee The Regal
Ran the K-27 for the first time in a week(calculus homework has been murder), and it’s acquired a nasty vibration–enough to feel it through the benchwork when you rest your hand beside it. It’s also picked up a whirring sound and a light grinding sound. You don’t even have to load up the engine to get it to grind–it does it solo.
Is it time to just throw the blasted thing in the trash can and say I wasted my money?
TOC: You’re my only hope!
(Don’t sue me, George…:P)
Naw Robbie don’t do that!!! But if ya decides to send it to me K ??? hah The Regal live show tonight on regal’s channel.
Robbie,
Is there not a warranty on a $700 locomotive ?
All the el cheapo Bachmann stuff I have says “limited lifetime warranty”.
Empty words, or what ?
Ralph
Hey Ralph&Robbie Live show tonight Don’t Forget!!! Leave yer troubles behind and come join us for a few!!! Now music on channel most of the day & part of the night. Check it out!!! The Regal
Robbie Hanson said:
Ran the K-27 for the first time in a week(calculus homework has been murder), and it's acquired a nasty vibration--enough to feel it through the benchwork when you rest your hand beside it. It's also picked up a whirring sound and a light grinding sound. You don't even have to load up the engine to get it to grind--it does it solo.Is it time to just throw the blasted thing in the trash can and say I wasted my money?
TOC: You’re my only hope!
(Don’t sue me, George…:P)
See if Bmann will fix it. If you get no were with them then send TOC a e-mail and ship it to him. I’m sure he can fix it.
Guess I don’t need to worry about making the tunnels wider so it will fit now do I.
