Bachmann Thomas Series Question

Madman

Madman

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Why does bachmann make their Thomas series locomotives with what I consider fine scale wheels ? Unless your track is perfectly level, side to side, derailments are a given.
 
Madman said:
Why does bachmann make their Thomas series locomotives with what I consider fine scale wheels ? Unless your track is perfectly level, side to side, derailments are a given.
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The (relatively) long rigid wheelbases don't help, especially on R1 and R2 curves that I use on my show layout. However, I do like the wheels' appearance, and they usually tolerate any slight bumps between module ends (until I'm not watching :oops:).
 
Madman said:
Why does bachmann make their Thomas series locomotives with what I consider fine scale wheels ? Unless your track is perfectly level, side to side, derailments are a given.
Click to expand...
Bachmann flanges aren't really that fine. I mean they're a bit finer than LGB, but LGB are ridiculous, and are designed to keep locos and rolling stock on their extremely tight R1 & R2 radius curves.

It's probably more to do with the rigid wheelbase, and possibly a bit of wear in the bearings on the outside axles.

How much vertical play is there on the centre axle? If there's none, then the likelihood of the lead axle with slightly worn bearings riding over the rail is quite high. Let's face it, the chances of having perfectly level rail in the garden are pretty remote.

That said, I have a scratchbuilt 2-6-2 with an absolutely rigid 3-axle set-up using Slater's wheels with fairly fine flanges, and it stays on my rails - and I am an expert in badly laid track.

I seem to remember a visiting Thomas and Percy both managed to stay on the rails.

So, there's something else wrong, because from what I saw in your recent video, your track isn't anywhere near as badly laid as mine.
 
Exactly, rigid chassis, lght weight, longer wheelbase all factors. Also, you should check the back to back on the wheels, this is a toy line and is not always assembled to spec.

With no springing of the drivers, track warp will show as derailments. Look at Aristo, USAT, Bachmann, they all have some sort of system to be compliant with a little track warp.

Greg
 
Rhinochugger said:
Bachmann flanges aren't really that fine. I mean they're a bit finer than LGB, but LGB are ridiculous, and are designed to keep locos and rolling stock on their extremely tight R1 & R2 radius curves.

It's probably more to do with the rigid wheelbase, and possibly a bit of wear in the bearings on the outside axles.

How much vertical play is there on the centre axle? If there's none, then the likelihood of the lead axle with slightly worn bearings riding over the rail is quite high. Let's face it, the chances of having perfectly level rail in the garden are pretty remote.

That said, I have a scratchbuilt 2-6-2 with an absolutely rigid 3-axle set-up using Slater's wheels with fairly fine flanges, and it stays on my rails - and I am an expert in badly laid track.

I seem to remember a visiting Thomas and Percy both managed to stay on the rails.

So, there's something else wrong, because from what I saw in your recent video, your track isn't anywhere near as badly laid as mine.
Click to expand...
Yes, my track is relatively good. But there are a couple places that seem to be troublesome, no matter how much I take the pains to make sure they are level.
 
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