Repainting and fixing Bachmann Big Hauler cars

[Graffen]

Hi all, I'm new here.
Not new to model railroading though.
I got these Bachmann cars on the bay.

I can't stand that plastic fantastic toy look though.
So, I started with removing the heralds from the caboose with paint stripper.

Then I repainted both cars with Scalecoat mineral red paint using a #3 brush.

They will both be marked for my own railroad, and they will be detailed and weathered as I go along.
A few broken parts will be fixed as well.

 

[Rhinochugger]

Looking very smart

The best modification that you can do is to change the wheelsets to metal wheels - the Bachmann plastic wheelsets sometimes had a gauge problem, and they might bounce through the points

 

[Riograndad]

Looking good so far

 

[JimmyB]

Looking very smart

The best modification that you can do is to change the wheelsets to metal wheels - the Bachmann plastic wheelsets sometimes had a gauge problem, and they might bounce through the points

Also think about a little weight, also helps hold to the track.

 

[dunnyrail]

Depending upon your other stock, converting to LGB Hook and Loops is also a worthwhile thing to do. I have done that with my 3 Bachman converted 4 wheel Bobber Chassis.

 

[Rhinochugger]

Depending upon your other stock, converting to LGB Hook and Loops is also a worthwhile thing to do. I have done that with my 3 Bachman converted 4 wheel Bobber Chassis.

They already are, Jon

 

[Graffen]

Thanks for the tips, the wheels, where do I find suitable replacements?
Made some progress on the caboose.

Applied the decals and pre-weathered the underframe.

 

[Fred Mills]

Bachman sells replacement metal wheels, (In two sizes) but whether your local dealer stocks them is the question. There may be a local manufacturer...even the plastic wheel sets can be regauged easily.
When doing repairs to B'mann rolling stock; remember it is basicly Styrene, so MEC, or Lacquer thinner can be used for "Welding" it.

 

[Rhinochugger]

Thanks for the tips, the wheels, where do I find suitable replacements?
Made some progress on the caboose.

Applied the decals and pre-weathered the underframe.

Yes, as Fred says, Bachmann make them, but you may have to look under the Lilliput name - 31 mm diameter is what you need

 

[Eaglecliff]

Only comments - Bachmann replacement wheels, though good, aren't exactly cheap these days - £25 for 4 axles at the last count? Secondhand should be cheaper if you can find them. Hook and bar? Despite the occasional failings of knuckle couplings, they do look rather more appropriate and save bad language if you are working on an exhibition layout, says the voice of experience.

 

[Rhinochugger]

Only comments - Bachmann replacement wheels, though good, aren't exactly cheap these days - £25 for 4 axles at the last count? Secondhand should be cheaper if you can find them. Hook and bar? Despite the occasional failings of knuckle couplings, they do look rather more appropriate and save bad language if you are working on an exhibition layout, says the voice of experience.

KGR has the Liliput ones (spoked) at £29.50 - ouch

 

[QC Rwy.]

Nice to see you here Graffen.......I also do some larger scale Irish 3' narrow gauge modeling along with my Maine On30 stuff.
Looking forward to seeing more of your work......tom

 

[The Devonian]

My personal preference for re-painting Bachmann Big Hauler items is to use war gamers acrylic paints. It is available in most model shops, especially those not catering for us large scale modellers. I have even found it hardware stores. As such cars are easily repainted if necessary,. especially for 'own company/line' names.

 

[Riograndad]

Another possible item to add to the caboose is glazing,looks so much better with glass in the windows,its a shame the car does not come with factory fitted items,my L`ll Hauler caboose also glazed and sets it off,just food for thought

 

[Graffen]

I will put glass in it, but the first thing I'll make is a new cupola...
It will look so much better with a square cupola.

 

[paul delany]

Bachman sells replacement metal wheels, (In two sizes) but whether your local dealer stocks them is the question. There may be a local manufacturer...even the plastic wheel sets can be regauged easily.
When doing repairs to B'mann rolling stock; remember it is basicly Styrene, so MEC, or Lacquer thinner can be used for "Welding" it.

hello can i ask with reference to welding bachmann plastic,,what is MDC?

 

[PhilP]

hello can i ask with reference to welding bachmann plastic,,what is MDC?

MDC is an American loco (kit?) manufacturer, who (I think) no longer exist??

MDC "Big Hustler" G Scale Diesel Switcher Kit - Spares/Repair - Read Description | #426211362

This is something of a rarity these days, a Model Die Casting (MDC) Big Hustler 0-4-0 American switcher kit. These were produced for several years as a reasonably priced G-Scale loco which could be

www.worthpoint.com

MEK is Methyl Ethyl Ketone - A solvent used widely in industry, and can be used as a plastic cement, to weld certian types of plastics together.
Also known as Butanone:

Butanone - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Fred Mills]

MDC is the original owner of some Piko models, such as their ore car, and 2 bay hopper car.
Automotive spray cans of paint is often used to paint some Bachmann BH equipment. Here in North America we call them "Rattle Cans"...we can get them in Home depot stores and Walmart. For freight cars, the Brown/reddish primer is fine to represent "Box Car Red". "Iron Oxid" .
I use it all the time, even on LGB ore cars.
Fred Mills