You know something is wrong when...

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

You know something is wrong when an HO steam engine starts smoking! [:0] Im trying to fix an HO Bachmann Spectrum K-4 Pacific and smoke started coming out from underneath the shell. Anyone know how to fix this? It barely runs anymore and its sort of noisy

Thanks
John

2

There is something wrong with the motor, unless it has a smoke device. Stop runnung it and take it apart. The most common problem is brushes. If you keep running it you will melt even more than you have now. Some of the other guys have more experience in replacing motors.

3

It sounds like you might have let the smoke out of the wires. All you can do is pull off the shell and look for the burnt spots. Wires can be replaced. Circute board is a little mre expensive but sould be replacable. If the motor windings are shorted the only thing to do is replace the motor.

The good news is that if you were using the wrong lubricant to lubricate the motor that could be te source of the smoke. I had a little incedent with an old cash regester, WD-40, and a spark from the electric motor that caused a ball of flame 3 feet high. After checking closley all that brurnt off was the lubriant and years of lint. Good luck.

4

Oh I thought this was goiong to be one of those gag posts.

You know something is wrong when you can’t keep an SW-7 and a caboose on the tracks

5

I can tell you some good news…I guess. I needed a motor in a Spectrum 70 ton diesel. It is the kind that has two motors. I emailed Bachmann and they sent me a new one BEFORE I ever paid for it and only charged me 10 bucks. I thought that was pretty good. People can talk about Bachmann all they want. I kinda like um.

6

Thanks guys. Im going to take the shell off and look through all the mechanical parts and wires.

John

7

Send it back to the manufacturer and they can re-install the smoke you let out! [8D]

8

Hey, someone else likes Bachmann, even as slight as it may be. I AM NOT ALONE! YAY![:D]