Fixing original Bachmann Spectrum K4 Pacifics (glue?)

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’ve got a pair of the original Spectrum K4 Pacifics (pre-DCC), and originally they ran well.

Recently I pulled them out to run, and they both lurch down the track. I took one apart and discovered that it’s a problem with the drivers. They’re spoked metal with a flexible soft plastic insert (vinyl?). The inserts have domed out to the point where the centers hit the side rods. I can pry them out, but at this point they need to be glued in to keep them flat.

The review of the K4 on here has comments that describe a similar lurching problem. I bet this is the cause for them.

What sort of adhesive would you recommend for metal-to-(vinyl?) - ACC or something else? I don’t want to goop up the spaces between the spokes, and I’d like the repair to last.

Thanks!

2

Realy depends on the plastic!!!

3

When I run into this I just remove the plastic centers. Next, paint the drivers. Finally, cut the counter balance from the plastic center and glue just it back onto the drivers.

4

Looking at several other old Bachmann engines I have sitting around (for example, the old N&W J streamliners) they used the same technique (and the plastic has the same consistency.) It looks like this was the way they put different counterweights in wheels.