Inherited a Bachmann Big Hauler Atchison Topeka Santa Fe 49 that needs some repair. This was a really helpful tear down and rebuild. The links are also very helpful.
Working on Bachmann G Scale railroad could very well be your niche of videos to make for TH-cam., there are very very few videos as close-up, detailed, thorough, and thoughtful as yours are. I subscribed to your channel based on this video alone - please, make more. Thank you.
Wow! THAT is the nicest compliment that I ever received on one of my videos. Thank you! Unfortunately, At the moment, I do not have any plans with regard to Bachmann G Scale railroad related content. I've been concentrating on home projects and camping. I hope to get into model building again (trucks mainly) this winter. I was planning on putting together a more in-depth video on directional lighting. It all depends on time an interest. Thanks again - it means a lot!
Drinking game: take a shot every time he says particular. Haha. I’m only joking. I enjoyed this vid a lot. It’s nice to see someone fixing these up and filming it.
Guilty as charged! I still have much to learn about speaking on camera, but you know 'particular' is a a good word - and it worked particularly well in this particular video. Thanks for the kind (and helpful) feedback.
Hello! I enjoyed your video very much. Bachmanns tenwheeler is also popular in in far away Sweden. Some smaller narrow gaugue railway companies ordered in the beginning of the 20 th century steam locos from Baldwin but they were smaller. I have owned the Anniversery model which I lenghtened 1, 5 inches by moving the cab backward. The loco now got better proportions and still fitted in the original box! I bought it 2019 from the garden railway specialist Max Winter in England before Brexit for 250 $, I should not have sold it. This week i bought an used White Pass & Youkon set from 2008 with two very nice cars with metal wheels but without light. I payed 189 $ for it and I swear I have newer carried a bigger packetwith model train from the post office. The loco and cars are if they were new. Best regards from Claes in Sweden
Claes - thank you for posting such an extensive and thoughtful reply. I'm learning more and more about larger scale railroading as a result of of all these comments. I had no idea I would receive this level of response back when I posted this video. I really appreciate the response. Thanks again, -Kevin
Adam - Thank you for pointing this out! I had no idea that the link to the forum (and the FAQ) was no longer working as I don't actively follow Bachmann Trains. I sent an email to them to see if I can learn what is going on. I'm happy to hear you found this information useful. FWIW - I'm just about ready to set-up the Christmas train for the grand kids. Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
i watched your video few years ago and now I have acquired a few g scale locomotives that I want to repair. Anyone know why the Bachmann forums no longer work?
@@kevintaberski4249 I searched on google and in a large scale forum they seem to think the Bachmann forum is shutdown for good :( I rem it had lots of good information..
@@BlueRidgeDave That's unfortunate - especially given how inexpensive it is to maintain a web site these days. Do the forums offer any suggestion as to why the forum was shutdown? I took a look at the Internet Archive (Wayback Machine) and found a link that appears to be the same as the article I referenced in my video - take a look: web.archive.org/web/20180907042152/www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,30394.msg224039.html
you helped me find out how old my loco is (I got it yesterday for reference not running but I was like fine I will try to fix it) I was thinking it was a 2009 or somewhere around there not it is a 1990s one it is the Royal Blue Rail and its gear is cracked so I super glued it seams to hold for now but I will buy an Anniversary chassis for it soon but that is crazy how old my set is
I just bought a used Casey Jones version of this locomotive in a set. It will be my first G-Scale set. Old Bachman trains at least in HO scale even if new old stock unopened box. Tend have the nylon gear and shaft bits break inside. I just got into Hobby Trains about a month ago. I haven't messed with trains since the mid 80's. A lot has changed from the days of DC.
The G-Scale trains are pretty fun - for me I like it because it's kid friendly. Young kids can run it, add cars on their own and so on. I got started on HO Scale trains myself, then dabbled with HOn3 in the late 80's and was able to volunteer on a prototype railroad for a time. I got back into G-Scale just long enough to resurrect this locomotive for the grandkids. I may get back into modelling trains again, but I'll pick a smaller scale - perhaps HOn3 or Sn3. Thanks for posting!
I suspect (without knowing) that the supply of these replacement chassis is diminishing - so this may be simply the result of supply and demand. I'm glad you found this video useful. Thanks for the comment.
