Milwaukee Road Doodlebugs

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
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I know that the Milwaukee Road used doodlebugs and I have found reference to several of them in the books in my library, namely nos. 5902, 5903, 5925-5934, 5937, and 5939. However, I have failed to find a comprehensive roster that describes them, their configuration, when they were built, when they were retired, where they were used, etc.

Does anyone know of an article or other source that goes into more detail about the doodlebugs used on the Milwaukee Road?

I recently purchased a Bachmann doodlebug and after I replace the inevitable cracked gear, I plan on painting it in the Milwaukee Road colors and decaling it.

I want to add DCC and sound and am considering using a Digitrax SDXN147PS decoder. I have downloaded the sound file for it from French Creek. But I am open to suggestions of other decoders.

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I haven’t heard of Bachmann having problems with cracked gears; in the old days, that was a problem with some Life-Like engines.

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I’ve heard it about some of the (90s?) models with nylon gears. While nylon has potential to crack, in my experience that only comes about with insufficient lubing.

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Bachmann had a batch or two of Doodlebugs with cracked gears way back, but most are just fine. They did have parts for awhile, I don’t know what that statis is right now.

Sheldon

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The gear replacement wheels arrived today from NWSL. I took me about 30 minutes to install them. The doodlebug now runs smoothly and quietly.

Now I have to figure out the best way to install LED lighting and a sound DCC decoder and speaker.

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Hi JPD,

Can you share which replacement wheels you ordered from NWSL. There are quite a few different set on the website.

Thanks,

Scott Sonntag

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Here is what I ordered:

Geared Wheelset, HO, 36"/110, 2mm x 0.797" Flush Axle, Bachmann Doodlebug and EMC Gas-Electric, 15 Teeth Reverse Worm Gear, $49.95.

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Sorry, forgot to thank you for the response. Scott

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Just a quick update on this project.

I have the older Bachmann doodlebug with the little light bulbs. I wanted to change them out for LEDs. I eventually decided to change out the old circuit board with a new one from Bachmann parts that includes LEDs. This was relatively easy to do; I just had to trim down the interior door walls a little for the circuit board to fit in.

I am using a Digitrax SDXN147PS decoder for this project. The speaker is small, but the sound is acceptable.

Now I have to adjust the headlight light tube to make sure it comes in contact with the LED on the circuit board.

The decals for this project should arrive today. I have to then paint the shell with Tru-Color Milwaukee Road colors and apply the decals. If this goes well, then I will be done and I can start running the doodlebug on my layout.

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Also, I should mention that Edmund Keilty’s Doodlebug Country: The Rail Motorcar on the Class 1 Railroads of the United States (Interurbans Special 77) was recommended to me as a reference. It lists all the Doodlebugs owned by the Milwaukee Road. I was able to get a used copy via Amazon.

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