A comedian has spoken. I see why those pads are  there .A o-scope tells all almost. And the sound decoder still works better stop there.
Johnny

I would just ask Bachmann .If so many have this wobble problem.Is this the old version with the drive shaft that is in the tender powered or the new release?I cannot comprehend how this could happen with Quality Control at it's finest with all the automation involved in production these days.My old Tycos are starting to look better now.


Check the play in the drivers to see if there is movement for and aft .If there is then stop looking.You need a non slop even fit between the driver axles and the frame casting with some kind of bearing or shim spacer to hold all that true without any movement ,but the axles to spin free like they would with no gears on them in a bearing of some kind.If there is a bearing, and they have that much movement.See where it is.In the axle to the bearing ,or the bearing to its retainer weather it be the frame or something else and make it slop free and even with the other drivers.This should not have to be done on a new mechanism.This area should be correct unless again you support Tyco standards. Worn out mechs usually get this way over a long time.Maybe too just a bad traction tire or piece of dirt.
Johnny Adam











 

Humm, May be time to hire a mechanic for these .I doubt if that wobble would be acceptable to that mechanics boss that put his name on those wobbling locos in the shop when they were made.They dont last long built broken, and do not fix themselves.How is that wobble at 25 mph .That would be wide open throttle for one of those. Wouldn't it?
Johnny

I have a few sound value diesel locomotives and have noticed  what looks like oval solder pads on the board like Tsumani uses for adding lights.They are not labeled .Is there any way to get more info on the reason for these being there but not labeled.Possibility of expansion of functions for future use?
Johnny

Maybe undercoated would make a great release with some tender and detail options for this one .Then you can make what you want.

Perfect.That will do it.Glad it is all good for you.Does it have any weight to it ? Die cast boiler or something that will make it pull a few ,or traction tires?
Johnny

If it wobbles what seems to be the problem???This is a indication of a not so straight wheel axle mesh,or a loose or uneven drive axle bearing ,out of round drive wheel,or the side rods binding, being to tight. or a little out of quarter ,Or if it has a traction tire.It is out of round or not properly seated in it's groove.I was interested in  these ,but after hearing this, it reminds me of a few old Tyco's that come to mind .If you do not find the problem most times it will find itself when a wheel falls off the drive axle or something like that.A true sign .It is not right at all.Has it been dropped?
Johnny

Metal smoke boxes will work.I have noticed many of Bachmann steam engine have the smoke box that can be separated from the boiler.There 's a idea  for a metal part upgrade,  and to add a little weight and a smoke/vapor option kit.
Johnny

GO LIONS! and don't come back!

Yep

Put a zimo sugar cube in it with enclosure that will fit .Nothing better at this time.

Finally a idea, thats a great start .Anybody know where to get one of those micro relays or this type of component that would offer the same effect of using the low current to switch a higher current on/off. A good vent fan in the train room came to mind since smoke is allowed .
Johnny

Quote from: jbrock27 on January 02, 2016, 04:30:41 PM
What would you be using to generate the "smoke"? 
Have you not read many times here, that most recommend against "smoke" as it creates a mess, that settles on the tracks and causes "why won't my loco run?" kinds of situations?

Vapor not smoke.There is a difference.This allows the smokers to smoke indoors.Advancements are already there.MY son buildS the coils for them where he works. Something to go on.

Quote from: electrical whiz kid on January 03, 2016, 10:13:06 AM
Broken Rail;
I had posted earlier with regards to the logistics faced by a company such as Bachmann.  I can accept that what they do for the most part, is a generalization of a specific wheel arrangement.  If I want to pursue a specific product, I will use the otherwise fine-running model that is close.  It is when they start getting prototype specific that prices will, like brass, become high, or they will just discontinue this endeavor.   
Before Proto/Lifelike got picked up by Walthers-and they might still-they had a line of foam containers, such as coolers.  I would not be too surprised to discover that Bachmann was involved with the same type of approach.  We do what we must in order to accomplish what we love.
RIch C.

Rich, Great honest comment without bias .Got those rails in your blood too.
Johnny

Quote from: jbrock27 on December 17, 2015, 11:36:19 AM
This came up for discussion several years ago. 

The Bachmann response was not enough $$ to be had in the sales of and production and marketing of undecorated locos.  Sorry brokenail 

Most who purchase undecorated models want to start out with as accurate of a shell as possible.The past models had too many inaccuracy's compared to many out today that are much better.May be a good reason why they did not sell.