I’m buildingt a small DCC N scale layout. I started running 2 Kato F-3 and F-7 locomotives. No problems. I just received a Bachmann 4-6-0 steam locomotive and it slips and stutters around the tracks. Since the Kato trains runs with no real problems, I’m assuming my problem with the steam loco is with the quality of the engine. I’ve cleaned the tracks and soldered all the joints. I’m not sure what else I can do to improve the performance. Does anyone know of a company that has Kato quality steam locomotives for sale?
I think if I throw some Bullfrog Snot on the loco, it’ll inhibit the performance more. I haven’t even tried to pull any cars yet. Also, any other track cleaning advice out there would be appreciated. I’m using the Woodland scenic cleaning pads to scrub the tracks.
Bachmann is a decent quality product now a days, but as with any company, a bad one may slip through the supply chain.
If you have cleaned the track, have you cleaned the wheels of the loco? There may be some grease on them form manufacturing. Simply put a towel soaked in rubbing alcohol on the tracks and run the loco at high speed over it. {besides cleaning the stationary wheels while not running}.
If that fails, send it ito Bachamnn for repair. They have a greats service facitlity, I have heard. I have 14 Bachmann DCC onBoard Locos both regular and spectrum models, and have only one that growls at slow speeds. The rest all run Fine, so I have not had a need to test their repair/replace facility!
I Have both Nscale and HO scale locos from Bachmann, Both DCC and plain old DC, both modern new ones and older 1970’s models, and all give me GREAT service!
You are correct to assume Kato Steam as high quality, their Mikado is what is used to measure good N Scale steam.
That said, do not give up on your Bachmann 4-6-0. As is stated before, Bachmann some times lets a bad one through, but their service department is excellent. Also, some of these issues can be fixed yourself as outlined in this review from Spookshow :http://www.spookshow.net/loco/spec460.html Also, the tender may not have pick up ability if you did not get the DCC version, but I’m not sure, so make sure the tender picks up power. With Bull Frog snot you only need to snot an axle’s worth of wheels, not 2 or 3. Bachmann N Scale steam is the only N Scale steam out there that you can get easily and the reputation of Bachmann being a train set company is rapidly fading. Their steam products are at the forefront of N Scale steam.
The Drivers slipping without pulling anything,does not sound right…Get a piece of flat glass,put the engine on the glass and look to see if all the drivers are touching it…If they are then make your decision, to send it in or not…You may have more to tell them,if they are not touching the class,is my point…
I agree with Frank, check that first then consider your options.
N scale steam is primarily made by bachmann, minus a couple Kato locomotives (2-8-2 mikado and 4-8-4 GS4) and model powers 4-6-2’s. There are plenty are plenty of classes made by bachmann, I only own one bachmann steamer at the moment, a 4-8-2 light mountain it’s been just as reliable as my Kato diesels and GS4.
Check the front truck for excess pressure. you just want enough to keep it on the track NOT TAKING all the weight off the drivers.
Check the draw bar and wires fron the tender. If these are lifting the rear of the engine they also will need adjustment. You want the boiler weight on the drivers.
Check that the wheel wipers on the engine and tender just fit the wheels. Excess pressure will also cause drag.
Clean all the electrical contacts on the tender and engine. Factory gunk and corrosion while shipping at sea can get them dirty. The more you run it , it should get better.