Spectrum K4 Pacific #1361

[WarlordApoc]

I recently purchased a k4 4-6-2 and I noticed when running it on a layout with a few switches that the front pilot truck wheel derails and then I noticed that the front wheel and cow catcher assembly points slight upward.  Now the handrails the go into the boiler dont help pull up on the cowcatcher and pilot wheels.  Is there a way to keep the front end down so it doesnt derail the front truck.

[WarlordApoc]

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh27/nissan300ztt/20150329_202729_zpsbwilrnd3.jpg

[WarlordApoc]

ANYONE?  ::CRICKETS::

[Joe Satnik]

Dear WLA,

I see 2 different eras for a Spectrum 1361 in my old print catalogs.

2001 catalog pg. 101:  84014 DCC ready

2010 catalog pg. 193:  84102 DCC on board (no sound)

Both have "modern pilots".

In your picture it looks as though the pilot might be damaged. 

More close-up pictures from various angles would help. 

Check the back-to-back of the front truck's wheels:  0.566" to 0.575"

Check that the wheels run flat and true and aren't binding somewhere.

Check that the front truck swing mechanism isn't binding somewhere.

Some have good luck adding weight to the front truck.

You could do a Bachmann Board search on front truck weight for various methods of adding weight.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

[Len]

I have to agree with Joe. From the picture it looks like something bent the pilot up from it's normal position. So the coupler is pointing at the sky, instead of being level to operate properly.

The problem with trying to bend it down is it might snap off. If it's plastic, heating it with a hair dryer might bring it back to it's normal position. Just be careful not to get so close it melts.

Len

[WarlordApoc]

I will definitely try to remedy this situation with these suggestions.  It almost seems like the bottom plastic subframe might have gotten too hot and caused it to warp.  I know bachmann makes the bottom plate still  but removing the pilot truck would require me to solder which I hate doing.  Ill definitely try both of these suggestions tomorrow.

[rogertra]

Is this model a "Spectrum" K4 or the pre-Spectrum K4?

The "Spectrum K4" was, if I remember the Model Railroader magazine reviews, an upgraded version of the previous K4 and not a completely new model.  The "Spectrum K4" was introduced, I believe, in the late 1990s.

If you have a pre-"Spectrum K4", that may explain the problems you are having.

Cheers

Roger T.

[Joe Satnik]

From the Kalmbach magazine index:

Pennsy K4 Locomotive: Detailing - Conclusion: The Tender
by Kris Kollar
from Mainline Modeler February 2002  p. 54


Pennsy K4 Locomotive: Detailing - Part One
by Kris Kollar
from Mainline Modeler January 2002  p. 22


Smooth, accurate define new K4
by Gary Hoover
from NMRA Bulletin October 1999  p. 22


Spectrum, by Bachmann, HO Scale Pennsylvania K4 4-6-2
by Guy Thrams
from Railmodel Journal October 1999  p. 16


Bachmann Spectrum HO K4 review
by George Sebastian-Coleman
from Model Railroader September 1999  p. 14


Bachmann�s upgraded Spectrum K4s
by Otte, David
from Model Railroad News July 1999  p. 8


Spectrum Pennsylvania RR K-4 4-6-2 Test Report
by Higgins, Robert
from Railmodel Journal October 1994  p. 50


Bachmann HO PRR K4 Pacific
from Model Railroader September 1989  p. 45

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

[WarlordApoc]

I have a spectrum k4.  And it looks like the plastic subframe is going to need a small shim 1/32" to 1/16" thick to fix the issue until I can find a new un warped subframe.  But with the plastic shims I had out of some old credit cards it seems to level the front out a bit.  I dont have the track set up to test it.  So it will have to wait to get over to my buddies layout to test it on his switches.

[WarlordApoc]

So I just did some research on parts for my spectrum k4 and I dont think Bachmann even has a replacement for my particular model available.  I wonder if I can interchange parts from the newer loco

[Trainman203]

If that under frame is metal do not try to bend it back into shape  It will break just like my identically bent ten wheeler did.  Get a new part and start over.

You may have to do what a lot of Spectrum owners have to do these days ..... Have extra engines to scavenge for parts.

[WarlordApoc]

No its a plastic subframe.  I made some shims from and old credit card.  used some model glue and compressed them in a vice let them set and used that to shim and seems to be the right angle now.  I wish Bachmann would keep parts in stock for these locomotives.  Especially with their lifetime guarantee.

[rogertra]

No its a plastic subframe.  I made some shims from and old credit card.  used some model glue and compressed them in a vice let them set and used that to shim and seems to be the right angle now.  I wish Bachmann would keep parts in stock for these locomotives.  Especially with their lifetime guarantee.

If you'd sent it back to Bachmann, they would have sent you another locomotive that they'd had in stock of equivalent value, that's how the guarantee works.

Before that loco was "improved" to add to the Spectrum line, it was, well, typical of rtr plastic steam of the era.



Cheers

Roger T.

[Hunt]

. . .   I wish Bachmann would keep parts in stock for these locomotives.  Especially with their lifetime guarantee.

You omitted,  Limited

The Bachmann warranty when applicable is a  Lifetime Limited Warranty

[WarlordApoc]

Yeah but the plastic subframe being warped seems like a craftsmenship issue.  But thats none of my business.