I was just browsing through Shapeways 3D prints and ran across this:
These parts would replace the splitting axles and gear in all the HO Plus series 4-8-4s, and the standard line 4-8-4 after the Plus line was discontinued (but before the total redesign a few years back). I’d try them myself if I hadn’t done a chassis replacement in my own 4-8-4, but for anyone else with a problem engine, it might be worth a shot!
Thanks a bunch!!! I have four clunker GS4 4-8-4s that I can put back in service with axles. They run pretty good with good axles. I didn’t go berserk until I know they will work for sure, I have one set on order.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
You’re welcome! I’ll be interested to know how they work for you. I’ve been wanting to get the GS4 or N&W J (or both), but always let them go because of the axle splitting issue.
I fixed one older GS-4 with a new wheel set but $3 for new axles sure beats $22 for a fix. The new wheel set has been in and working nicely for a year but I wasn’t going to spend $22 for the other four. I’ll let you know how they work.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Let me know how it goes. I’ve emailed that seller several times but never received a response.
how it goes? does it work?
hope Mel can answer this post. thanks
There in and working . . . but, I don’t have a warm and fuzzy feeling about the material. It doesn’t appear to be made out of strong enough material to with stand much abuse as it will get on my layouts 3½% grades. Only time will tell. The press fit isn’t as tight as the Bachmann replacements. I used a bit of CA to make up for the not so tight fit.
The engine does run pretty good for a $3+ S&H fix.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I saw this when you posted it but was unable to reply at the time. How’ve they been holding up for the past couple months? Any problems so far? I figured they wouldn’t be quite as good as cut or molded gears, but some of that 3D printed material is still pretty strong.
I am sure a few in the Bachmann HO forums might be interested also.
Rich
Mel, now a year later, how’ve they been holding up?
For what it’s worth…
Someone gave me a Bachmann Northern with busted gears and axles. The link above is for the square axle version, but mine is the round axle version. I emailed that seller several times to see if he could make one that would work, but he never replied.
While looking for a loco cab some time later, I chanced upon this:
I decided to give it a try. When my order arrived I pressed wheelsets on, quartered by eye, and checked with my NMRA gauge. They work, and I have to say I was impressed. I don’t run the loco much, so I have no idea how durable the material is, but it’s not a bad fix.
My goal is the Bowser replacement kit, but I’ve never been able to find one for a reasonable price.
Now all we need is a fix for their front truck. The one on my Bachmann Niagra flops around like a fish out of water. I’ve tried numerous adjustments and none have worked. It will not stay on the rails no matter what I do. Worst piece of junk I ever bought for my layout.
Mine had that problem until I replaced the spring with a stronger one. No derailmants after that!
Any product that requires a fix when it is right out of the box is a piece of junk. Bachmann’s Spectrum line was good quality but the standard line was bottom rung. In another thread Sheldon told me when they phased out the Spectrum line they upgraded their Standard line. I hope that’s true but I’d have to think long and hard about buying from their Standard line again.
The 4-8-4 chassis with the cracked gear and axle problems was discontinued over 10 years ago, and the old pancake motor drives have been scrapped completely. As far as I know, the only one that hasn’t seen improvement is the USRA 0-6-0, but everything else has seen a lot of improvement. My Bachmann standard line diesels are some of my best runners (I made a video putting a GP30 up against a Kato GP35, and the performance difference was slight at best).
Fun fact, Bachmann’s factory also owns the factories making trains for most other major brands including Athearn, BLI, Atlas, Walthers (Life-Like) Proto, Hornby and others.
Yes, the factories are owned by the Kader group. We should be grateful for the quality steam locos they are producing, at a very reasonable cost.
I’m also interested in hearing about the results of the gears made by 3D printers…
Simon
I believe the main drive gear (or a replacement) was available from NWSL when I checked a few years ago, but it was $18+ shipping, and I would still have had cracked axles. It may be worth buying just the axles from a 3D printer and replacing the drive gear with a NWSL one–I imagine the drive gear would get the most wear.
Hi there, I have a BACHMANN PLUS 4-8-4 GS4 DAYLIGHT. any idea if this will work? Thank you so much.
Hi, assuming split axles/gears is what you’re having problem with(and not motor or etc), yes, this should work.
Charles