HI,

Back in April 2014 I wrote a detailed article in Garden Railways Magazine on how to do the conversion using the Bachmann Anniversary 4-6-0.  It was a two part article which included adding aftermarket sound.  I used the Revolution R/C system.  It is a relatively easy method and still works perfectly.  It would be relatively easy to use another R/c system.  The second part was in the June 2014 issue, but the April issue has what you are looking for.  That issue is still available from them.  I got lots of compliments from those who did it, and they were very pleased.  You must use an Anniversary 4-6-0 with the operating rear headlight for this method to work.

Cheers & Beers!

Loco Bill

Hi Allan,

This forum is for Bachmann Big Hauler, and Bachmann Spectrum products.  There is a separate forum board for Willliams Products.  You can probably get a quick answer if you post there.  I am unable to help as i am not at all familiar with those products.

Use this link to get there......


https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/board,8.0.html.


Loco Bill

I always place him on the tender deck with the idea that he has just finished putting coal in the firebox.

Loco Bill

Hi

Big Hauler wheels are 31MM so you may want to ask someone on the Thomas Forum to measure their wheel sets for you. 

Good Luck with your project!

Loco Bill

Todd,

They are really great folks, Glad they are so close! They too are a wonderful resource, and you can expect personal service!

Bill

Hi, Klondike Trainmaster    

Any G scale (AKA Large scale) track will do.  There are many brands.  Call Robbie at 618-446-2970 rldhobbies.com, He will be able to guide you on what to get, and at a great price.  Theere is also Reindeer Pass hobbies, and Trainworld.com

When you call RLD you get Robbie himself. 

Enjoy your beautiful Shay!!!

Loco Bill

Hi, Flare,

Glad you will be using it indoors.  Like you I have to find deals that are right, as I am on a very tight budget especially in recent years and as prices go up and up!

20 years ago I used WD-40, let it soak, sometimes using tissues which I laid on the rails soaked with it.  Unfortunately the heavily rusted parts in many cases had gone below the plated part leaving black sections on the rails.  I was still able to use a lot of it.  I never did use anything else but wd-40.  I did use one of those gray erasers to get at some tough spots, and I seem to recall it working as long as the rust was not too deep. Like Greg I got rid of all of it, as I went to outside railroading.  I am back indoors in the basement, but using all my outdoor track.

Have fun with your steel track!!

Bill

Hi, are you going to use the track outdoors?  If so what part of the country?

If so I really don't recommend it at all.

Loco Bill

Ted,

Thanks for the Kadee link!  Have fun with the project.

Bill

Hi Ted,

While I have not done it using kadee's I have  done with Bachmann couplers.  Here is a link to how I did it:

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,23753.msg188258.html#msg188258 

Here is a video of my test of the front coupler in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaKoGZwCPpc

No one ever responded to my request for other methods, I have done all 4 of my Annie's using this method, and I don't see why it would not work just fine using Kd's.  The only issue I see is you might have to remove the gladhand to get clearance which would then not allow you to use the KD method of uncoupling, but it should work fine otherwise.

When you are finished, let us know how it went and what you used for the project.

All the best!
Bill

Hi,

Follow this link: https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,8493.0.html

Loco Bill

Rusty,

I loved the Christmas Sets at the big box stores. The price was right especially for the sets with an Annie in them, so I repainted the loco and cars and lettered them for my Missouri Western Ry.  I could still run then around the tree, and use them year round on the layout.

Bill

I guess only the Bach-man knows.  Pretty tough to compete with the cheap G scale sets from the toy makers, especially with a quality Bachmann set.

Bill

Hi thehnw1223 ,

I was told by the company source about the other givaways, specifically Sets 1 & 2.  What I was trying to convey was that Bachmann never made a Contractor Collectors set 1 or set 2.  I guess I failed to be clear.  I did not know about  all the other sets from WM. Thanks for the interesting post!!!

Loco Bill

Hi Kevin, 

If time is not on your side Bachmann made a version 5 D&RG Bumble Bee, RGS often leased DRGW locomotives so it would not be a stretch to get one.

Here is one on EBAY with a version 5 chassis: https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_623&products_id=4083

If you want to go with the chassis replacement the options are either the Anniversary 4-6-0  https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_623&products_id=4083  or the Standard Line 4-6-0 https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_671_669&products_id=5863

Looking at the Anniversary version the steam chests are painted green not the black on yours.  so you could easily paint over the green.  This chassis comes only with the direction switch and does not include the smoke switch or wiring so you would have to salvage the one off your old locomotive..


Looking at the Standard version it appears you would also have to salvage the smoke switch off your old locomotive.  You would also need to use your old pilot on the new chassis.


You will need to decide if the work of chassis placement is for you and which of the chassis to buy.  If so I wouls suggest you use the instructions in my Repairs" post.

Most of all enjoy playing trains with your son and grandson!!!

Loco Bill