This loco operates well on DC. The front coupler is a dummy, but the rear, as with all the cars, has a pull-bar type coupling. No problem in changing couplers, as I have done that with the horn and hook type on some of the cars our group has been given over the years. I'll recheck the wheels on the other cars. If they are metal, maybe we could use one, with modifications, as a place for a decoder.

Thanks to D and Rich for their advice.

CB&Q

Hi all,

Our Fountainville Express group recently discovered someone had donated a Bachmann DC 2-6-0 Budweiser loco with cars, all of which had been in an adjacent locked storage area, probably well before we began our layout three years ago. Is the loco (without tender) worth trying to convert to DCC?

Thanks for comments.

CB&Q

Thanks for all the suggestions to help resolve the noise and derailing, although the FT-A and third FT-B continue to exhibit these characteristics. I'll check in with a local HO club for additional help.

Ted

I haven't yet tried removing the shell to see if that takes care of the noise.

If that works, I'll follow the suggestions that D. and Jeffrey have made.

Thanks,

Ted

All of these consisted locos are Bachmann EMDs (FT-A, FT-B, FT-B) and have been checked to see if their decoders have been programmed to run in sync, both forward and reverse, so that none are pulling in opposite directions. These 3 locos are pulling only 6 cars, all of which are 40 foot scale; so the 3 locos should not be experiencing any load strain.

I did back-off the bolster screw on the lead truck of the 3rd loco (FT-B), because it appeared that truck was tight. Perhaps this truck and the rear truck need further loosening?

Does anyone have ideas on the noise problem with the lead (FT-A) loco?

Ted

I have a three-loco consist of Bachmann EMDs. The lead FT-A loco, with sound, has a grinding/rubbing noise while running. There is plenty of body clearance under this loco, and nothing is caught under it. The third FT-B loco will consistently derail; the locations seem to be where frogs are placed, but not sure that these are the only places the derailing happens. The second FT-B loco runs just fine with no problems. I've cleaned the wheels on the lead loco and the third derailing loco. There seems to be plently of truck swing play on the third loco. Locos other than Bachmann run without problems on the same tracks.

Possible solutions?