Can you still show me how the diode array is connected? What happened to “Loco Bill Caneles”? I couldn’t get on to Bachman website’s forum for some reason and I couldn’t find him on the web. That was where i used to find Loco Bill.
I have two of the Bachmann Big Haulers that I'd like to update the chassis on. I'd like to see how you made the diode array and how you wired up the tender light. Thanks.
Michael - I uploaded a video "Add Directional Lighting to a Bachmann BIG Hauler using Diodes and 1.5V Grain of Wheat Bulbs" - th-cam.com/video/JW3_5yias1M/w-d-xo.html. Enjoy!
That's really neat! My son has the same train but I can't figure out how to change the D batteries. Can you explain or make another video for this (probably simple) step! :)
It looks like your son has a Version 1 chassis - the original! Unfortunately, I had the Version 2 chassis - which is the first track-power version - so I'm not familiar with the Version 1 chassis that he has. I'm afraid I can't help you.
The smoke unit can be connected directly to the power in from the wheel pick-ups, because the polarity is not important - it's just a heating element. If you are using directional lighting, you should wire your lights to the output of the reversing switch - the leads that go to the motor.
Hoping to install a Ring Engineering control module in mine in the next couple of days. This was helpful. I have the chassis with the gazillion metal rods & cranks & doohickies and I was worried about things going SPROING if I took the wrong screw out in a wrong order. For those with stripped gears, I've heard of "Barrys Big Trains" that supposedly offers brass drive gear upgrades. Just FYI.
I’m planning on running my new chassis off battery not track power, we’re you able to easily access the motor wires or were they hidden down towards the bottom like on my old chassis?
You're in luck! The motor has it's own set of leads. They are routed to the reversing switch in the version of the chassis that I purchased. Since the leads to the pickup are also independent (and connectorized) - I would think converting to battery operation should prove fairly straightforward. Let us know how it goes. Thank you!
@@kevintaberski4249 went great, took out all the track power elements and added a batter to tender. I also went with a Bluetooth bluerail Dcc board for ease of use. Your video was a huge help. Big thank you.
The chassis is not designed for this but I’m sure it can be done. I suspect removal of the motor might be destructive and irreversible. You might be able to remove one (or more) of the gears in the drive train to achieve the same result.
I’m not following what that reversing switch is for? I’m not a die hard model train guy, I just have some old sets that need some work these days. This video definitely makes me want to spend the xtra $20 for the anniversary chassis compared to the standard. I have big hauler set 90090, Virginia and truckee version 3, she needs some help. I also run New Bright electric trains, I’m gonna see if I can finagle the bachmann chassis into that as well. I been thinking about getting some of the older battery locos so I can run more than one train on a track.
The reversing switch simply changes the direction that the locomotive will run compared to the throttle. My understanding is that some 'standards' state the polarity to the rails when the locomotive travels forward. This would also help in the event one was double-heading - running 2 locomotives together. For casual users of "train-sets" the setting of this switch is moot. I'm not familiar with the New Bright trains, but the Version 5 Anniversary Chassis was a nice upgrade to my Version 2. As an aside, I did end-up shortening the length of the air cylinders as they did interfere a bit with the steam-chests. Good luck and thanks again for taking the time to comment.
I'm afraid not. My involvement in G scale (so far) is strictly for the kinds and now grandkids at Christmas. Oddly enough my interests lie in smaller scales (HOn3) and prototype narrow gauge (1:1 scale) - I was a volunteer for the Georgetown Scenic Railroad for many years.
The tender is the car that is attached-to and trails behind the locomotive. It contains additional water and fuel (in the case of this locomotive coal). As far as a 'mechanism', the tender on this Bachmann Big Hauler containers the sound unit (that simulates the 'chuff' sound). I also added a reverse/back-up light to my tender - which it did not originally contain. Does this answer your question?
i attempted this but failed, forgot what went wrong, i think its because the screw sockets are broken or stripped in some areas, and i needed green cylinders on a chassis
I'm sorry to hear this. If it's just the plastic that is broken or stripped - it is possible to repair. A search of ye ol' internet should provide instruction if you need, Good luck!
