Large Scale Central

I need help adding weight to my Bachmann spectrum 2-6-0

Problem Solving
#1

I got mine at a pretty good price of 150$. Now besides the fact that the smoke generator seems to be leaking, there is one main issue I have with the model:

It can’t pull ANYTHING.

Seriously, my Stainz loco is a powerhouse compared to this thing. The mogul can pull 3 Sierra coaches just fine on perfectly level straight track, but on curves and any grade it slips.

So I opened it up, and now I’m here to ask you guys for advice. What weight should I get and how much should I use? (I’m on a budget…)

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#2

https://www.amazon.com/stick-on-wheel-weights/s?k=stick-on+wheel+weights

#3

You have the second version of the little industrial, and you should have brass gears.
An inexpensive weight source is the leader weights for fishing lines - you can get a bag cheap at Dick’s or other sporting goods stores.

You don’t have a lot of room for weight, but make sure it is equal between front and back, or you’ll have a loco doing wheelies.

You might also take a look at the coaches, which have wheel pickups for the lights that cause plenty of drag. If you don’t need the lights, or if you convert the coach to LEDs with an onboard 9V battery, then you can remove the pickups. Oil the axles too!

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#4

This loco is a notoriously poor puller. I’ve had one on the shelf for years, never run. I was going to convert it to use a trail car for battery/RC, but I’m worried that it won’t even be able to pull that on my 3%+ curving grade. So it sits.

I would think if you were able to add enough weight so it didn’t loose traction, the motor will eventually burn up.

If $150 is a good price I should sell mine! I think I paid $75 new.

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#5

The only lubricator I have that I have been using is this 3 in one multi purpose oil my grandfather gave me. I have been using this for everything, including wheels and kadee couplers. If I can ever afford ‘em I’ll get ball-bearing wheels.

Thank you for your insight

#6

Well I thought it was a good price. It probably wasn’t lol

#7

Also I have a 5 amp power supply, but I don’t know if that positively affects motor health under load. I’m thinking maybe 2 pounds at least could work?

#8

I don’t think you overpaid. Almost everything I bought new, most on close out, has doubled or better. I was just surprised.

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#9

When I want to add weight to my engines, rolling stock, etc., I use the mag wheel weights sold at auto parts stores. These weights are long and thin and easily cut to the desired length, plus they come with the self-stick tape for easy installing and sticking wherever you want them.

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#10

Max;

I used the teardrop-shaped fishing sinkers (the large ones). Probably added between 1 to 1.5 pounds. They were painted flat black and added between the frame and boiler (lots of space there). The locomotive does not get run much, but it will pull 3-4 cars plus a caboose on level track. The dragon was made by Chris Walas.
BnG31

Regards, David Meashey

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#11

Max,

I have two Indy Moguls that I converted to battery power and added about two pounds of lead in each loco and and 1 pound in each tender just to keep the tenders on the rails when pulling a heavy train. Apparently Bachmann engineers thought that a circuit board and a few wires would be enough weight for any occasion. Foolish boys! I don’t use the smoke in any of my battery engines (it uses too much power). After gutting the loco there is adequate room for weight. I use a trail car for power and sound.
Here is a video of one of my Moguls on our club RR. Best of luck with yours. They look great and I think they are worth the effort to make them work better.

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#12

That’s pretty impressive Joe. Maybe there is hope for mine yet! I have plenty of weight kicking around. I should give it a try. Like I really need another operating steam locomotive!

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#13

I use weights like this, sold at all auto parts stores, Amazon.com

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