Replacement gear for 0n30 2-6-0 locomotive

[Dan Adler]

I bought a used Bachmann train and am relatively new to model trains, but in opening it up the nylon/plastic gear that connects to the brass motor gear, is worn on one side. The train can run, but you have to give it a push to start and if you add more than one car, it doesn't move. I looked on the Bachmann parts site for it and they show what I need listed as "Gears w/Pins 0n30 2-6-0 but it also says "Temporarily out of Stock". I contacted the company and they said it could be months before they have any. Does anyone know where else to get these or a brass substitute?

[ScottyB]

I'm afraid you may be out of luck. Those replacement gears appear to be plastic as well and I'd be leery about buying them whenever they are back in stock. They will get your locomotive going again, but it's only a matter of time.

I've looked over the NWSL site and am not finding specific replacements. I'd get out the digital calipers and see if you might get something spot on. The Bachmann photo makes it difficult to count teeth. DO NOT BUY WITHOUT COUNTING OR MEASURING but I'd look at these maybe?
https://nwsl.com/collections/0-5-mod-gears/products/mod-0-5-compound-gear-model-power-4-4-0
https://nwsl.com/products/spur-gear-0-5mod-x-18-teeth-x-10-0mm-od-x-2-4mm-bore-delrin
https://nwsl.com/products/mod-0-4-18t-sg-delrin-2-0mmm-bore-1-5mm-face
https://nwsl.com/products/spur-gear-0-4mod-x-18-teeth-x-8-0mm-od-x-0-079-face-x-2-0mm-bore-delrin

The newer 2-6-0 and 0-6-0 both have metal gears and I'm curious if those are interchangeable with your model. Bachmann would know. They are not in the parts catalog but I'd think Bachmann might have a few, perhaps?

Have a friend with a 3D printer and some PETG filament?

Otherwise I think you'll have to wait. They made tons of those models but none recently so I wouldn't hold your breath. Parts in this scale are becoming few and far between.

Welcome to the hobby! It really is a great hobby and don't let this deter you! There have been plenty of models from all manufacturers with gear issues in the past several decades so getting models with good gearing should be at the top of your list. While you are waiting for your new gears, go out and find a good, solid running locomotive (are there clubs near you?) so you can be up and running ASAP!

Good luck!

[Dan Adler]

Scotty, thanks for the feedback! Fortunately, I do have another 0n30 2-6-0 locomotive that works. So I can use my track. But I bought this one used after a guy sent me a photo of it working only to find out it had this problem. So, trying to get my money's worth and get it working well again. I'll keep looking to see what might come up. Thanks again!