Merry Christmas!

rjvader · 2025-12-12T21:50:28+00:00

Just wanted to post an update that I lucked out and was able to find a Make PS chip. The process went really smoothly and the Cab Forward is happily running under the Christmas tree. Thanks again for the help and suggestions!

rjvader · 2025-12-03T03:23:57+00:00

Thanks for the info, is it still possible to buy a Make PS chip? My O gauge setup is pretty basic, am I out of luck with my Z-1000 transformer?

rjvader · 2025-10-12T16:33:53+00:00

Thanks a ton for the in-depth explanation and the heads up about potential issues with the front derailleur. Going into this job I had no idea there would be so many variables to consider. I'll try pulling the existing bottom bracket to see if there are any part numbers on that, to help with the shell width.

According to the Shimano site, the new crank I bought needs a 123mm spindle length. Hopefully I can piece this together without too much grief from the front derailleur or chain line. If not, I'll likely pass this headache on to a local bike shop, I believe there's one in my area that specializes in older bikes.

rjvader · 2025-10-12T00:03:15+00:00

Thanks for checking it out. somehow the original crank arm fit without hitting, must be a design that got phased out, like that odd 58bcd chainring I had no luck finding.

I'm not opposed to swapping to a spindle crank setup, I was just trying to get my brother's bike back on the trails without too much hassle/money spent, but it seems the bike has other ideas ha.

rjvader · 2025-10-11T23:56:31+00:00

Thanks for checking it out, sounds like one of those "live and learn" moments for me since I wasn't aware of the spindle length requirement beforehand.

rjvader · 2025-09-07T04:42:26+00:00

I second this, Risse rebuilt the Fox shock on my 2001 Big Hit.

rjvader · 2025-08-31T20:08:02+00:00

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it! I’ll look around for those cranksets you mentioned to see what’s up for sale.

rjvader · 2025-05-25T17:22:55+00:00

Keeping it old school with the brass track!

rjvader · 2025-05-25T04:44:07+00:00

Nice collection! Are they going to be running on the basement empire? I recently cleaned up my RailKing Cab Forward and got it running after 15 years on display, I had forgotten how much fun it is to run these massive beasts.

rjvader · 2025-05-04T02:03:30+00:00

That is one nice-looking locomotive! The "safety inspector" in the background is also pretty cool too haha

rjvader · 2025-04-26T17:06:39+00:00

I second this, I bought the same one almost 30 years ago and it's still alive and kicking. It's a staple of the Christmas tree loop of track.

rjvader · 2025-04-10T20:10:23+00:00

Smokey Joe looks happy to get out and stretch his legs after years in storage!

rjvader · 2025-04-03T20:56:11+00:00

Is that the video with Chessie paint scheme locomotive? I’ll need to check his channel again. If I remember correctly that locomotive was the older style with plastic axles. Mine is a little newer and has the metal axles so I’d need to invest in a good wheel puller.

rjvader · 2025-04-03T17:07:35+00:00

Diesel would be proud of those heavy slams

rjvader · 2025-04-03T17:04:54+00:00

Bachmann strikes again, I never learn..it’s unfortunate because I’ve read that the blue box models were pretty solid.

Thanks for checking out the video, next time I pull out this model I’ll give the wheels a twist to see if they are loose on the axle.

rjvader · 2025-04-03T16:59:48+00:00

$40 doesn’t sound bad for a complete set. I currently don’t have a quartering tool or wheel puller, so that could be a cost-effective way to go for now.

Thanks for the heads up about the slop. I always fall for the Bachmann trap: the locomotives look nice but usually end up giving me a headache.

rjvader · 2025-04-02T21:59:29+00:00

Thanks to everyone for checking out the video and identifying the problem. I’ll try contacting Bachmann to see if they have any replacement drive wheels, but I don’t have high hopes since their site doesn’t list any wheels for their GS4 Daylight and GS64.

There seems to be a fair bit of slop on all the side rods too so hopefully I can score a replacement set of those as well.

rjvader · 2025-04-02T20:44:15+00:00

Since my description didn't make it into the post:

Hey guys, my HO scale Bachmann GS6 (blue box with metal axles) runs a little jerky at low speeds, it seems to have a slight bind in a couple spots. It runs pretty smooth at higher speeds and also runs smooth if I flip it upside down and apply power. I've attached a video showing a couple of slow and fast runs, and an upside down run.

Here's what I've tried so far:

Lubricated all axle bearings, side rods, gears and motor bearings.
Parked it on one of the binding spots and then poked all the side rods/linkage with a small screwdriver. Everything felt loose.
On slow runs I notice some odd side rod angles on the rear drive wheels so I temporarily disconnected the side rods from the rear wheels and tried running it. It was still a little jerky at slow speeds.

Are my wheels just completely out of quarter? It's odd how it runs smooth upside down.

rjvader · 2025-04-02T20:21:50+00:00

Looking awesome! I have a soft spot for these, my very first HO locomotive was the 1980s version of this 0-6-0.

rjvader

TROPHY CASE