Normally I do not purchase Bachmann other than Spectrum but recently purchased a NIB Bachmann Plus F7B o EBAY and was impressed with how smooth/quiet it was. So went ahead an purchased Another F7B and matching F7A which turned out to be very noisy albeit smooth. After removing the shells I found the driveline interiors to be completly different from the first one purchased. All have accending Bachmann item numbers and road numbers on the boxes and wonder what the difference is.
I went through the last two locos and lubed thrust bearing, worm gears and drive gears but still very noisy (growl). Is this a problem with Bachmann and Athearn?
Thanks,
Thom
The growl from Athearn and Bachmann are most likely cracked gears. Here is a thread I found on the atlas forum on the b-mann F7s
http://forum.atlasrr.com/archive/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=39059
The drivetrain thing I cannot explain. Some pictures may be helpful, along with more info on the actual items; item number, ect. That is why I would hesitate before buying an engine without actually watching (and hearing) it run first.
sfb
cadman 11:
I have purchased several Bachman Plus engines and all have performed well, one or two growl but they run smooth. I do a little prepping then add some exterior detail and whethering.
I have been very happy for what I paid and received.
Robert Sylvester WTRR