bachmann santa fe n 4-8-4 with 52 ft tender

[grumpygramps75]

im having trouble with the lead trucks coming off the track sometimes  my engine has all wheel pickup and a knuckle coupler on the tender and i have an older engine i purchased in the 90,s when i bought the starter kit  and im having the same problem

by the way my name is vic   and thank you

[James in FL]

Surely you either have an NMRA gauge or some other way of accurately measuring (Calipers?)

Check both the wheel gauge and the track gauge where the derailments occur.
Beyond that we are going to require much more information

Where on the layout does the problem happen? Curves, straights, turnouts?
Does it happen in both directions?
All speeds?
Please be as descriptive as possible.
You'll get more replies.

[grumpygramps75]

james in fl.

thanks for the information on my bachmann northern engine.  i should have thought about the wheel guage  since other railroader have talked about it.  i checked my pilot trucks and trailing trucks and there not to nmra specs there to close togeather they need to be spread apart a little. how do i go about this.

by the way im new on here. i usually get on line and ask instead of going help site like this and you get so many answers thats confusing as heck.  my problem is sometimes i to proud to ask for help and try to figure it out myself and then i create more problems for my self and by the way ive heard all before thats what your here for  its just my nature.

by the way allow me to introduce my self  my name is vic aka (grumpy to my children and pop to my grandchildren)
i live in chattanooga,tn. and im 78 years old not 78 yrs young and im a peace time vet during the cold war and you do not owe me a thanks  save that for the vets that are coming back home. GOD BLESS THEM FOR LOOKING OUT FOR US .

[James in FL]

Hi Vic,
Nice to meet you.

There are several ways to adjust the gauge.
This is how I do it, only because it works for me;
If the wheelset is close to the frame, say about .125 or 1/8 in.
I use screwdriver between the frame and the wheel, and gently twist the screwdriver, slowly, thereby opening the gauge.
This is my preferred method. Especially with Drivers on a Steam lokie.

If it's just a free wheelset, I'll grip it close to the wheel with some needle nose.
The gap is only very slightly larger than the thickness of the screwdriver blade.
Then I pry against this, in the same manor.
It takes very little pressure,
Don't overdo it.
The edge of the blade is on center with the axle.



Good luck

[kmcsjr]

There is a very good sale, on this exact unit, right now (new, not eBay)Message me, if google fails you.

[James in FL]

There is a very good sale, on this exact unit, right now (new, not eBay)Message me, if google fails you.

Maybe you think you have a secret.
I see them at Trainworld for $69.99 plus shipping.
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1102543198138&ca=3866d0a0-52e5-4939-92fb-645af044c827

Have you a better price?

[kmcsjr]

No secret. Some forums prohibit the discussion of vendors. I didn't want to step on the rules.

[James in FL]

Bachmann doesn't seem to be concerned as long we are talking purchasing Bachmann products from an authorized Bachmann distributor/vendor.
No toes have been stepped on.

Yardy will correct me if I'm wrong.