Does anyone own the HO 4-8-4 Northern from Bachmann? I just purchased a new one the other day. After programming the decoder, I went to run it on my unfinished layout, but noticed the front two wheel sets easily come off the track when running around curves or through turn-outs (I have minimum 28" radius). Plus it seemed sluggish in some spots and then would run okay in others spots. The track does needs cleaning, but I went to run it on my test track which I cleaned throughly. Even on that clean, straight track it seemed to surge and pulse a bit when the speed was at a creep. The back tender wheels also slide off the rails in spots.
Any suggestions on how to keep all the wheels on the track? Do I need to put weight on the tender? I paid $99.00 for it compared to prices I saw advertised at $139 and up, so I’m not totally upset, but would like to keep it if I can get it to run smoothly. Otherwise I will return it and consider getting the Northern from Broadway Limited.
A 4-8-4 very close to correct scale diameter for the drivers is going to have a long wheelbase. Those four drivers may have been made to slide sideways a bit to give the engine buffer room to get around fairly tight curves, but some track closes in gauge when made to form curves. This may be part of what you are experiencing. Also, it may just be a tight set of running gear that needs some running-in. It may loosen up with use. Perhaps the bearings and rod pivots could use some light lubrication. Automatic Transmission Fluid like Dextron II or III is suitable as a plastic and paint compatible lube for model trains.
As for the front truck, I seem to recall reading about some of the Bachmann steamers needing a spring, or the one that’s there is not providing enough force down onto the tracks (it needs some reshaping), or some guys just find some flat leaf lead weight material and put some of it betwen the axles over top the truck. Either that is the problem or there may be some metal sharp edges or flashing on either face of the pivoting surfaces that prevents smooth and full traverse in arc for the truck. Remove the truck and run a finger lightly over the two flat surfaces to see if there is a burr there…or several. If those surfaces are quite dry, a very light film of white grease would help.
That’s about all I’m good for. I can’t think of anything else just now.
I own a Bachmann 4-8-4. But alas I can not help you. Mine is a mid 1980s Vintage. It has a Santa Fe Boiler, and a SP Tender. and is Painted as a Up FEF-1.
Looking for another one. As I know they made two road numbers at one time. But I think I am going to have to purchase a Bowswer Repower Kit for it.
I had one, and it was fine (but I sold it and bought a BLI).
May I suggest…
Clean your track, for that is probably the # 1 cause of operating difficulty.
I wasn’t clear on which wheels were derailing. I had trouble with the lead truck, and ended up CAREFULLY winding some solder wire around the axle to add weight. If it’s the tender derailing, add weight inside as needed.
If the above doesn’t help, write Bachmann, and in my experience they will definitely respond.
Which one did you buy?? I believe Bachmann makes four different 4-8-4’s now. All were reviewed in Model Railroad News maybe 5-6 issues ago. They mentioned (IIRC) that one of the engines did have some issues with derailing, but I can’t remember right now what they did to fix it.