Large Scale Central

Recomendation for Egnine to stand up to heavy usage

General Discussion
#1

I have a severly autistic son who loves my Bachmann Big-Hauler Train, to put it mildly. When we set it up at Christmas time, we end up running it from 2:30 to 9:00 on school days, and 12 hours straight on week-ends. We will do this all of December, then also for January, because he loves it so much. We have worn out 2 locomotives over the last 4 years, and are starting on a third. We are contemplating keeping the train set up through out the year, again because he loves it and there is little that really gives him pleasure like the train. We expect to wear out the current train before next Christmas. This can get rather pricy.

The question is: What train/engine would you recommend that will stand up to this kind of usage?

We have heard good things about LGB, and also Barry’s Big Trains.
Does anyone have any experience or opinions on these, or other enignes/locomotives, that will work?

Thank you.

Jim

#2
Jim Garner said:
I have a severly autistic son who loves my Bachmann Big-Hauler Train, to put it mildly. When we set it up at Christmas time, we end up running it from 2:30 to 9:00 on school days, and 12 hours straight on week-ends. We will do this all of December, then also for January, because he loves it so much. We have worn out 2 locomotives over the last 4 years, and are starting on a third. We are contemplating keeping the train set up through out the year, again because he loves it and there is little that really gives him pleasure like the train. We expect to wear out the current train before next Christmas. This can get rather pricy.

The question is: What train/engine would you recommend that will stand up to this kind of usage?

We have heard good things about LGB, and also Barry’s Big Trains.
Does anyone have any experience or opinions on these, or other enignes/locomotives, that will work?

Thank you.

Jim


Jim,

Welcome to the Forum, My suggestion would be to send your favorite Bachmann Loco to Barry and let him install his

conversion kit in it and then it will be bullet proof. I have friends who have 100’s of hours on their locos with no signs of any

problems. As a bonus the pull like crazy after converted.

Nick

#3

I will agree with Nick. If you are worried about the detailed parts breaking ect… then go with a Hartland engine. The Big John is a great engine as well as the 0-4-4.

#4

Jim,

The newest version of the Bachmann Annie 4-6-0 has metal gears. there’s not been enough time on this version to know if the new gears will stand the test of time but it sure sounds encouraging - and the price is right too!

Good luck.

#5

Barry’s drive unit is time proven and he stands behind his work. he’s also a member of this forum and quick to help with any problem you have. Bachmann’s new Annie may have new gearing but it is not proven. Send your old train to Barry for a refit.

#6

Perhaps not too surprisingly there are not a lot of “bullet proof” choices out there. If it’s the Bachmann style your son loves then by all means go with the BBT conversion. But if you are looking for just a robust train I must also recommend LGB. We have several bars and two restaurants in the cities that run trains along the ceiling. Each and every one runs LGB. They still wear out, but they run non-stop for 12 hours a day. When I noticed a different brand making the laps at one of the pizza joints I asked the manager about it…He said that was their spare as the LGB was in for repair. He added it was their 2nd spare as the 1st one broke after less than a day.

LGB or BBT, I think you’d be solid either way.

#7

No matter which way you decide to go, maintenance is the key. Remember to lube you locomotive frequently.

#8

I think Steve nailed it…The “Pizza Guy” said they have theirs serviced by a local guy monthly. I offered to do it for a free large pepperoni. :slight_smile:

#9

By frequently, I mean lube the exposed parts, like the rods and valve gear, each time you run it, and the drive gears from the motor to the drive wheels should be inspected frequently, probably every 20 hours of running time, and then titrated up from there.

Now you know why the diesel replaced steam so fast.

#10

I can’t help you with your question Jim but I can say welcome!
:wink:
BTW…there is a USA mighty moe in the for sale thread …he’s taking offers and they can take heavy use if you decide to go to the diesel (dark side)

#11

Jim, I also have a son with Autism so I know how it goes. I have a new old stock Big Hauler that I would donate to your son if you are interested. Maybe pay just shipping? Let me know if you want to take me up on this offer.

(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae110/dtetreault/P1040422.jpg)

Thanks Dennis

#12

If you want bullet proof, and inexpensive, the little Hartland (HLW) Mack is probably the best currently on the market. A bit pricier choice is one of the LGB Stainz variants. After that the other Hartland engines and LGB Mogul are very durable, but start leading you into “ouch” territory.

Or just plan on replacing the Big Hauler whenever it wears out or breaks. (If you choose to go that route I’d recommend taking the time to learn the differences and weak spots of each of the various ‘generations’. Some were pretty good, some were pure garbage) see: http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips1/big_hauler_tips.html