N scale 4-4-0 Bachmann American universal drive shaft

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi all
Greetings from downunder…
I recently purchased a few N scale locos on eBay. One of them, a 4-4-0 American by Bachmann, is missing the universal drive shaft from the motorised tender to the drive gears in the engine.
I was wondering if anyone has a photo or diagram or could take a photo of the shaft and post it here so I can get an idea of what it looks like. I would like to try and scratch build one.

TIA
Rob

2

There are two kinds actually. There’s the old style that is rather bulky, and the new style that is basically just a dogbone shape that snaps into the two universal cups. I’ve got a new style one for sure and I think I have a parts loco that has the old style. I’ll try to get some pics tonight and post them for you. Gotta head out right now. Catch up with you later.

3

Alright, Sorry it took so long. Big day! See if this helps;

Click to enlarge pics.

This is the old style driveshaft;

This is the new;

Here, you can see the new style a bit better on a loco I’m modifying;

Like I said, the new is just a dog bone affair. I’ve never taken the old off to see about it, but maybe in the morning I could pull them both apart and lay them side by side against a ruler so you can get a good idea. Right now, I’ve GOT to get some sleep, sorry. Hope this helps. See ya in the morning.

4

Thanks for that Phillip
Thats been a big help. Its pretty much as I thought it would look. Just a matter of molding some plastic around the hex nut and having a narrow dogbone shaft in the middle. It’ll be a bit fiddly but I’ll give it a go.
Thanks again.

Rob

5

I’m glad that helped Rob.

Let’s see if this helps any more. [8D]

Here’s the back of the loco (Old Style);

Here’s the other (New Style);

As you can see, I’m not a photographer. But if you look closely you can see the black plastic forks on the new one that hold the dog bone in. You can also see the drive nuts on the old style.

Here’s the two drive shafts compared;

And here’s an end shot of the old style driveshaft;

If you need the old style shaft you can have mine. I don’t need it. I can mail it to you, but as you live down under I’m not sure it wouldn’t cost more then it’s worth to ship it to you. It’s up to you. If you want it, just click on my profile and use the Email link and send me some info on how to get it to you.

6

Hey Guess What
Before posting a message here in the forum I had posted an enquiry via the Bachmann website regarding the cost of purchasing a drive shaft.
Today in the mail I received a complimentary shaft free of charge.
Now thats what I call a user friendly company policy. Most Unexpected!!

Thanks for all your help with the photos. They were brilliant. I can still see myself manufacturing a copy of the shaft though as it is so small that no doubt I will lose it at some stage.

Thanks again.

Cheers
Rob

7

Well that sure worked out, didn’t it? I’m glad that it all went well and you’re now moving under your own power down the tracks.

8

Yes. You could say “I’m pretty stoked” Ha!