I'm not THAT old! Besides - what difference does it make? I purchased my Bachmann BIG Hauler train set in 1992. I knew about them prior, but that was when I acquired mine.
I have A 4-6-0 5th gen bachman large scale Loco northern lights that I replaced the colored LEDs on the boiler with non diffused red green and white LEDs. And a 6th gen Annie 90047 wonderland flyer Annie with full valve gear I also have a bachmann large scale challenger it is also 5th generation with 5 dual axel trucks on the tender. Only trucks one and 5 are screwed to the chassis on the tender the other three are connected by pivot arms between trucks
Yes - I realize that LEDs are diodes, but white LEDs did NOT exist back when I did this. Plus, I like the look of the 1.5V grain-o-wheat bulbs. Thank you for your comment!
@@kevintaberski4249 That makes sense. With that said, they now make grain of wheat white LEDs. I'm sure you're at the point though where you're beyond trying to keep up with all the crazy things that are going on. I have two 3D printers myself. A decade ago the very concept was considered by some to be too radical to ever be useful in the hobby.
@@kevintaberski4249 If Garden Railways Magazine was still around, I'd say that second unit with LEDs and resistors along side the diagram for bulbs would be a sweet little article. I'm sort of amazed I've seen such great things pass. Thanks for your video, it is the only way now to see this work.
@@fraidykat Thanks again for the reply. If I find the time, I may revisit directional lighting and record a video comparing LEDs to incandescent grain-o-wheat bulbs.
So, let me see...All this to once a year run it around a Christmas tree ??!! I will say, the newer chassis allows daylight under the boiler, something the original was poor with..But again, why all the modifications in the first place if it's only to be treated like a toy instead of serving on a full model railroad ? I did give it a 'like', though...
Inherited a Bachmann Big Hauler Atchison Topeka Santa Fe 49 that needs some repair. This was a really helpful tear down and rebuild. The links are also very helpful.
Chris - I'm happy to hear you found this helpful. It makes the effort worthwhile - Thanks!
I have the same road name and number. How do I find out the chassis number since I don't have the box or paper work?
Working on Bachmann G Scale railroad could very well be your niche of videos to make for TH-cam., there are very very few videos as close-up, detailed, thorough, and thoughtful as yours are. I subscribed to your channel based on this video alone - please, make more. Thank you.
Wow! THAT is the nicest compliment that I ever received on one of my videos. Thank you!
Unfortunately, At the moment, I do not have any plans with regard to Bachmann G Scale railroad related content. I've been concentrating on home projects and camping. I hope to get into model building again (trucks mainly) this winter. I was planning on putting together a more in-depth video on directional lighting. It all depends on time an interest. Thanks again - it means a lot!
This is a great video... I'll definitely use this when I tear apart my old Bachmann engines... thanks for sharing 👍
Thank you for the feedback! It really helps me want to record more videos and decide topics.
Excellent narration, videography, and detail. A+++ !!!
David - That's a first for me! Thank you for the kind words.
Now I feel that I need to clean mine. I really enjoyed this.
Thanks Don! Now that I look at it here on my shelf, I realize that I need to shorten the air cylinders - as they interfere with the steam chests.
Drinking game: take a shot every time he says particular. Haha. I’m only joking. I enjoyed this vid a lot. It’s nice to see someone fixing these up and filming it.
Guilty as charged! I still have much to learn about speaking on camera, but you know 'particular' is a a good word - and it worked particularly well in this particular video. Thanks for the kind (and helpful) feedback.
@@kevintaberski4249 yessir. Keep up. The good work
Hello! I enjoyed your video very much. Bachmanns tenwheeler is also popular in in far away Sweden. Some smaller narrow gaugue railway companies ordered in the beginning of the 20 th century steam locos from Baldwin but they were smaller. I have owned the Anniversery model which I lenghtened 1, 5 inches by moving the cab backward. The loco now got better proportions and still fitted in the original box! I bought it 2019 from the garden railway specialist Max Winter in England before Brexit for 250 $, I should not have sold it. This week i bought an used White Pass & Youkon set from 2008 with two very nice cars with metal wheels but without light. I payed 189 $ for it and I swear I have newer carried a bigger packetwith model train from the post office. The loco and cars are if they were new.
