I have one and it runs great. It never derails. I just purchased another today and the lead wheels jump off on turns and some straight lengths. I run my old one and it is fine. The new one does not appear to be out of sync, it does not shake. Does anyone have any ideas/suggestions?
You've got the first for comparison, so: First, try loosening the screw holding the front trucks a little. Some are set too stiff to track well. Loctite will keep the screw in place if it's too loose afterwards. Second, check to make sure all drivers are flat on the track. It might lead you to: Third, check to see the drawbar connector to the tender is free-moving and not warped or hanging up on curves.
Sounds very much to me like your pony truck wheels are out of gauge. Have you got an NMRA track and wheel gauge? If so, check the guage of this wheelset. If not, compare the gauge closely with the one that stays on the rail. I do not have a Bachmann 2-8-0, so can't advise how to adjust the gauge on this particular wheelset, but hopefully someone who does will chime in.
Everything was in gauge. Thank you for your suggestions. To fix- 1. Unscrew gear box cover. 2. Gently lift front of cover a bit until you can reach the pin holding the pony truck on. 3. Make sure pin turns freely. 4. Put a drop of oil on pin. 5. Reassemble and make sure screw under the pony is reasonably tight since it might interfere with the movement of the truck. This probably would be the same "fix" for other steamers.
