I recently obtained a Bachmann 2-8-4 Berkshire steam locomotive in n scale. This loco is DCC equipped with sound (my first with sound capability) I'm running this loco on atlas code 55 track. The turns have a radius of 12.5". The loco runs fine until it gets about midway through a 180 degree turn. Then it looks like the inside drivers come up off the track and I loose traction and we just sit there staring at each other. I wrote about this on the Bachmann Train Board and the only answer I got was I needed to remove some small piece of foam from under the loco between the drivers and the rear truck. I have even looked at the undercarriage with a magnifying glass and I don't see anything there that shouldn't be there. I have similar sized Bachmann locomotives that run on the layout just fine. I even have a 2-8-8-4 EM-1 that will run on the 12.5 radius track. I can saw nothing on Bachmann's website about a minimum radius for this locomotive. Any thoughts?
Mine works fine on 11" radius. Although I don't have Atlas code 55 (my test track is Kato), I don't think that your 12.5" radius is the problem. I'd check the obvious things starting with track gauge near where the problem is, and wheel gauge (especially the drivers). I can't tell from your note if it's derailing or if the wheels appear to be lifting off the track. If it's the latter, check the track to see if there is a dip or twist in it. Other things to check while troubleshooting - do the drivers move freely or bind up in some way? A number of people have had problems with a wheel or two out of quarter. This is fixable, but not easily. John Colombo posted instructions (not sure where) on how he diagnosed and fixed this. I've done it, and it's not easy. George
wondering why an entirely new thread was opened on the Berkshire when it's being discussed, at length, a 4 page thread right here on the same page http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/bachmann-2-8-4-berkshire.81401/
Thanks for the reply George. In fact I tore up the old atlas track and I'm preparing to put down an all new Kato unitrack layout. Same basic size and shape. It looked like the inside wheels were coming off the track and it would sit there and run with no traction. I'll see how the new layout does.
What's the big deal? This thread has relatively little to do with the subject of the other thread. Doug
And now for a little editorializing: I can't imagine switching (so to speak ) from Atlas code 55 track to Kato Unitrack. Doug
This thread is fine - a specific issue discussion. Let's pull the discussion back to the OP and helping with the issue. C-55 vs Unitrack should not make any difference: but, were you using sectional Atlas C-55, or flex? If flex, there might be a gauge problem somewhere in the curve (there might be in the sectional, too, for that matter)
Doug: Check the plate covering the two drivers. Make sure the two screws aren't too tight or two loose. You might have to re-check this several times to get the right pressure of the plate covering the drivers. Shades
We agree, after all, how many threads do we need on a Bachmann 2-8-0? I know that I have commented on a few over the last few years
I would have a tendency to agree that it's more the loco than the track since other four-coupled locos go through fine. I mean, there probably IS a little abnormality in the track work (or I should say was since it's been torn up ) but the other locos seem to be able to cope with it. Doug
I haven't seen this behavior from my Bachmann Berks, but it sounds to me like there is insufficient side-to-side play in the drivers. Most N-scale steamers have a fair bit of side play in each driver axle so that the drivers can shift out or in as necessary to go around curves. Yours may be binding in some way. Flip the engine over and check the side-to-side free play on the drivers; there should be quite a bit (at least 1/16"). It doesn't sound like a quartering issue to me - the quartering problem manifests itself as a noticeable "hitch" in the mechanism at slow speed. I don't think the quartering would have anything do with the drivers lifting on a modestly-tight curve. Bachmann's QC with the Berk is . . . not the best. One possibility is simply sending the engine back for a replacement. It should be able to handle a 12.5" curve with no difficulty. John C.
I concur with John. When a manufacturer is not notified of a problem which includes returning problem product they are not motivated to improve QC and correct the problem.