Best regards from Claes in Sweden
Claes - thank you for posting such an extensive and thoughtful reply. I'm learning more and more about larger scale railroading as a result of of all these comments. I had no idea I would receive this level of response back when I posted this video.
I really appreciate the response.
Thanks again,
-Kevin
This video is incredibly helpful. The screenshots from that Bachmann forum are nearly invaluable as the forum is no longer available.
Adam - Thank you for pointing this out! I had no idea that the link to the forum (and the FAQ) was no longer working as I don't actively follow Bachmann Trains. I sent an email to them to see if I can learn what is going on.
I'm happy to hear you found this information useful.
FWIW - I'm just about ready to set-up the Christmas train for the grand kids.
Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
i watched your video few years ago and now I have acquired a few g scale locomotives that I want to repair. Anyone know why the Bachmann forums no longer work?
I do not know what is going on with Bachmann Trains. I sent them an email based on their contact info - but have not received a reply.
@@kevintaberski4249 I searched on google and in a large scale forum they seem to think the Bachmann forum is shutdown for good :( I rem it had lots of good information..
@@BlueRidgeDave That's unfortunate - especially given how inexpensive it is to maintain a web site these days. Do the forums offer any suggestion as to why the forum was shutdown?
I took a look at the Internet Archive (Wayback Machine) and found a link that appears to be the same as the article I referenced in my video - take a look:
web.archive.org/web/20180907042152/www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,30394.msg224039.html
@@kevintaberski4249 thanks I’ll take a look and save to pdf for future reference
Thank you for share!
you helped me find out how old my loco is (I got it yesterday for reference not running but I was like fine I will try to fix it) I was thinking it was a 2009 or somewhere around there not it is a 1990s one it is the Royal Blue Rail and its gear is cracked so I super glued it seams to hold for now but I will buy an Anniversary chassis for it soon but that is crazy how old my set is
Very cool! I'm happy to hear my video helped. Good luck with your Anniversary chassis and thanks for posting.
I just bought a used Casey Jones version of this locomotive in a set. It will be my first G-Scale set. Old Bachman trains at least in HO scale even if new old stock unopened box. Tend have the nylon gear and shaft bits break inside. I just got into Hobby Trains about a month ago. I haven't messed with trains since the mid 80's. A lot has changed from the days of DC.
The G-Scale trains are pretty fun - for me I like it because it's kid friendly. Young kids can run it, add cars on their own and so on.
I got started on HO Scale trains myself, then dabbled with HOn3 in the late 80's and was able to volunteer on a prototype railroad for a time. I got back into G-Scale just long enough to resurrect this locomotive for the grandkids. I may get back into modelling trains again, but I'll pick a smaller scale - perhaps HOn3 or Sn3.
Thanks for posting!
Ha, now bachmann wants 102$ for it...
Edit: I’m saving this video because I’m gonna be doing the same upgrade to my old set. Thanks for the video
I suspect (without knowing) that the supply of these replacement chassis is diminishing - so this may be simply the result of supply and demand. I'm glad you found this video useful. Thanks for the comment.
Can you still show me how the diode array is connected? What happened to “Loco Bill Caneles”? I couldn’t get on to Bachman website’s forum for some reason and I couldn’t find him on the web. That was where i used to find Loco Bill.
James - I don't know what's going on over at Bachmann Trains. I published a video on the diode array - th-cam.com/video/JW3_5yias1M/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the video i live in Brasil and i need to import one this helped me on what model to choose.
I'm happy to hear you found this video useful. Thank you for the feedback.
Found your video on lighting.
I have two of the Bachmann Big Haulers that I'd like to update the chassis on. I'd like to see how you made the diode array and how you wired up the tender light. Thanks.
Michael - I'll see what I can do. Thanks for asking!
Michael - I uploaded a video "Add Directional Lighting to a Bachmann BIG Hauler using Diodes and 1.5V Grain of Wheat Bulbs" - th-cam.com/video/JW3_5yias1M/w-d-xo.html. Enjoy!
That's really neat! My son has the same train but I can't figure out how to change the D batteries. Can you explain or make another video for this (probably simple) step! :)
It looks like your son has a Version 1 chassis - the original! Unfortunately, I had the Version 2 chassis - which is the first track-power version - so I'm not familiar with the Version 1 chassis that he has. I'm afraid I can't help you.
