Bachmann #51319 DCC-Equipped Baldwin 2-8-0 Consolidation - Union Pacific #619

[robertlynn]

I have a Bachmann #51319 DCC-Equipped Baldwin 2-8-0 Consolidation - Union Pacific #619. The front wheel axle keeps locking up. When it does all the wheel drive line also locks up. I got this unit for Christmas 2019 so it should still be under warranty. I can jiggle the front axle and it brakes loose, but as soon as it hits a curve it locks up again. Is there anything that can be done?

Thanks,
Robert

[jonathan]

Robert,

Short answer is yes.  You will have to determine what is causing the locking of the front drive wheels.  Here are some thoughts on diagnosing the problem:

a.  The good news is there is probably nothing going on internally. I've had these locos apart dozens of times, and I can't recall anything that could interfere with the axle turning.  So, let's consider some possible exterior issues.

b. If you loco was brand new, it is possible the box/loco was squeezed a bit in shipping.  I would first look at the crosshead that sits directly over the drive wheel.  The crossheads may need a very, very gentle spreading to move them away from the wheel, particularly the thrust rod attached to the wheel.  It wouldn't take much persuasion to straighten out the crossheads.

c. There are small phosphor-bronze pick up brushes on the inside of all the drive wheels.  It is possible the pick up brushes are a bit bent out of shape and catching the wheel spokes as the loco moves into a curve.  This was a problem on the old 4-8-2 Mountains, but I haven't heard of it happening on a consolidation, but you never know. You can usually manipulate the brushes just enough, without having to disassemble the loco.

d.  Are you sure it's the front drive wheel?  I ask because I have a consolidation where the main gear, on the third driver, was not quite centered on the drive shaft. Sometimes the main gear and the worm would get a bit misaligned and lock up. That would require a bit of work... probably needs sending in for warranty repair.

e. Check the nuts that attach the rods to the drive wheels.  Make sure they are not loose and catching the crossheads.

That's all I can think of for now.  Good luck. Hope your problem is an easy fix.

Regards,

Jonathan

[graywolf]

I think it best that you send it back to Bachmann. You start taking it apart you can forget about the warranty.

[Trainman203]

Especially since it's currently available and can be exactly replaced.

[robertlynn]

Thank you for the info and will check it out. Hopefully it will be an easy fix. By the way does Bachmann pay for the return postage on warranty work?

Robert