I’ve noticed that the windows on the Bachmann Spectrum 44 tonner are small. The door to the cab also looks too ofset to the right and has the handrails in effect securing the doors closed. How would I go about fixing this problem? I mainly need to remove the cab to begin correcting the problem.I love these engines. They run nice and are inexpensive. I mentioned on another post if the model seemed right.
You seem to be obsessed with this model, two posts on the same subject. Perhaps buy a brass version of the 44 tonner might be the idea to correct your perceived “problems”?
If I recall the cab is not separartely removable, it is moulded in one piece with the whole body shell. The cab doors do not open, so what is the problem if they are too offset to the right and the handrail secures the door closed?
If you examine any model close enough, “problems” can probably be found. Compromises need to be made when making a model of anything. The metal in the prototype cabs is only a fraction of an inch thick, but on the model they would probably scale out to 3-4" thick. So compromises needed to be made with the doors and windows and other areas, making them not to scale.
There is really only “one” solution to your problem if it bothers you that much…buy a brass one.
Mark
WGAS
The cab is a separate piece. You best bet would be to either file the windows to the correct shape or construct the whole cab from styrene. I feel the styrene cab would be your best bet and it would not be too difficult…although a bit time consuming.
That is a solution, but not the least expensive option. The lesser cost option is to get the engine moving on the railroad, step back about 18 inches, and then see if you can see the problem.
Gentlemen,
I’m not obsessed. I really love these models (I own about 10 of them) and it never occurred to me until last week. After some research, I came to the conclusion that there were problems with the model.
On this thread, I’m just asking for advice on how to correct the problem…
Mike,
I guess the primary concern would be how to fix your models, as oppossed to Bachmann making the model to more precise specifications. The manufacturing process requires compromise.
You could just flle the cab window pillars thinner, then remember to never pick them up by the cab. They’re your models.
Or, it seems to me, that clear styrene has the same strength as opaque styrene, so filing the the thick pillars down thinner and opening the windows does not have to mean a weaker structure if you replace the windows with thicker clear styrene. Wrap it around the inside of the cab. Pieces glued together should still provide decent strength for the occasional mis-aimed digit. Maybe not a perfect solution, but it may be worth experimenting with one of your ten models.
Thanks Center Cab & Doughless. I have to pull off the body & see. I agree, about lifting any model by the cab. I always lift from the frame. I wonder how much the body can weaken since other models use a thin cab wall on their models.