Changing Shells and Couplers

Classic Toy Trains Forum
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Hi guys. I am new to this hobby, very new. Just got my first train at age 34. Still figuring things out.

My first train is a NFL series from hawthorne village I got off eBay. I love my team (they should of been in the playoffs) but anyway, I have noticed that the engine seems underpowered.

The Bachmann F7A engine keeps uncoupling from the B unit. Usually on a turn sometimes on a grade. I have changed out couplers on both engines but the problems remains. I am starting to think that the engine just can not pull the 4 cars that are behind it. This is pure speculations by my part. I have noticed that only the back truck is powered from my disassembly and reassembly of the F7A engine and dummy. Which probably explains why it seems to break traction (peel out) alot.

OK, so what options would you guys recommend for me next. I have been leaning towards getting powered A and B engines and swapping out shells with my NFL trains. What engines would have chassis that match the Bachmann F7A Hawthorne Village engines.

Also any other recommendations to keep my engine coupled? Maybe something better than the EZ Mates I am using?

Thanks.

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[#welcome] Naxos,

Are you working with H.O. trains? It sounds that way from talking about Bachman, if so the Model Railroad forum is for that. If it is G gauge maybe somebody else here can help you. Mainly the guys here deal with O & S or G gauge trains.

Have you tried adding some weight to the B unit? This is just a guess.

Much success in finding an naswer to your problem.

Lee F.

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Thanks for the welcome Lee. Yes I am currently working in HO but dabling in O-Scale as well. I like that I can do more modeling and layout in HO, but do not like that my train keeps coming off the track. I only have an O-scale trolley and some cars right now but that trolley zips around the little bit of track I have. If I had the room (and money) I would definetly be doing more in O.

I’ll give my question a shot in the other forum as well. Thanks.