Bachmann Class 66s

[seamermodelrailway]

Does anyone else have problems with their Bachmann Class 66s? Mine aren't smooth at all, they are just jerky, rough and derail everything they are hauling behind them!

It isn't the track because it's perfect and no-other loco struggles or mis-behaves!

I've emailed Bachmann to ask what needs to be done. This isn't like them at all.....

[40058]

It's probably not the Class 66 and I say probably in case you have a faulty one motor wise... I've had several problems with derailments and each time it's down to couplings. The large hornby ones are IMHO "Sh**e" and unfortunatly the Class 31 coupling moves a bit more freely than most. Solutions to this are remove the hook on the loco's coupling which I did with the 31 and it was fine, longer wheelbase loco's hate tight curves, ie: Baccy's 40 so maybe although the 66 hasn't a "pony" wheel dosen't like tight curves which is why I replaced settrack with streamline flexible to get sweeping curves. My advise is also to use Streamline Insulfrog points too, medium or upwards, don't use the short ones... again too tight. One other thing about the jerky movement of your loco... do you clean your rails on a regular basis?? you'll be surprised how much dirt get's on the track even with irregular running.

So Try....

Removing the hook from the loco
Check your radius (generally 2nd & 3rd rad are fine)
Clean your rails
Maybe a dab of oil in the motor would help
Run your loco on a different layout to check whether is track/electrics or your loco.

if all above fails... contact Bachmann.

By the way, if you are using Hornby's vee tanks...their wheelbacks are too narrow so replace with bachmann's new 3 hole wheelsets plus replace the couplings with bachmann style ones

Hope this helps,

40058.

[seamermodelrailway]

Hi 40058,

Thanks for that.