Bachman 93938 making noise

[lvis_theking2000]

Hello everyone, recently I bought a used Bachmann 93938 yellow open tram. I have been running it for a little while and noticed that there seems to be a grinding noise while it drives. The noise is more noticeable when the tram is just starting, and gets a little bit quieter when the tram is up to speed. Would this be a gear issue or motor issue? How hard might it be to fix this? Does anyone have any pictures that they can share so I can get an idea of what I will be seeing and have to do?
Thanks

 

[Fred2179G]

Would this be a gear issue or motor issue?

In my experience, gears grind and motors whirr. So I suspect a gear issue.

This thread has photos of the inside. Unfortunately, the motor block is built down to a price and hardly worth fixing. Better option is to buy a USAT or LGB similar power brick and fit it instead.
Re-motoring a Bachmann 4-wheel Trolley

 

[dutchelm]

If it goes clunk, clunk, clunk, the gears have split. Quite normal in these trams. I have yet to find spares. As Fred says, replace the motor block with a USA trains unit.

 

[lvis_theking2000]

Thanks everyone for the information. I decided to open up the motor block to see what was going on and found a stripped gear inside. For now I just flipped the gear 180 degrees and that seemed to be a temporary fix, however I will definitely look into upgrading to the USA trains motor block at some point after the holidays since my kids and I love this tram.

 

[dutchelm]

Somewhere on this forum are a few notes on fitting an USAT motor. I'll try & find a picture of one thats been converted.

 

[Dan]

I used the USA block and now have much better running of this tram. LGB block is better but I do not run it enough to spend the extra $$ on the LGB motor block. I did add weight and pull several cars when in 'Maintenance mode". Also USA Trains is about 35 miles from me.

 

[dunnyrail]

I used the USA block and now have much better running of this tram. LGB block is better but I do not run it enough to spend the extra $$ on the LGB motor block. I did add weight and pull several cars when in 'Maintenance mode". Also USA Trains is about 35 miles from me.

Hello everyone, recently I bought a used Bachmann 93938 yellow open tram. I have been running it for a little while and noticed that there seems to be a grinding noise while it drives. The noise is more noticeable when the tram is just starting, and gets a little bit quieter when the tram is up to speed. Would this be a gear issue or motor issue? How hard might it be to fix this? Does anyone have any pictures that they can share so I can get an idea of what I will be seeing and have to do?
Thanks

The LGB motor block is not a perfect match to meet the axle boxes both ends of the Bachman Tram chassis, neither were the USA block I used with the side frames on a bogie I made. But pretty close and much better runners as Dan says.

 

[dutchelm]

A few pictures of a USAT motor fitted on a Bachmann tram

 

[dunnyrail]

A few pictures of a USAT motor fitted on a Bachmann tram
View attachment 307523View attachment 307524View attachment 307525View attachment 307526

Looking at those pics the motor block looks a perfect fit to the Bachman Tram, I wonder what occured on my conversion. Will have to look n take some pics later.

 

[dutchelm]

Looking at those pics the motor block looks a perfect fit to the Bachman Tram, I wonder what occured on my conversion. Will have to look n take some pics later.

The NW2 motor is a good match. The right wheelbase & the right height. Just glue it on the underside of the tram. I tried an LGB motor but it is too short & too high.

 

[SevenOfDiamonds]

Just to confirm what's already been said the Bachmann tram motor block has an 85mm wheelbase, while the USA Trains NW2 one has a 84mm wheelbase (while the standard LGB one is only 76mm).

Best Wishes

David