4-4-0 Jerky Running

[Hunt]

[. . .

Dumb question, but the current feeds through the wheels of the tender, right?

Current does feed from rails through the wheels of the tender and also the locomotive wheels.

Some research for you  -- Study the exploded view diagram included with the locomotive (it's also online) -- see if you can spot the wheel current pickup wipers and then local them on the locomotive.  Something for later, using a multimeter,  you can determine if the wipers are working as they should.

[rich1998]

Dumb question, but the current feeds through the wheels of the tender, right?
[/quote]\

Yes. You can see the metal wipers that pickup current from the wheels. Bachmann tenders pickup from one side one one truck and the other side one the other truck.

Minky's fix helps pick up from all wheels. With DCC, all wheel pickup helps as well as stay alive clean track, wipers, wheels. Those who keep track clean generally do not need stay alive if they have powered frogs. Your mileage may vary.
My home layout had handmaid turnouts as well as the club so no issues with turnouts.

Thanks. I live in Western MA. I will never get out that way.

Rich

[bbmiroku]

Since it's a relatively small engine, it probably feeds from the tender wheels and the big wheels on the engine.

[rich1998]

Since it's a relatively small engine, it probably feeds from the tender wheels and the big wheels on the engine.

Take a few minutes to look at the diagram page for any Bachmann loco. You will see the pickups for the wheels.

Rich

[DAVISinGP]

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HO4-4-0AMERICAN_CHASSISASSEMBLY(DCCSOUNDVALUE).pdf

To be honest, I can't tell which part you are referring to.

If the loco picked up juice, wouldn't it run without the tender? Mine won't.

[rich1998]

The pickups are on the tender axles and drivers. The decoder sends PWM to the motor in the loco.
Two wires from the drivers send DCC to the decoder along with DCC from the tender pickups.
DC from the decoder to the headlight.
Standard for all Bachmann locos.
If you look at decoder instructions you see seven wires for non sound decoders. NMRA standard.
Some have more for extra lights and two for speaker.

Some can stick a non sound decoder in a loco.

RIch

[DAVISinGP]

Thanks for that info.

Man, I shouldn't have slept through all those classes.

[rich1998]

OK, Not sure how familiar you are with the Bachmann parts are. I think I got it right.
Tender. Pickups. BA024#MT18
Be advised, some Bachmann steamers, the tender trucks can swivel 180. That can cause a short to the DCC system. No idea about this one.

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HO4-4-0AMERICAN_BODYASSEMBLY(DCCREADY).pdf

loco pickups. MT 19 MT 20

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HO4-4-0AMERICAN_CHASSISASSEMBLY(DCCSOUNDVALUE).pdf

Rich

[DAVISinGP]

I can see that.

To be honest, I haven't spent much time looking at schematics. I sure wish I could apprentice in locomotive assembly to learn this stuff. I've got to admit to a fear of taking anything that small apart. (Actually, I guess the real fear is having to put it all back together after I take it apart.  )

[rich1998]

I know what you mean. I have been doing that for many years. I guess you have to start some where but I did with DC stuff many years ago. A lot different today with DCC and all the details one the steamers.

RIch

[bbmiroku]

Take side-view pictures of what you're taking apart before you take it apart.  That way you put the wheels back on right.  If it doesn't want to come apart, don't force it; it may not be meant to come apart or you may be missing something.
Follow those rules and you should be fine.