Retooled 4-4-0 problem

[sedfred]

I just bought a 4-4-0, B&O #703 with sound (the royal blue one) it's an absolutely gorgeous engine and it seems to run okay, except for one glaring problem. The locomotive jerks up and down very badly while in motion, it is especially bad in reverse, accompanied by the sound of something hitting something else. I believe this is because of the cross head smacking against the cylinder or the other side of the guide. This causes it to jerk the body of the locomotive down significantly. How can i correct this issue? does the valve gear need to be adjusted or do i need to break it in and wear away the plastic a little bit? i haven't heard of others having this issue. thanks

[Hunt]

sedfred,

Based on you description the usual suspect is the wheels are out of quarter. Contact Bachmann Service Dept for your options

[Hunt]

sedfred,

Based on you description the usual suspect is the wheels are out of quarter. Contact Bachmann Service Dept for your options

--- correction to software typo --
sedfred,

Based on your description the usual suspect is the wheels are out of quarter. Contact Bachmann Service Dept for your options, which may include DIY quartering steam locomotive wheels instructions.

 

[sedfred]

On second thought, i believe i have figured out the problem, the traction tire on one of the drivers is missing a section, so when it gets to that section it dips down. Should i just pull off the tires or get a new set?

[Hunt]

The traction tire may just be improperly installed. Remove and reinstall the tire if it is not damaged. Otherwise, replace the tires. Do not run the locomotive without traction tires. The groove in the wheel for the tire will nick and scratch the rail head if tire missing.

[sedfred]

The traction tire is damaged, it is missing a piece so it doesn't form a complete circle. Where can I obtain a replacement traction tire, or how can I fill in the gap at least? I would say at least 1 cm or 2 is missing from the tire, so a little bit of that groove is visible where the rest of the rubber should be