I've heard that the N-scale Bachmanns with the black, plastic gearing are pretty good runners. I've had two other types: the ones made in China with white, nylon gearing in the truck assemblies, and then the late 1970s models with metal gears that were made in Hong Kong. White nylon geared versions - terrible, especially at low speed. Lots of lurching and jerky movement, and have heard the gears tend to warp over time. These were made in the late 1980s. The Hong Kong models with metal gears were maybe the best engines you could get for that era. Using Pulse Injection from a Tech ll power pack, they're almost as good as the Katos - tremendous low-speed control and the start up is close to prototypical, IMO. I was lucky enough to find two F9s for $20.00 apiece at a local hobby store. I'd had some before back in the 80s (F9s, GP40s, and U36Bs) and I love 'em!
I would strip the paint off before repainting. But the only stripping solution safe for Bachmann's plastic is Scalecoat 56. (I don't think it's available anymore) Before that, I used brake fluid, but brake fluid would crack the plastic, causing small parts to break off.
Wonderful video. Full of interesting tips! Encouraging for sure and I really do recommend your videos. Too bad on the Testors dull coat, probably environmental but the other solutions seem to work too. Thanks so much!
Thanks for this video! I have a similar looking Pennsylvania locomotive. The guy at the shop gave it and it's dummy B mate to me for $10. The front truck ran but the back wouldn't, so I'm hoping to get it working. I'll have to get the shell off again and take a look. I know it's different than this though.
I am still not sure, if I like wheathered model trains or not, but the ones you bought looked definitely terrible. Good idea to paint them new. They look really great now with the new decals! Especially I like the red CP box car. Never tried painting, but I believe it is worth to do it and it makes fun!
Just something to try! sometimes you can soak a plastic toy or other in Fantastik and it will either take all the paint sometimes only the second coat of spray paint off. and leaves the plastic alone.
Nice refurb. The follks up in "the County" certainly appreciate their old line being represented. (Love to find an old BL2.) Just picked up a Bachmann F7 engine on ebay. It has the white gears. What is the difference? Also, it came missing a rapido coupler, spring and the box"/cover that encloses it. Any recommendations on hobby shops where I can find these?
It’s tough to find parts now. I got lucky, and found some stuff directly from Bachmann. For couplers, boxes, and springs. They are the exact same parts found on Bachmann freight cars.
Great custom work! I'm thinking about entering n scale. I have enough money for a Kato starter set, but I also don't know if the bachmann sets are better value for money. Would your recommend one over the other? Thanks for your time
After watching your video I have to say! great job bringing old trains back to life and how nice they look.
Thanks for watching!
I've heard that the N-scale Bachmanns with the black, plastic gearing are pretty good runners.
I've had two other types: the ones made in China with white, nylon gearing in the truck assemblies, and then the late 1970s models with metal gears that were made in Hong Kong.
White nylon geared versions - terrible, especially at low speed. Lots of lurching and jerky movement, and have heard the gears tend to warp over time. These were made in the late 1980s.
The Hong Kong models with metal gears were maybe the best engines you could get for that era.
Using Pulse Injection from a Tech ll power pack, they're almost as good as the Katos - tremendous low-speed control and the start up is close to prototypical, IMO.
I was lucky enough to find two F9s for $20.00 apiece at a local hobby store. I'd had some before back in the 80s (F9s, GP40s, and U36Bs) and I love 'em!
Yes it was fun to fix!
Thank you, this video helped me rebuild an engine I inherited from my grandfather.
Sentimental value is something to consider.
@@RevN3 Glad you could get it going again.
I would strip the paint off before repainting. But the only stripping solution safe for Bachmann's plastic is Scalecoat 56. (I don't think it's available anymore)
Before that, I used brake fluid, but brake fluid would crack the plastic, causing small parts to break off.
Sometimes I strip the paint, sometimes I don’t. Depends on how I feel.
Wonderful video. Full of interesting tips! Encouraging for sure and I really do recommend your videos. Too bad on the Testors dull coat, probably environmental but the other solutions seem to work too. Thanks so much!
I found some testers dull coat on line, but I wanted to help the local guys.
I think Testors still has an acrylic dullcote that can be sprayed with an airbrush. I've had good success with it, even over lacquer surfaces.
I really enjoyed this video. You can have fun on a budget. You make it look easy. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Your best video yet.. really wonderful example of bringing a lousy looking locomotive back to life!
These are good!
Thanks for this video! I have a similar looking Pennsylvania locomotive. The guy at the shop gave it and it's dummy B mate to me for $10. The front truck ran but the back wouldn't, so I'm hoping to get it working. I'll have to get the shell off again and take a look. I know it's different than this though.
Keep trying. You may need to get parts. It’s a very common engine.
I am still not sure, if I like wheathered model trains or not, but the ones you bought looked definitely terrible. Good idea to paint them new. They look really great now with the new decals! Especially I like the red CP box car. Never tried painting, but I believe it is worth to do it and it makes fun!
Try on some old rolling stock. Then as you get better. Use an engine that in in bad shape.
Just something to try! sometimes you can soak a plastic toy or other in Fantastik and it will either take all the paint sometimes only the second coat of spray paint off. and leaves the plastic alone.
I'll have to try that>
Love your videos, learning such a lot, Subscribed👍🇦🇺🇬🇧😎
I had fun doing the video!
Bachmann also makes their own dummy knuckle couplers that are available on their website.
They work for me I like them. I also have some EZ mate couplers.
I'm impressed
Just foolin around with my trains…
Great thanks for this.
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Suggestion. Try using a cardboard box as a mini spray booth for you table
That’s a good idea!
For a flat finish you can use Woodland Scenic Scenic Cement dries nice n flat
That is interesting...
I have never tried the Testors Dull Coat, but I have had very good results with Krylon Matte Finish 1311.
I’ll give it a try.
Nice refurb. The follks up in "the County" certainly appreciate their old line being represented. (Love to find an old BL2.) Just picked up a Bachmann F7 engine on ebay. It has the white gears. What is the difference? Also, it came missing a rapido coupler, spring and the box"/cover that encloses it. Any recommendations on hobby shops where I can find these?
It’s tough to find parts now. I got lucky, and found some stuff directly from Bachmann. For couplers, boxes, and springs. They are the exact same parts found on Bachmann freight cars.
Thanks. Old O scale guy used to those spring knuckles.
Great custom work! I'm thinking about entering n scale. I have enough money for a Kato starter set, but I also don't know if the bachmann sets are better value for money. Would your recommend one over the other? Thanks for your time
Get the Kato. Bachmann is good if you want to learn how to repair engines. The Kato is going to be a better experience.
You should clean the train thoroughly before painting it. You would have, but forgot to tell the public 🙂.
No, I don’t clean them except for dish soap and tooth brush. Even if I do a nice paint job, with the dull coat it make the imperfections hard to see.