[:'(] It was truly one of my best tracking and running engines-Spectrum K-4 which I have run for many years. Then about a week ago I noticed it seem to not pull as well and when I hand pushed it, it free wheeled, as if nothing was catching under the hood. I tried to run the engine and it just sat there.
The motor was running but nothing was catching, ( i.e. no sprockets were engaging), engine would not move. I could push the engine by hand and the drivers and running wheels free wheeled but would not pull the engine. My other K-4, bought the same year, (20 years ago), runs great and as smooth as glass.
Are they hard to take apart to see maybe what is wrong or should I send it back to Bachman?
Robert Sylvester
Right now it sounds like a stripped gear or gear on the center driver sllpping.
Below is a diagram of the loco from the Bachmann forums. It is the sound version but I suspect the loco motor gears is the same setup. Yours will not have the flywheel.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H844X-IS00.PDF
Bachmann has a good replacement policy. I have sent a loco back.
Look in the below link. Parts, Service, Information. There is a phone number and email address.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/prod_serv.php
You can also look in the Parts Page.
Check the HO Forums. Bachmann Reps there and users of the K4 also.
Rich
This should be exactly what you have.
I have taken apart split frame Bachmann before. Just pay close attention to all parts.
A worm on the motor drives a intermidiate worm gear which drives a gear on the driver axle.
Not sure Bachmann still has parts for yours. Check the Parts page.
http://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/bachmann-spectrum-k4-pacific-4-6-2/m1
Rich
Most Likely a stripped gear on the axle.
I would recommend removing the plastic bottom piece on the engine, which will expose the wheels and axles.
There’s the replacement part.
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68_170&products_id=4113
[bow] Thank you so much for your input, I might just send it back and see what happens, maybe they will be kind and replace it, who knows?
Robert