I have a fairly new Bachmann spectrum wide-cab Dash-8. I just recently got the trackwork done on my first layout (yay!), and have been using this loco exclusively as my “test train.” I’ve been running it around the layout a dozen times or so a day, at least a few days a week for the past month or two. Today, I noticed that some of the wheels looked like they were getting “worn” and pitted where they had been contacting the rails. On closer inspection, it looks like what’s actually happening is the plating is separating from the metal in places. I was surprised to see this in such a fairly new loco.
What causes the plating to separate from the metal like that? (dirty track maybe?) Is it something to be overly concerned about? Is this just a problem with Bachmann Spectrums, or can I expect this to happen to all my locos? Is there anything I can do to stop it on this loco and prevent it on my other locos? If it gets bad enough, does NWSL make replacement wheels w/ gears?
NWSL does make wheelsets with gears, But Im surprised any plating would be separating. Maybe the wheels are just getting dirty and it looks like separation. Try cleaning the wheels very well and then look again.
If the wheels look black and “splotchy”, then it’s probably just dirty wheels, as Joe suggested. Use a Q-tip and some rubbing (or Isopropyl) alcohol to clean off the wheels. While you’re at it, clean your track as well. This will help keep your wheels from becoming “reinfected” sooner.
I did try cleaning the wheels with alcohol and a Q-tip, and looked at the wheels very closely - there is definitely something going on there. The surface is a little rough in that groove where the rails contact it and I can see the copper (?) colored metal underneath in some places. The plating is definitely wearing off in some places. I can’t believe this is normal for a fairly new loco.
Its not normal. But before you go spend money on the NWSL wheelsets try emailing or calling bachmann. They might send you free replacement wheelsets. If it happens again though you might as well go with the NWSL’s
A copper hue and rough surface might indicate the wheel plating is coming off. You’re right. That shouldn’t be happening with a new locomotive. Try e-mailing Bachmann and telling them you’re problem. Perhaps they may have a remedy for you (for FREE?). If nothing else, you can try replacing the wheels with the NWSL’s.
No, it is NOT normal. All of my locos have more mileage than that, and none of their wheels have the characteristics that you describe. So, I agree that a call (e-mails have a poor track record with the MRR industry) might have some solutions in your hands, one way or the other.
If that fails, and this would depend on what the loco is worth to you, they Can be replated though it’s a bit expensive… What causes it could be any number of things but I’m betting a contaminated process in the factory. If Bachmans lifetime warranty is worth anything, they’ll take care of it. Are the wheels Sparking on the track?
Thanks for the quick responses, everybody. It’s nice to know this isn’t normal - I was nervous about running my brand-new P2K SD-45 on the track for more than a few feet, but now I feel better about it (after I clean the track, first!). I will try calling Bachmann and will see where it goes from there. I do think I’d go with NWSL before having the wheels re-plated
Jeff - I haven’t seen any sparking on the track. Just to be sure, I turned off all the lights and ran it around once in the dark to be sure. I didn’t see any sparking, but did notice that because of the headlight, the front end of the shell puts out a nice warm yellow glow (it’s a UP model). Guess I’ll have to seal the headlight bulb off better if I’m going to model any night scenes [;)]
Are the wheels black or silver? I’ve got a few locos with shiny silver wheels that are worn thru at the contact area and areshowing a copper color. I haven’t had problems with them so I haven’t thought musch about it. I clean my loco wheels by putting a paper towel with alcohol or track cleaner on it down on a piece of track and holding the loco with one set of trucks on the towel and the other contacting the rail for electrical pickup. Advancing the throttle, making the wheels slip, cleans the wheels very well without a lot more wear on the threads or scratches that add places to pick up dirt.
I was just wondering what type of plating loss it was… Pitting or premature wear… Sounds like it’s the latter… WRT the headlight, the way I solve that depends on the way it’s made… On something like an Athearn with the large clear plastic, I drill a small hole that’ll hold a 1.5v bulb (running DCC here) and insert the bulb holding it with a little white glue (so it can be removed if and when it burns out)… Another way is to use a fiber optic strand as a guide, mounted in the headlight lens the same as the 1.5v bulb. The other end is then placed in front of the light bulb and secured with a piece of shrink wrap tubing. The other way, a simple brass tube between the light bulb and the lens… All work great, they leave the cab dark and don’t light up the track under the loco (I let the flickering firebox on the steamers do that [:D])…