2-4-2T

[icsup]

I was given a 2-4-2T and cannot find any information. The box label is " BALLWIN 2-4-2T, ITEM NO. 81598, COAL CREEK LUMBER COMPANY". When was it made and are parts available?

[Steve Stockham]

  Okay, here's as much as I know. The unit you have is an upgraded version of the "Lynn" which was also a 2-4-2T (and which comes up on ebay every now and then.) It was the first Spectrum labeled engine and was issued around 1993-94. The gearing of the "Lynn" was too high and this was lowered on the Coal Creek #3 but the gears are still fragile (which was it's main criticism!)
  As to parts, nope! What you have to do is find one on ebay or some other place and get the parts from a donor engine! (I have one and this is what I have done.)
  The engine is actually a rather nice little locomotive and was considered a pretty nicely detailed engine by 1994 standards! Lubricating the engine is a pain however! You have to remove the steam dome to find the screw which connects the boiler to the drivetrain in order to get at the gearing. I would highly recommend doing this before running the engine as the lubrication is at least 13 years old and is probably dry!
  I have double headed the 2-4-2T with the new Spectrum Porter and have noted that the gearing is close but I wouldn't advise doing it for very long! I always thought that my 2-4-2T was a very smooth and quiet runner (especially as compared to my first Big Hauler, a noisy 2nd generation version!) It still isn't bad but the new Porter definitely exceeds it's performance both in smoothness and quiet running.
  The thing to remember about the 2-4-2T is that the gearing is relatively fragile and can't handle the loads that we sometimes subject our engines to! I rarely use mine but when I do I don't run with more than three cars behind it. There aren't very many of these engines around anymore! They are starting to command decent prices on ebay as people who need parts are snapping them up. Remember though, the Lynn can't be a replacement donor engine for gearing as it is different from the CC #3!

[Cascade Northern]

Don't know much about it, but I do know that there are no parts available.

[icsup]

Thanks, it seems to be never run or at least barely as I can find no wear on the drivers.  Is there any lubrication instructions anywhere. I don't want to run it until I'm sure it is lubed properly, the gears may be OK.  I really plan to display it in my wife's curio cabinet, it was taken over by me in a moment of her weakness.

[Loco Bill Canelos]

81598 was first sold in 1989.  It was included in Bachmann Set no 90017 "The Lumberjack" which was in the catalog from 1990 to 1992 and was also sold as a seperate item.  It was in the Bachmann Catalog as a seperate item from 1989 to 1993.

I know of no lubrication instructions, but it is fairly straightforward.  Loosen the bottom plate to expose the gears and use plastic compatible grease (at hobbyshops) to coat the gears.  Use plastic compatible oil and lightly oil all moving parts and axles.  Mine has given good service for years in spite of the weak gears. 

Steve is right there are no replacement parts, but these units appear fairly frequently on Ebay.  I love mine and if it ever breaks I will get another to run or for parts and keep the broken one to sit on the deadline at my loco shed.

Enjoy your engine and get hooked by the hobby!!!!

[Curmudgeon]

81598 was first sold in 1989.  It was included in Bachmann Set no 90017 "The Lumberjack" which was in the catalog from 1990 to 1992 and was also sold as a seperate item.  It was in the Bachmann Catalog as a seperate item from 1989 to 1993.

I know of no lubrication instructions, but it is fairly straightforward.  Loosen the bottom plate to expose the gears and use plastic compatible grease (at hobbyshops) to coat the gears.  Use plastic compatible oil and lightly oil all moving parts and axles.  Mine has given good service for years in spite of the weak gears. 

Steve is right there are no replacement parts, but these units appear fairly frequently on Ebay.  I love mine and if it ever breaks I will get another to run or for parts and keep the broken one to sit on the deadline at my loco shed.

Enjoy your engine and get hooked by the hobby!!!!

Uh, Bill, I think you might have the 2-4-2, not the 2-4-2T.
The "T" versions have clamshell blocks.
Remove the block, remove the rods/weights, remove the wheels, split the block, and hope you keep the gears aligned.

PITA.

[Loco Bill Canelos]

icsup, Toc is correct, follow his instructions lube it up and then have fun!!! I was thinking of a different loco and put my foot in mouth!!

Thanks Dave!!