Well, it turns out the drivers from the newer 4-6-0 are the same as the Spectrum 4-6-0 with the 52" drivers. Ordered the new ones and now the rebuild is done. Now I just have to decal, get a Soundtraxx decoder for it, and she is ready to go. It runs like a dream.

Quote from: trainman203 on February 01, 2024, 10:39:52 PMYou can always buy a new engine and put the better boiler shell on.

I never thought of that.

Oh, I will never sell one of my Spectrums. You are correct, Bachmann never should have stopped making these. I like them because if you shop around, you can get one of these and install sound for half the price of a steam engine from the likes of Rapido or Broadway Limited.

Hopefully Bachmann starts making steam engines like these again some day.

Got my answer. Thanks for looking.

After many years of procrastination, my Spectrum 80-ton 3 truck Shay is running on the layout. NWSL metal gears and a SoundTraxx sound decoder is installed. Now I am setting up the sound. I gotta give a huge thank you to Ken Clark for his help.

My question is, did the cylinders on the Shay operate like the cylinders on a non geared locomotive? By this I mean was steam pressure applied to the piston on both the downstroke as well as the upstroke creating two exhaust chuffs per cylinder per rotation of the crankshaft? Or was there only pressure supplied on the downstroke resulting in one exhaust chuff per cylinder per revolution of the crankshaft?

Thanks

Jeff

Hi all. I rebuilt a Bachmann Spectrum 4-6-0 that had suffered an unfortunate fall. Once I got it all put together, I found out that there was more damage than I thought. I am now in search for a set of 52" drivers for this unit. If any of you have a set, or a basket case loco that you would like to get rid of please let me know. Thanks in advance.

Well other than new decals and the cutting down of the oil tank so it fits over the speaker, she's done. I'm waiting for a new bandsaw blade to cut the tank. Installed a SoundTraxx decoder and speaker. It's a tight fit but I got it in there. And also replaced the axle gears with the NWSL metal gears. it runs like a dream.

It been a long haul to get this beauty ready to go, but seeing and hearing it run has made it all worth it.

Still have one more to do the same with, but it needs some parts for one of the trucks. So it will have to wait for a while. I wish Bachmann still made these beauties, and parts for them.

I am starting to Convert some of my old locomotives over to sound. While it isn't cheap, its cheaper than new sound eqyiped loco's. Plus I've got a lot of old Proto 1000 and 2000 stuff in Canadian Pacific colors that are near and dear to my heart.

Is anyone else making the move from non-sound to sound?

Heres a few that I have completed. Kato GP35, Spectrum Baldwin 4-6-0, Proto 2000 GP9, and a pair of Aethern Genisis F9's. All done with Soundtraxx decoders and speakers. They all run and sound great.

That looks great! I too am a small town prairie boy.

Quote from: Ken Clark on May 01, 2023, 04:18:44 PMJeff

    Replacement rear truck shipped via CP at 10:00, should be with you within the week. Keep an eye on Catzilla to prevent a repeat of the attack      . My first Ferret loved to knock over a G scale locomotive then would glare at me to put it right so she could attack it again!!


I got the truck. I can't thank you enough Ken.

 

I have seen some folks remove the pin from the tender, drill & tap a hole, then use a screw to permanently attach it to the engine. I have never bothered with it. I just be mindful when lifting and or moving the unit.

Those little wires have proved to be remarkably resilient for me. From what I have heard, most of the wire damage comes from folks pulling on the wires to pull the plug out. Don't do that and you should be okay. When I need to pull the plug I use a hobby knife to gently pry the sides of the plug.

Thank you Ken. From both I and Catzilla

Quote from: Ken Clark on April 30, 2023, 06:21:13 PMPersonal message to 686 Shooter concerning a replacement truck for his SHAY

Replied to your PM Ken!

Quote from: trainman203 on April 28, 2023, 04:23:30 PMSacrificial donor engines are the order of the day in today's Model Railroading.  The days of American manufacturers carrying every possible spare part forward into infinity are long gone.

You might buy an undamaged engine and keep the present incomplete one for parts.

This is exactly what I did. I found one on Ebay for a half decent price and have it coming. Listed in as new condition. The price some guys want for these things is rediculous. I've seen them for up to $600. I paid about a third of that, thank God.

I'll keep the damaged one because who knows, I may stumble accross a truck assembly someday.

Hi all. I know it's a long shot but I have to try. I am in deperate need of the rear truck off of an HO Spectrum 80 ton 3 truck Shay. It doesn't matter if the gears are cracked. There was a horrible Catzilla attack on the lestock sub of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Thankfully damage was contained to only my Shay.

If there is anyone that can help me out please let me know. Thanks in advance.