Bachmann engines weather proof??

[BillingsRR]

I've always been told, by many hobbyists, that the Bachmann Large Scale engines, as beautiful as they are, are not made to be run in the rain or snow because they will die. Recently I've been told that the B'mann engines are weatherproof and can run in snow and rain with no problems. Does anyone know which is true? 

[on30gn15]

It depends on how much rain and snow - what will get splashed or pushed into her guts through openings in frame.

Look 'em over good to see where moisture might enter chassis or body and use some deductive reasoning.

There are shots of Annies and Big Haulers running in, even plowing, snow over at Large Scale Central forum. Probably on My Large Scale dot com as well.

--> It also depends on decoration --> fancy dome striping on Glenbrook Valley set's 4-6-0 is printed paper stickers; that one you do NOT want to run in wet weather.

[JerryB]

For over 20 years, I have run my Bachmann (and other brands) LS engines in all types of weather, including driving rain.

I do bring them inside and gently dry them after an especially wet session, but have never had a problem caused by moisture.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

[Doneldon]

Billings-

I think the best policy is to consider all electrical devices as limited to dry conditions only. I don't suppose the neighborhood would burn down if some water got into a garden railroad loco and shorted it but I know it will be an unfortunate experience for the loco and its owner. I'm not sure why someone would like to be out running trains in the rain though I can see that it would be fun in the winter, especially if one had one of those little rotary snowplows! Overall, I'd say don't run trains in the wet, though light snow may not be too harmful, and never leave model railroad equipment exposed to the elements. Just sayin'.
                                                                                                                                                                 -- D

[BillingsRR]

Don

I never run my expensive engines in the rain. Only the LGB engine may see rain. That and the cheap battery engine i have. I actually wasn't asking for my sake, some on on the Thomas forum has a question about running the G scale Thomas in the snow, i didn't recommend it, but someone said they did. I said dump a glass of water an a Big Hauler and then one on an AristoCraft similar engine. The B'mann won't move and the AristoCraft will because it was made to. He said he did the experiment and it worked. That is why I created this thread to see if he was right.
-BRR

[Jon D. Miller]

Does this count for operating in water?



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcsBhmkfLFc

This is a 38 ton Shay plowing snow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y74VzVVVCIA

Another video of the Shay plowing snow.  Had a little trouble with my RC throttle but we got the job done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvwkBgAtB00

This is a video of a 2-6-0 Indy pushing the camera car around the layout after plowing.


I use either a Shay or Connie to plow on the CD&StL.  I've been plowing snow using Bachmann engines for the last 7 or 8 years.  Sure haven't had any mechanical or electrical problems due to running in the snow.  You just have to use some commons sense and also make sure the equipment is put out in the cold so it gets to the outside temp before placing on the track.

One more observation.  We run in the rain.  That usually happens when we get together for an operating session at one of our members layouts.  We sure aren't going to allow a little rain to stop our fun.  I've run just about every type Bachmann locomotive in the rain with no ill effects.  We run all manufacturers engines in the rain.  On some diesels you have to cover the roof vents to keep the water out.

There have been extensive postings on LSOL over the years by those of us that look forward to plowing snow. We exchange information and the techniques used when conducting plow operations.

One of the "Enthusiastic" Children

JD

[BillingsRR]

Does this count for operating in water?



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcsBhmkfLFc

This is a 38 ton Shay plowing snow.

Wow, reminds me of a flood down in like South America or Africa. The picture looks great!

[Jon D. Miller]

Certainly folks must have seen pictures of Shay locomotives 1:1 scale crossing low water where the tracks are submerged.  If a big Shay can ford a stream then I figured my Bachmann Shay could do the same thing.

One of the "Enthusiastic" Children

JD

[Loco Bill Canelos]

I have run my Bachmann Loco in rain & snow for many years without ill effects.  I too bring them in after runni9ng in wet conditions.   I am able to drive them through a hole in the wall, and I let the whole train sit and drain.   Depending on the situation I also take the time to re lube the moving parts.

Here is a vid ofm my sons layout using four USA Trains Diesels to plow deep snow.   He loves plowing snow and does it every chance he gets.  He also uses doubleheaded Conies to plow with.  He tpo has never had a problem with his locos.   He just brushes off the snow as much as possible, lets them dry and re lubes as necessary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7Y5fJGrJ3k

This second video gives some idea of just how deep the snow was(California Zephyr fans will love it).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlXkaGgs1cI


The third vid is a cab view of the layout after plowing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH62n2-Pumo