4-4-0 american #51002

[indian_hills_r_r]

does anyone have some suggestions on how to keep the front trucks on the rails? it doesn't have any spring to use for down force.

[rich1998]

Looking at the loco diagram there should be a weight in the truck.

Rich

[Terry Toenges]

I don't know how the new ones are set up. This is what I did with an older 4-4-0. The old ones also had a spring. I used A-Line 1/32" lead sheet and cut a piece 13/16" X 3/8". Drill a hole in the middle. Remove the metal retainer and spring and super glue the weight to the truck. Replace the retainer and spring.


http://www.sarget.com/tratip-bac440.html

[Terry Toenges]

There appears to be a spring under there in the newer ones.

This is the older one.

[Terry Toenges]

If your spring is missing, Bachmann sells the springs.
Spring (Pilot Truck) (HO 4-4-0 American) $0.60 Model: 2003-1

https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68_87&products_id=4172&zenid=476t623uo7ojbd0ljvon2lf7v7

[rich1998]

Yours seems to be the new run. I think the below is what you have. MT011X2 looks like a weight. It appears to look like it fits up into the truck, part 00H02
I did not see a spring but I think one can be added.

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

Rich

[Terry Toenges]

Something is confusing me. (That's not hard to do.) 51002 is UP #119, the old time 4-4-0
Your diagram shows it's for 51002. Did they make yet another style pilot for the "new" old time 4-4-0 in addition to the other two? I guess the one I showed was for the "newer" but not "newest" old one.

[rich1998]

Well I Googled his subject line and it comes up as the newest Bachmann American. I found the page in the diagram set.
I have the older tender drive with the spring in the front truck.

Rich

[indian_hills_r_r]

thanks  terry , I will look at it closer. it will probably need more weight. I would hate to buy that spring from bachman. it may only cost .60 cents but shipping is $6.95. I have lots of spare parts so I will find something.

[Trainman203]

I'd think keeping the engine on the rails would be worth $6.95.  

But, you could order more parts at the same time without additional shipping.  A better whistle and bell come to mind.  Look in the Decapod parts for those.  They are certainly there still.  Crew figures would be good if they are there.  Look at the engine and imagine what else it could use detailwise.  You ought to be able to get the parts cost up a few bucks without additional shipping.

[Hunt]

Check the wheelset gauge - if in gauge,  add weight not a spring.

Consider - Deluxe Materials BD38 Liquid Gravity

[rich1998]

How is the Track? Does it happen at particular spots?
I know a few have this loco but have not heard of anyone having this issue.

Rich

[Terry Toenges]

Denis - I got your pics. Is there lot of vertical play in the arm where it attaches to the loco? Is there is enough clearance between the front of the truck and loco that you could try a small weight on the top of the front of the  truck, in front of the screw. I wonder if it would help to put a small washer between the truck and the arm. You could try bending the arm. You don't want too much because you don't want it lifting the drivers. Is the weight on the bottom glued in place? Can you remove it? Is there any room between that weight and the truck underneath for a little weight? You can try split shot and hammer it down to make it thin. I don't know if a spring would work between the truck and the arm. It might, but there's not much room there for a spring and  I don't know if that would cause the arm to bind on top. You might need a longer screw if you did that. I'm just trying to come with ideas.

[indian_hills_r_r]

I will look at all those things you mentioned and get back with you. thanks for posting those pics.

[indian_hills_r_r]

I wonder if the bach man has any ideas.
I will also send the pics to service and ask them if it is complete