Wheel Replacement

[gandhb74]

I have an Bachmann HO Model Train Set.  I need to replace a wheel on the engine.  The engine has a closed bottom with no way to get at the wheel without taking something off.  The other cars have the wheel exposed for easy replacment.  I am not sure what I need to remove to get at the wheel on the engine.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

[Doneldon]

gand-

We need a little more information. What locomotive are you talking about? Steam or diesel? Manufacturer? Model number? Age? Exactly which wheel?

These questions may sound like overkill but, believe me, they aren't. There are hundreds and hundreds of HO locomotives made by dozens of companies in many countries. Most of the more popular locos were/are made by more than one company, or have been made at several different times as technology and materials changed. Every one of those locos is unique, even the ones made and remade by a single manufacturer. So give us the identifying information we need to have any hope of helping you. Otherwise, we'll guess and screw things up but good!
                                                                                                                                                                 -- D

[gandhb74]

I really don't have much information about this engine.  It is the Green Bay Packer Train set from Bradford Exchange.  I have looked at the Bachmann website and I think it really resembles the F7-A Diesel Locomotive.  The third set of wheels from the front is the one I need to replace.  It has 4 sets of wheels.  They are in 2 separate goups of 2 sets each.  I hope that makes sense to you.  It looks like the plate across the wheel axles must come off to expose the wheels in order to remove them.  I cannot figure out how to get that plate off.  It says "Bachmann China" on the bottom.  Everything I have founds says that all I need to do is spread the ouside pieces to get the wheels out.  That makes sense on all the other cars, but it will not work on the locomotive or the second car.  They are the ones with the battery pack in them.  They are both very heavy.  Thank you for any help you may be able to give me. 

[jward]

by some oversight, bachmann doesn't have a parts drawing for the f7 on this site.

usually, to get the gearbox cover off you look for tabs at either end betwwn the wheels.    the tabs should be on the gearbox itself, and the cover should have openings that fit over these tabs. with a small screwdriver, gently pry the gearbox cover over one of the tabs and you should be able to remove it. most diesels have some variation of this setup, regardless of who made them.

[gandhb74]

Thank you very much for the information.  It worked great.  I have another question.  Does anyone know where I can order the replacement wheel for the Bachman F7-A Diesel Locomotive.  The regular 36" wheels dont work because the one I need has a gear on it.  I have checked the Bachman website and they don't show the kind of wheel I need.  I checked other websites and have not had any luck. 

[jward]

i'd call the parts department. it should be under warranty.

[gandhb74]

Jeffery, thank you very much for the help you have given me.  I was able to get the old wheel off and I have ordered new wheels for the locomotive.  With you help, I was able to find them online.  Thank you again.