Spectrum Russian Decapod "quirkyness"

[steverg]

Is there a way to intensify the headlight on an Erie 2-10-0? Also, I attempted loosening the pilot truck screw to make it a bit more flexible on turns but it keeps derailing, especially on frogs and rail joints.  Is there a way to make it a bit heavier so it will stay on the rails?

Other than those two little items, Bachmann has a SUPERB product with their Russian Decapod line!!

[rogertra]

Try removing the spring that holds the truck down.

I remove all those springs from all trucks on every steam loco, regardless of who the manufacturer is.

[GN.2-6-8-0]

The dim headlights on the Bachmann Spectrums are caused by the light being transmitted through a plastic lite tube in the headlight casting,you will need to place the bulb within the headlight itself in order to make it brighter.better yet use a Sunny white LED in order to eliminate heat melting the headlite casting.
As for the derailing purchase a NMRA track Gauge.....1st check the wheel gauge on the pony truck and make sure the wheels are in gauge and if thats alright use the gauge to check your track to make sure its in proper gauge also the flangeways etc. of your turnouts.

[rogertra]

Regarding the "dim" headlight.

Keep in mind that in steam days, the headlight was a 90VDC lamp and not one of today's twin sealed beam jobs as found on diesels.

The headlight should not be dazzling white as often seen on many photos of steam in the model press but of a yellowish hue.  All that was required was the headlight be bright enough  "To see an object the size of a man at 500 feet."  In yard service, to be bright enough "To see an object the size of a man at 300ft."

Dazzling bright headlights on steam are not prototypical, except in today's fan trip service.