I have a Bachmann Spectrum line 44 tonner that I bought around 2 years ago. At one point I had a Digitrax decoder in it, but it went bad after a year so I removed it. It sat on my workbench for a while, and today I finally picked up the little loco to see if I could nurse some life back out of it with DC power. I oiled and greased a few dry spots and it ran fine for a few minutes.
Then it slowed way down, and when I turned up the power it started arcing around the commutator and came to a smoking halt. I checked everything over–as far as I can tell, the wiring is done correctly. But every time I try runnning it since, it’s just more arcing and smoke.
Any ideas on what could be wrong?
Acela[D)]
Did you get oil or grease on the commutator or brushes? You may have over-oiled it from the outside of the bearing near the commutator, and after a bit of running some oil got through. Try using a Q-tip with alcohol to clean the commutator, let it dry and then see how it runs.
Acela,
Is your loco the original version with a motor in each truck or the new version with a single motor driving both trucks? The orginal ones were prone to that sort of thing. One of mine did something similar.
Mr B’s advice may help you, but if not, the shell will fit on the later, improved chassis. Most people write off their losses on the original version if it’s lasted this long.
If the improved single motor version, IMO should be worth fixing if the motor is toast. Trick is finding a good motor at a cheap price.
I have the single motor version. Yes, there is probably a good chance some oil worked its way over there. I’ll let it dry out and try to clean it off. Hopefully that’s the quick fix. Acela
Just in case. Bachmann has a good replacement policy if your shell is not custom painted.
Few years ago I had a two motor 44 ton modified to DCC and a gear cracked. Rewired to DC, sent it back with a check and received a DCC ready single motor 44 ton.
The Bachmann website has repair and replacement info.
They also have a parts page for most of their locos, including the 44 ton. They still have parts for the two motor version.
Rich