I just purchased a new Bachmann Doodlebug. I understand the gears on the axles split. Even though this is a new unit should I plan on replacing the gears or do they run for a while and then split? Only paid $35 so I have some $ for repairs. I see NWSL has replacement gears part #2307-6 and wheel sets part #2588-6. I’ll put up a photo in the recent purchases thread when it comes in. Happy Sunday to every. Hope all are well.
OMG. Is this a recently issued DB? If so, I'd return the %@#$% thing immediately, unless you're really confident about disassembling the gear boxes and replacing gears. I get a lot of flak for complaining about Bachmann duds, but I've had two of the DB's and both cracked their gears in no time- although I can't remember, but maybe it was a split universal drive shaft, but in either event they both went down hill very, very quickly after that. People variously shout me down and say that they have Bachmann's that have been running trouble free for umpteen years, and others say that all those cracked gear issues are behind them. I would love to see Bachmann become a leader in the industry, as they often produce some of the most interesting models, but I am not yet convinced these Chinese production problems are behind them.
I have one of their GE 70 tonners (the ones with a motor on each truck) that did exactly the same thing...
I’m a mechanic by trade so repairs don’t bother me. Always said to myself that if things don’t break, I don’t eat. Didn’t NWSL make a power truck ( flea?)? I have an old Amtrak engine from Bachmann and it sounds like a bucket of bolts rolling down the track. As for now I’ve got bigger fish to fry so I’ll putz around with it when I feel like doing something different.
James does some excellent work, maybe he could make some gears for you. He’d did them in N… https://jamestrainparts.com/ordering/custom-orders/
I love this statement. Some people love a challenge and you are definitely one of them. Sounds like you knew what you where getting into from the start? You do you. I'm not one of those type people, but your skill's are needed by a lot of us. And have fun with the locomotive, sounds like a project you will enjoy.
I think one of the Fleas or Stantons fits the Bachmann model. I remember seeing one for it a while ago. The doodlebug power truck has a short wheelbase with small wheels, so it's a bit of a one-off design. I think it's an 8' wheelbase with 33" wheels. But in all honesty, I think you can get the existing drivetrain to work well. The Stantons don't exactly have the best torque or slow-speed performance, although you aren't pulling trains with a self-propelled railcar. Still, I'd much prefer a larger and smoother motor in the body. Would your Amtrak locomotive happen to have a Pancake motor? Those are generally the worst-regarded Bachmann models, but at least the Doodlebug is part of their Spectrum line. I know one or two people that have them, and they run pretty well. If you can fix the potential gearing problem, I think you will be set.
Thanks for the link. He does have the gears for the HO Doodlebug at 4 gears for $12 + $9.99 shipping. NWSL has them at 1 gear for $ 9.95 shipping is $6.36. So more for less from James.
They have a website up. It's live, but it isn't lively. https://nwsl.com/collections/powere...s-&-Driveline-Universals+Athearn-Repower-Kits
Ordered a set of gears from James. https://www.shapeways.com/product/Z...g-axle-repair-kit?optionId=248454086&li=shops I’ll check back when they arrive. Odd thing is I haven’t even given the Doodlebug a test run. It seems that a drivetrain failure, either gears or driveshaft, is inevitable.
