Bachmann 4-8-2

[central.vermont]

Hi gang,

I just purchased my first Bachmann Heavy 4-8-2 and have a problem with it.
First off it is decoder equipped and runs absolutely fantastic in a straight line. The problem I am having is when the loco goes into an 18" left hand turn it shorts out. It does not happen going right.   
So before I tear into it  which I'm not afraid to do    I was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. I'm guessing it must have a wheel somewhere that is touching the frame somewhere.

Any thoughts?

Thanks, Jon

[Mike C]

  Check the wires between the loco and tender . Bachmann uses a thin varnish / paint to insulate the wires on some locos . There may be two wires that rub together.  Being a split frame it shouldn't matter if the drivers touch the frame . Mike

[central.vermont]

Thanks Mike for that tip. I will investigate that tomorrow.

Jon

[central.vermont]

Well I finally had a chance to lay it upside down in a foam cradle and check things out. I looked the wires over that Mike had mentioned and did not see anything that may short out but I did notice what the real problem was and an easy fix at that. The drawbar has two phosphorous bronze wires that are suppose to straddle the post on either side. Well one of them had slipped between the post's and when it turned it would let it touch the opposite post and short. Once I slipped it back onto the outside of the post all problems went away!!
Sure runs sweet too!!

Jon

[fire5506]

Jon,

 Glad it was an easy fix. Thanks for letting us know what you found.


Richard