A couple of years ago I purchased an N scale Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0, and was very pleased with its performance. I liked it so much that I purchased a second one just like it. After a few months, the original began to run with a slight jerkiness, despite clean wheels and track, so I sent it to Bachmann and they “repaired” and returned it. I have now returned both 2-8-0’s for service several times, never with satisfactory results. Ever since that first return, the unit that comes back to me, whether new or repaired, has problems. Typically the returned unit either hesitates periodically or is noisy/vibrates on curves. No matter what I do, including calling the company to explain what the problems are, I receive a locomotive back that doesn’t run well. I’d love to have one that runs like my first one did. I continue to operate other N scale locomotives on the same track with absolutely no problems. Has anybody else had this problem with the Spectrum 2-8-0 and Bachmann’s shop?
I have one of these turkeys–the only operational steamer I own–and mine is running flawlessly at this time; I will admit, however, that it has not really had a very hefty workout; in addition I own a dash 8-40C and three dash 8-40CWs which have had good workouts and which have not given me any troubles. At the first sign of troubles with one of my dash 8s I’m going to slap an old Kato U30C mechanism under it persuant to a Richard Harris article in a mid-90s N-Scale magazine.
You are not, unfortunately, the first person to bring up problems with Bachmann’s backshop and, equally unfortunately, you will probably not be the last!!!
Hey R.T., do you know if the ho scale one’s are any better, or do they give the same problems as he is describing?
Some Horribly Oversized-Scaler will have to answer this!
You need to look at at the draw bar on the tender. There are two current pick up rods, Make sure that the curved part of the rods are on the in side of the front truck prongs. If they have poped over it will drasticly affect loco operation. You may have to tweek them a little. I had the same symtoms you are discribing with mine. especialy in curves. Till I figured out it was a simple fix. Just moving the train on and off the track can make the rods pop over.