Bachman Climax versions

[Cypress Hills]

Can someone give me a history of the various Bachman G scale Climax locomotives. How to tell them apart, if possible, which need replacement parts right away etc.

I stand to be corrected, but I thought there were two "editions" of the Climax. I'd like to know the difference.

Thanks.

Murray

[Loco Bill]

Murray,

I know of only one version which is the narrow guage 25 ton Class B Climax.

They came out in 2000 and are listed below:

81177   Climax   2   2000   ~ Loco   Climax Demo tapered stack
81178   LRL Co   2   2000   ~ Loco   Climax, 2 truck, Little River Logging Co.
81179   MML Co   4   2000   ~ Loco   Climax, 2 truck, Meadow Mt. Lumber
81180   P&CL Co   6   2000   ~ Loco   Climax, 2 truck, Pardee & Curtin
81181   None   None   2000 Climax, 2 truck, unlettered, tapered stack
81182   MCL Co   4   2000 Climax, 2 truck, Michigan, California
81183   NRL Co   4   2000 Climax, 2 truck, New River Lumber
81184   ETL Co   7   2000 Climax, 2 truck, Ely Thomas diamond stack
81185   None   None   2000 Climax, 2 truck, unlettered, diamond struck

The only major variations are the stacks.   The diamond stack really makes the loco look very different from the straight stack version

[Jon D. Miller]

While there is only one version of the Climax as Bill lists, there was a modification.

As delivered the Climax had one piece front and rear drive shafts. This set-up caused torque binding at the gear box.  In some cases this caused one of the universal joints to break.



To overcome this condition, Bachmann made available a two piece rear drive shaft, as shown above.  There are still a few NIB and used Climax locomotives being offered for sale that do not have this two piece drive shaft.

If you purchase a Climax make certain it has the two piece rear drive shaft. If not, Bachmann Service will be able to provide the replacement shaft.


One of the "Enthusiastic Children"

JD

[darkdaniel100]

Murray,

I know of only one version which is the narrow guage 25 ton Class B Climax.

They came out in 2000 and are listed below:

81177   Climax   2   2000   ~ Loco   Climax Demo tapered stack
81178   LRL Co   2   2000   ~ Loco   Climax, 2 truck, Little River Logging Co.
81179   MML Co   4   2000   ~ Loco   Climax, 2 truck, Meadow Mt. Lumber
81180   P&CL Co   6   2000   ~ Loco   Climax, 2 truck, Pardee & Curtin
81181   None   None   2000 Climax, 2 truck, unlettered, tapered stack
81182   MCL Co   4   2000 Climax, 2 truck, Michigan, California
81183   NRL Co   4   2000 Climax, 2 truck, New River Lumber
81184   ETL Co   7   2000 Climax, 2 truck, Ely Thomas diamond stack
81185   None   None   2000 Climax, 2 truck, unlettered, diamond struck

The only major variations are the stacks.   The diamond stack really makes the loco look very different from the straight stack version

Ive only ever seen the straight stack pardee,michigan and unlettered versions .. any pics of the others? *have found answer to own question!*

As seen here...
http://i-trains.us/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=358&cat=Bachmann+G+Scale+Climax+Locomotive

[Loco Bill]

JD ,

I forgot about that thanks for the added Info, as always it is appreciated.

DD, I really like the look of the the diamond stack version over the straight stack!!

[darkdaniel100]

Quick question ! Any ideas where the climax in this video got its awesome balloon-stack? Im assuming it was not sold like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGDUnmY6Ylc&feature=related

[Jon D. Miller]

The stack on the Climax in the video is not a ballon stack.



This is a ballon or onion stack on a Heisler.  It's properly known as a Ruston stack.

A few posts above is a picture of a Climax with a Lima Diamond stack.

Check the Bachmann parts list. There may be a ballon stack offered.

One of the "Enthusiastic Children"


JD