I have one on the workbench - must get it finished - and another I knocked about a bit! What I wanted .......I have three of these that I'm converting to battery RC. They are obviously very simple. They run well on track power even without sliding pickups. Keep in mind that the couplers are not at standard LGB height and the commercially available adapters interfere with the rear axle on the tender versions, so converting will take more work. I haven't run them enough to test durability, but at $50-$100, I don't expect much. (I spent about $70, including shipping.) Motors and gears look to be serviceable, but Bachmann has a habit of cheap coatings on the drivers. So, they are simple and usable, but I wouldn't recommend them as the basis for an otherwise expensive and time consuming kit bash. I plan to make them available for the grandchildren to run as an alternate to the omnipresent Thomas line.
Where did the new bell come from?I have one on the workbench - must get it finished - and another I knocked about a bit! What I wanted .......
View attachment 292681
....and my attempts so far
As is from B'mann ......
View attachment 292682
and progress so far ....
View attachment 292683
Cheap and, hopefully, cheerful!
Where did the new bell come from?
That's a great enhancement to the stock bell! Looking forward to see what you do with the pistons. I might just have to try a bit of upgrading myself.It's the original bell with a cradle made from a piece of flat aluminum and the pivot/actuator arm made from a piece of wire. The bell can be swung on its' pivot or moved with the arm.
I do buy the odd brass bell to replace those I've lost on big haulers and the like - just the bell only from
https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk
What I think is all I can offer what with not yet having physical experience with them.What do people think of the Lil Big Hauler Locos?
There are a number of days here where heavy cars are mandatory,The B'man tipper cars are heavyish (particularly the metal framed ones)
Excellent photo, Mick.I managed to run a train yesterday .....
View attachment 292747
Apart from oiling the piston rods/motion, it needed no other attention. The B'man tipper cars are heavyish (particularly the metal framed ones) but there were no problems hauling them around.
Nice looking engine! After seven years of use, any sign of the driver tires degrading? That was my main concern.Hi this engine is over seven years old ,recently because of garden damage I thought I would convert to a English narrow gauge loco it still pulls four or five wagons so the sky is the limit to what you can do ,do not be afraid to use a razor saw or a mini drill . Graham
Well, based on the collective wisdom and experience regarding these locos, I may just have to revise my perspective and try a little kit-bashing with at least one of those I own. Just as soon as I complete the other 20 or so projects waiting. The grandchildren may just have to be satisfied with Thomas and Percy. I'll have to do some research on the Bachmann sound modules, starting with Greg's website.After seven years of running there is some wear a little bit of brass is showing but does not stop it running ,but I have had my monies worth out of it and there is no problem with contact between the rail and wheel if fact it is better than some of my newer locos so the old girl is a good one Graham
Now that is indeed the spirit of the thing!the sky is the limit to what you can do ,do not be afraid to use a razor saw or a mini drill
Hehehe! Ain't that how it goes!Just as soon as I complete the other 20 or so projects waiting.