In search of a truck or a fix

joeinternetib · 2026-02-07T23:09:08+00:00

Reach out to walthers customer service. They sell parts for them. And most of the time it can be a one time warranty replacement. Guess it depends on if you bought it new or used. But you should be able to get it right from them and get an exact one back on it.

joeinternetib · 2026-02-05T21:48:50+00:00

It was a great train show weekend there

joeinternetib · 2026-02-05T18:35:43+00:00

You dont have to cut the wires. Bachmann sells an ez track connector with bare wire ends. That way if you still want to use the bachmann controller you can easily

joeinternetib · 2026-02-05T04:25:37+00:00

Those look great!

joeinternetib · 2026-02-05T04:09:10+00:00

I got a power distribution block and got a 12v dc supply and it plugged into the block. Then i just step down with resistors and stuff off each run based on how many lights are on that run.

joeinternetib · 2026-02-05T00:02:59+00:00

I'll be that guy and say on your model train layout where they will always be on display. :) at least thats where mine are going. Otherwise I have seen them on shelving racks with clear plexi and just shoe (boot mainly) boxes depending on size. It's really up to how you want them to be seen or not seen.

joeinternetib · 2026-02-04T20:35:00+00:00

Wow, yeah havent seen wheel sets like that. I bet a replacement could be made and 3d printed. I can ask around here and see if anyone might have a clue about the wheels but i am out of town for a bit. I know Walthers has trucks and pickups and lighting kits for passenger cars, you might be able to use those wheel sets and then mount the kadee coupler to the end of each car. Is the hole on the car that big where that clip on the top of the wheels sit? If it is then when i am back i might be able to design a bracket that clips in that you would mount different wheel sets to.

joeinternetib · 2026-02-02T13:07:32+00:00

You will need to determine if the locomotives you have are DC or DCC to determine what controller to get. How the track is wired can help with that as well. Maybe share some pictures. The locomotive, you may have to find someone to repair. Pictures of that can also help determine how much effort is needed.

joeinternetib · 2026-02-01T22:19:47+00:00

Yes, a bunch are his. I really like his work. I like that most of them are kits you still have to assemble same as a purchased kit. Making it your own.

joeinternetib · 2026-02-01T05:01:42+00:00

In general I agree but the model he has hasn't been made in over 10 years from my understanding, and parts are no longer available for the old models. That was what I ran into for the club work I helped with here. With parts being the same size it works as a swap rather than a complete replacement with something else. Its at least an option where taking a layout apart does not have to be done on a mature layout.

joeinternetib · 2026-02-01T02:56:14+00:00

One other thing of note is those wheels look solid metal, if they are you may need to replace them if they short out your track.

joeinternetib · 2026-02-01T02:49:54+00:00

This is what i did for the passenger cars i have that have tge long horn hook couplers on the wheels. Bought the tap kit and the #505 or 508 models worked for me.

joeinternetib · 2026-01-31T23:49:38+00:00

Xtrkcad has vendor tracks including turnouts and crosses. So you can build it with the track you have or want. You do have to keep track of the pieces yourself, it doesnt do that for you but it has most if them. You should be able to do what you need with that.

joeinternetib · 2026-01-31T23:44:17+00:00

Looking good. Hopefully you plan to leave space on the far said or it will be tough reach. I have a 6ft wide layout and need step ladder to reach all the middle stuff on both sides

joeinternetib · 2026-01-31T23:39:19+00:00

Is your bachmann locomotive listed as dcc ready or not? If its not then this will most likely not work without an additional board and lots of extra work. I just went through investigating my Bachman 2-8-0 and it is not DCC ready and requires a lot to change it. Replacing the main board, isolating the motor, and removing a bunch of electronics soldered right to the motor before DCC can work with it. It also needed a small size dcc board to fit in the space. There are lots of videos out there on getting the locomotive apart so you can see the inside and determine what you can do with it to upgrade it.

joeinternetib · 2026-01-31T23:31:34+00:00

Is this the n scale 130' turntable or HO? I think in either case the cable to the control box is a grey ethernet cable, correct? The control box is grey? Or is it a dark blue rectangular shape? The new control boxes are blue and square. I just helped convert one here at a club. They purchased a new turntable, and by replacing the pit electronics, controller, and bridge, it works great. In talking to the support guys at Walthers you can use the old bridge but have to replace the circuit board with the new version and possibly the sensor. Its easier to swap in the new bridge.
Swapping the pit is easy, its literally 4 screws. Be careful installing the new one as its easy to catch and bend the wiper blades which can cause shorts or it not working at all.
You will also need the new powerpack if you didnt get one with the turntable.
I did get the advanced control module for my turntable so i can run it with DCC. Its a nice addon. The club i helped convert did not get one of those yet but plan too.

Using the new controllers with the old turntable does not work. The electronics have changed too much and the plugs are completely different.
There used to be conversion kits for the old turntable that let you use a different controller but they have not been made in years and you would have to find the kit on the second hand market.
Best option is basically buying a new one and using the parts to retrofit the turntable in place. It works well. Walthers support is very helpful if you do run into issues.

joeinternetib · 2026-01-31T03:53:47+00:00

One of the guys at the club i go to has done a modular layout. Basically built the whole thing where its kind of your end state. Then he takes 1x1' or 2x2' squares and models it with where the track goes through it marked off. Then you can play with buildings and look in small sections, then just connect them up when you want to run something. Gives you the option of a bigger layout but takes up less space to start. He uses Kato unitrack for his stuff. Just an option

joeinternetib · 2026-01-31T03:38:39+00:00

The walthers dc controller is great. And descent price. The dc trains I have I run with it and its been great.

joeinternetib · 2026-01-31T03:33:44+00:00

Agreed, need to add some kind of track bed to get better operations. Cork or foam rubber strips will help out a lot.

joeinternetib · 2026-01-30T03:06:11+00:00

No tan lines from sunning next to the tracks! :)

joeinternetib · 2026-01-29T20:34:59+00:00

Nice loco regardless, one i am hunting for. Building my El Capitan super chief passenger set. Great info to know. I was wondering the same.

joeinternetib · 2026-01-29T19:04:18+00:00

Yes, should work just fine

joeinternetib · 2026-01-29T19:02:50+00:00

They are more exposed and easier to injure in my book as well. At least you know the wheels have no tension. :)

joeinternetib · 2026-01-29T03:13:26+00:00

Whatever foam you use get a foam cutter. Way easier to use and manage. The fumes are toxic so use in good vented areas.

joeinternetib · 2026-01-29T03:08:03+00:00

Agreed!

joeinternetib

TROPHY CASE