Older Bachmann 0-8-0

[BobGui]

Hi all

Was in the LHS the other day and picked up an older Bachmann 0-8-0 cheap. Runs like a charm on dc but the flanges on the wheels are huge. Going through a code 80 turnout (Atlas) the flanges ride up on the bottom of the plastic frog insulators. Will be using DCC for the layout.

Question, how hard are the drivers to change keeping in mind that I don't have a quartering tool but will probably get one (like I need a reason to buy more toys er tools) Are these parts available as I believe this Loco is at least 20 years old.

Or... Should I modify a few turnouts and restrict the loco to a specific industry such as a paper mill or yard job.


Thanks guys

[eightyeightfan1]

Might be able to take a jewlers file, and take down some of the frog.
Do a little at a time and run the loco though for a test. Keep going til its just enough for the loco to run through without riding up on the frogs.
Or.....
Like you said. Just use it for an paticular industry.
Also you said you will be running DCC. Converting an older loco might be a lot of work. I'd check with your LHS. They might be able to convert it for you, or know someone that can.

[e-paw]

88 got it rite . just turn it over and run the engine with the file on the flange.(just try to keep the metal chips out of the works.)You can use a wheel with rp25 flanges as a guide, work one wheel at a time until there all the same size. Good luck.

[BobGui]

Thanks Guys

I might just try filing the frogs and keep it in one industry. As far as installing the decoder goes, I've been lurking here for a long time and have had no troubles with installing them in other engines.

I just follow the advice of those who have done it before.

[shaygetz]

Turning down the flanges by running the locomotive is not the best way to go about it. It can be done but the load on your motor will put you at risk of burning it out. Metal filings are very hard on motors and gears as well. If you go that route, allow the motor to cool off regularly and take care to keep the filings out of the running gear.

[BobGui]

That is a good point too Shaygetz. I and probably most pet owning, layout owners have more than enough trouble keeping things out of my loco's runnung gears without producing metal filings right next to them.

I will probably delegate this loco to the paper mill I'm bashing right now, that way I only need to work a couple of frogs.

It also gives me a ggod excuse to buy a new loco later on.

[Dave R.]

I put a magnet on the backside of the file when I do any filing around an engine.
When you change this loco over to DCC, you should do a "how to" Thread.
Dave

[steamhead]

Hi...If you're thinking of "deepening" the frogs, a better tool is a hacksaw blade (broken to a manageable size 4"-6") as it will only cut downwards. A file can widen the gaps between the rails and make them prone to derailments....Just my $0.02....

[Mountain Man]

Originally Posted by e-paw

88 got it rite . just turn it over and run the engine with the file on the flange.(just try to keep the metal chips out of the works.)You can use a wheel with rp25 flanges as a guide, work one wheel at a time until there all the same size. Good luck.

If you do that, I recommend turning it on it's side...or Murphy's Law will rear it's ugly head once more!