A question about 90033 and fitting “Annie” Chassis

[tweetsie12]

Howdy there. In a little bit, I plan to overhaul my Bachmann Big Hauler from the 90033 "Tweetsie Railroad" Train Set. However, I was curious of the generation of my version of the set, as it's the one that comes in this box: Does anybody know what generation of Big Hauler is in the Tweetsie Set? Also, I plan to fit a Gen 6 "Annie" Chassis to the locomotive, using the chassis from 81088, only swapping out the cylinders and pilot. Can anybody give me a walkthrough how to fit one to my engine?

[Loco Bill Canelos]

HI,

Your set locomotive does have the latest version 5 chassis, and unless you are having problems with it I recommend not changing it.  If you are determined to do so, you might want to check out this link:  

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,30394.msg224039.html#msg224039

It has disassembly instructions, and other information that will help.   Swapping chassis complete has been done by forum members many times. you will have no problem using the old pilot, but I do not think the cylinders from your set loco are will be able to be swapped to the new chassis.  There are major differences between the plastic valve gear on the original chassis and the metal valve gear on the 81088 chassis.  

The chassis you bought ( or are thinking of buying ) 81088 is actually the version 5 Annie chassis and not the version 6. I have yet to see a version six chassis available for sale.  The price of only $45 for the 81088 chassis is the lowest ever and the temptation to make the change is strong, but if you cannot swap the cylinders you will be left with the prospect of having to paint the new cylinders to match the old ones, which due to the decoration will be a difficult task due to the amount of decoration involved.  

Since I am unaware of anyone doing a cylinder swap, if you do try it please let us know how it goes so we can help others who might want to try!

Good luck and have fun with the project.

Loco Bill

[Greg Elmassian]

bill, do you have a picture somewhere of the version 6 gearbox?

I've been working with TOC on compiling a history of the gearboxes and versions 1-6 and would sincerely appreciate you taking a look at this page for mistakes:

https://elmassian.com/index.php/large-scale-train-main-page/motive-power-mods-aamp-tips/bachmann-motive-power/big-hauler

Thanks,

Greg

[Loco Bill Canelos]

Hi Greg,

I do not have a photo of the Version 6 Gearbox.  Maybe TOC could open up one of his to get a photo.  I will go over the link info but cant do it until early next week, but will do it as soon as I can and will get back to you with any input which may be of use.

Bill

[Greg Elmassian]

Thanks Bill, TOC does not have any version 6 chassis....

Thanks for the response, keep an eye out if you will.

Greg

[Loco Bill Canelos]

Greg,

I have been carefully going thru what TOC has done so far and will reply to you either thru your email or by private massage. hopefully by the end of today. TOC's info is a great resource for those who wish to do complex internal repairs themselves.  I generally do not recommend doing gearbox repairs here on the forum, rather I recommend doing the total chassis replacement as noted in the repair tips post that I keep updated.  Not sure you have seen it but this is the link:

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,30394.msg224039.html#msg224039

As you know the version 5 chassis and gearbox have been extremely trouble free, so much so that Bachmann has had very little need to do much in the way of warranty repairs on loco's with this chassis & gearbox. The version 5 gearbox/chassis has been out for almost 20 years now so those with heavy use will need work.  The good news is that because the chassis Bachmann stocked up on to use for warranty repairs are not needed, and  Bachamnn has a large quantity of them which are excess to their needs, they are on sale cheap.  This is true of both the Anniversary 4-6-0 and the Big Hauler 4-6-0.   $40 bucks for a complete Big Hauler chassis, and only $45 bucks for a complete Annie chassis makes chassis replacement the way to go in my opinion.  This is the link to the chassis prices info I posted. 

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,36069.0.html

All the best,

Bill

[Greg Elmassian]

Thanks Bill, yes a great reference page you wrote there!

Yes, I talk to TOC several times a week, and we are just about done with my "big hauler" page:

https://elmassian.com/index.php/large-scale-train-main-page/motive-power-mods-aamp-tips/bachmann-motive-power/big-hauler

And now we are documenting all the BBT conversion information we can get, since it's not anywhere else on the net.

I may have to buy a new Annie just to get a picture ha ha!

Greg

[Loco Bill Canelos]

Greg,

I sent you a private message with many recommendations and info, disregard the part about sending Dave one of your version 6 Annies to tear down, I thought you had one.   I bought a version six Annie when they firat came out. It along with my other version 5 Annies are all running great, but I do keep them lubed with teflon infused plastic compatible grease.

If after checking out what I sent you feel free to ask me any questions you might have.  Barry did some great stuff so I will look forward to your project on all of Barry's great work!

PM works well for me. 

Bill

[Greg Elmassian]

Thank you Bill!

Am digesting your pm and will reply. While I have a great interest in all G scale, I only model 1:29, so the only Bachmann I have is a couple of 1st or second gen Big Haulers... I sold my Annie and shay some time ago.

Maybe someone will take the bottom cover off their gen 6 and shoot a picture some time.

Much appreciated!

Greg