Bmann NW-2

[Chris333]

If you pop the worm out the truck should free roll even though it is still connected with wires. You could roll just the track down the track and see what's going on.

Ummm so would you happen to know if a Kato NW2 shell fits on that chassis?     I might seriously buy one for the chassis if it does fit.

[peteski]

Problem with a worm would cause more of a vibration than a wobble - it rotates much faster than the wheels.

[Joetrain59]

Yes, I did pop worm out from truck, and seemed to roll true. I'm wondering if the wires to truck aren't causing it. Might rewire with Superflex.
 See TB about Kato shell fitting. Think someone said they dropped a LL/WKW shell onto Bmann unit.
 Joe D

[randgust]

Thanks for the photos and the parts diagram, you just saved me some money on experimentation.

[peteski]

Thanks for the photos and the parts diagram, you just saved me some money on experimentation.

Sounds like you're going to pass on this model. I wonder what was the deciding factor'

[seusscaboose]

 See TB about Kato shell fitting. Think someone said they dropped a LL/WKW shell onto Bmann unit.

if this is true... i am in for a few more.

[randgust]

Sounds like you're going to pass on this model. I wonder what was the deciding factor'

The screws in the front that hold everything together would have to be cut out to fit an SW1 shell.  The DCC board is also long, and probably wouldn't fit.   I can cut that nose section out on a Kato frame and it works just fine.  The front truck tower on the Bachmann is located right at the front axle centerline - and high - so I don't think it will clear the SW1 nose.   See http://www.randgust.com/SW129.jpg and look at how far back the nose and cab wall have to be in relationship to the axles.  That low geartrain on the Kato lets me get away with that.

But I got no particular sense of confidence looking at a new design that's got a non-split frame, pickup wipers, trucks held on with the worm gear cover, and wires in it. Wow, beam me back to about 1980.  Not sure I understand that, as they made it clean and relatively simple on the 44-tonner and the 70-tonner and had no significant pickup loss issues.  It's been a long time since I've seen pickup wires AND wipers.  If nothing else, there's a lot to hand-assemble in there, and that means more variability in the results and quality - some will be good and some won't be.

The truck/universal design looks first rate though as I think universals to a truck-mounted worm work better than trying to pivot the worm at the truck.   And the motor looks like the same one as in the 44/70 tonner?  Which is pretty much the same on as is in the 12v. Kato 11-105 for case dimensions, which is way more reliable than it ought to be for a pager motor design.  I got one of those double-shafted Bachmann motors when they were still on the parts page and they appear to be the same.

I glad it runs well... but the only reason I buy NW2's is to make something else out of them.    Bought a Bachmann GP7 just to have the experience of hacking one up into my CF7 kit, impressed by the operation, actually, but was a whole lot harder to cut up to fit.   I would have done the same here except for what this showed me.

[peteski]

Thanks for the info Randy. I'm also surprised by the way Bachmann designs their mechanisms (on all their recent diesel models).  The pickup wipers and inside bearings seem to be a throwback to older designs. Maybe it is cheaper that the Kato-style free-rolling outside bearings/pickups design.  But I don't see how, as it involves more parts, and more manual labor (having to do extra soldering).  That has me puzzled.

[central.vermont]

Joe,
What are those two little round objects sitting on the metal frame piece in the photo?

Jon

Oh by the way that is the wrong tool for removal. This is the right one.

[Joetrain59]

CV, those are tungsten discs I added for weight. Put strips of lead sheet over motor, and more discs around rear LED housing.
 Joe D

[Freight Train]

I check the postings over at TB but didn't find it but has anyone tried putting a Kato NW2 shell onto the Bachmann NW2 chassis?? I have two Kato NW2's....One that runs fine & the other with gear slippage and doesn't run. Be interested in swapping out the chassis's in the Bmann ones run better? Any ideas??

[Joetrain59]

Quote from Randgust on T.B. on NW-2,
"I'm really surprised that Bachmann went here, because I've heard the Kato NW2 didn't exactly set sales records. I'm VERY happy with mine, but the first thing I did with it was put a LL SW8 body on it."

Joe D

[peteski]

I check the postings over at TB but didn't find it but has anyone tried putting a Kato NW2 shell onto the Bachmann NW2 chassis?? I have two Kato NW2's....One that runs fine & the other with gear slippage and doesn't run. Be interested in swapping out the chassis's in the Bmann ones run better? Any ideas??

Slipping gear should be easily repaired. I don't own the Bachmann NW2, but judging by its construction I see documented in this thread, I still think that Kato is greatly superior to the Bachmann model.

[Chris333]

The Kato gear can be fixed with a drop of ACC, but I remember it running a bit fast. I'd be interested in the Bachmann chassis for slower speeds.

[cnw mike]

Quote from Randgust on T.B. on NW-2,
"I'm really surprised that Bachmann went here, because I've heard the Kato NW2 didn't exactly set sales records. I'm VERY happy with mine, but the first thing I did with it was put a LL SW8 body on it."

Joe D

Much easier to have your chinese engineers copy something that' already been built.