I have a Bachmann Plus GS-4 that has a couple of driving gears that are cracked. With other train brands,I call them and they usually send replacement gears. But if a ‘Worst case scenerio’ happens, will ‘super glueing’ work? Is there another possible method?
Thanks!
I am going through the same thing with a Tenshoda drive unit. The nylon gears are spilt. I went to NWSL. And they have brass replacement gears for my drive unit. you may check with them for the same.
I would just replace the gear, super gluing will not hold that good on the gear.
I remember some time ago, some one offered an upgrade kit for these Bachman engines … I want to say it was Bowser (?) Any one remember for sure ???
Mark.
OK, I found it … Bowser. Here is a PDF file link showing the parts. The axle with the gear on it is a blind driver.
http://www.bowser-trains.com/hoemrrs/mechanisms/3_206/3-203_3-206%20Instruct.pdf
Mark.
dont fix a split gear, meshing will be off everytime if turns and do more damage.
go NWSL and replace it
you may need a driver quarterer as you will have to pull the wheels off, also need a puller, NWSL has both.
(if the split gear is on a wheel)
if Bachmann can replace the set, cool, but why waste time when it might split again.
Bowser also makes a repower kit for the Bachmann GS 4 and 4-8-4 Northern, it basically is a Bowser frame and motor, plus weights mounted to the GS 4 / Northern body and detail parts from the Bachmann ( valve gear). It works like a charm even with the open frame motor in the kit.
You can buy a new Bachmann GS-4 for less than the Bowser kit. Not even super glue will stick to nylon, so there’s no way to repair these locomotive gears.
I have the Bowser kit for the Daylight and it works real well. Nice and heavy, will pull anything you couple to it. If you fix the Bachman it will break again and again. The Spectrum line may be good but the standard Bachman line should be renamed Brakeman because that’s what they do best. I also re-powered a Bachman “J” with a Bowser kit and it worked out equally well. The bodies are nice; unfortunately the drives are prone to failure.
Jim
Telephone Bachmann’s service department during EST business hours, number is on Bachmann’s website. They maybe able to send you replacements.
As mentioned above repair is not possible.
Cracked gears are due to the parts getting too cold for the tolerances they were made to. Unfortunately, in some instances, “too cold” can be above room temperature.
Plastic gears can be repaired but it is not for the faint of heart. First you need it VERY clean. Then wrap tightly with nylon fishing line to keep the crack closed. Then take two thin washers slightly smaller than the circle formed by the bottom of the gear teeth. Drill thru the gear and the washers so the washers sandwich the gear with about four or five small holes. You will need some wire that matches the hole size, preferably brass. Slightly enlarge the hole thru the gear and make sure the washers match. Rough up the sides of the gear with sandpaper and the inside face of each washer. Cover the gear side with a coat of two part epoxy and slap on a washer, slipping a wire thru the gear and washer. Do the same on the other side. Slide wires thru all the holes. When cured, clip the wires with a rather large set of wire cutting pliers so that the ends get mashed some so the washers are held by the wires and the epoxy. Make sure you get any epoxy out of the gear teeth before running it. Oh, and put the gear back on the axle with a coat of epoxy in the hole, too.
Only did one this way, but it’s still kicking after several years. And it took like four tries before I found something that worked. Then I found I could have gotten a replacement gear, which I did, but the repaired one is still going.
Thanks Guys!
This is the feedback I was looking for! Everybody has excellent ideas. I ordered this Bachmann Plus at Trainworld back in 1998. For the most part, I never had any problems. I already have another GS-4 as a ‘Paper weight’ (This is a Lionel with the side hamster motor in it!). I’ll keep everybody informed when I decide which option I’ll take. [:D]
Here’s a real nice how to on repairing split gears. It’s for an N scale Bachmann steamer, but I am sure it could be used for anything with some imagination.
http://www.2guyzandsumtrains.com/Content/pa=showpage/pid=47.html
cool
Yeah, I thought it was a good one, too. That repair will hold the gear together until it all but crumbles apart. It’s a nice option in case the parts cannot be found.
Actually, for a small fee, you can send the locomotive back to Bachmann for repair or replacement. For smaller scales, they typically just replace the locomotive.
Ive used the same method for repairing wheels on home set slot cars, but using styrene plastic tubing
Should work on trains too.
Rotor
ya but when its my old Rivarossi Berkshire 2-8-4 Nickle Plate Road
then no mail in repairs for me
and how I need repairs poor riva
Probably true, but you’ll end up with a loco drive the same quality as the one you’re replacing. The Bowser units run for YEARS. If you’re looking for a good running engine, you’ll have fewer headaches and spend less in the long run.
this is a interference fit measure the differance between the two too great of a differance and the new nylon gear will fail too little and the gear will slip