How did you wire up the light and smoker to the reverse switch?
The smoke unit can be connected directly to the power in from the wheel pick-ups, because the polarity is not important - it's just a heating element. If you are using directional lighting, you should wire your lights to the output of the reversing switch - the leads that go to the motor.
Hoping to install a Ring Engineering control module in mine in the next couple of days. This was helpful. I have the chassis with the gazillion metal rods & cranks & doohickies and I was worried about things going SPROING if I took the wrong screw out in a wrong order.
For those with stripped gears, I've heard of "Barrys Big Trains" that supposedly offers brass drive gear upgrades. Just FYI.
Thank you for the suggestion!
I’m planning on running my new chassis off battery not track power, we’re you able to easily access the motor wires or were they hidden down towards the bottom like on my old chassis?
You're in luck! The motor has it's own set of leads. They are routed to the reversing switch in the version of the chassis that I purchased. Since the leads to the pickup are also independent (and connectorized) - I would think converting to battery operation should prove fairly straightforward.
Let us know how it goes.
Thank you!
@@kevintaberski4249 went great, took out all the track power elements and added a batter to tender. I also went with a Bluetooth bluerail Dcc board for ease of use. Your video was a huge help. Big thank you.
@@maddrummer910 Outstanding! I'm happy to hear I was able help to you. Thank you for taking the time for the update.
Is it possible to remove the motor from the chassis so that the Wheels can turn loosely without it?
The chassis is not designed for this but I’m sure it can be done. I suspect removal of the motor might be destructive and irreversible. You might be able to remove one (or more) of the gears in the drive train to achieve the same result.
I’m not following what that reversing switch is for?
I’m not a die hard model train guy, I just have some old sets that need some work these days. This video definitely makes me want to spend the xtra $20 for the anniversary chassis compared to the standard.
I have big hauler set 90090, Virginia and truckee version 3, she needs some help. I also run New Bright electric trains, I’m gonna see if I can finagle the bachmann chassis into that as well. I been thinking about getting some of the older battery locos so I can run more than one train on a track.
The reversing switch simply changes the direction that the locomotive will run compared to the throttle. My understanding is that some 'standards' state the polarity to the rails when the locomotive travels forward. This would also help in the event one was double-heading - running 2 locomotives together. For casual users of "train-sets" the setting of this switch is moot.
I'm not familiar with the New Bright trains, but the Version 5 Anniversary Chassis was a nice upgrade to my Version 2. As an aside, I did end-up shortening the length of the air cylinders as they did interfere a bit with the steam-chests. Good luck and thanks again for taking the time to comment.
@@kevintaberski4249 thank you, got it now.
Hey I found a 5th generation set today, super cheap, gonna pick it up this weekend.
@@TheFrogfeeder Excellent and congratulations. You know - you sound a bit like a die-hard model train guy. Enjoy you new train!
@@kevintaberski4249 it’s purely my mild case of OCD ;)
and bachmann seems to be good at being out of stock of many things that you need..
That was my experience as well. I wonder if perhaps Bachmann is simply no longer producing replacement parts for the Big Haulers.
Veri Nice
Thank you - I'm glad you liked it!
So have you graduated to an outdoor layout yet?
I'm afraid not. My involvement in G scale (so far) is strictly for the kinds and now grandkids at Christmas. Oddly enough my interests lie in smaller scales (HOn3) and prototype narrow gauge (1:1 scale) - I was a volunteer for the Georgetown Scenic Railroad for many years.
hmmm still doesn't say what part of the mechanism is the tender
The tender is the car that is attached-to and trails behind the locomotive. It contains additional water and fuel (in the case of this locomotive coal). As far as a 'mechanism', the tender on this Bachmann Big Hauler containers the sound unit (that simulates the 'chuff' sound). I also added a reverse/back-up light to my tender - which it did not originally contain. Does this answer your question?
@@kevintaberski4249 no i mean if the motor or the reiceiver is in the tender
i attempted this but failed, forgot what went wrong, i think its because the screw sockets are broken or stripped in some areas, and i needed green cylinders on a chassis
I'm sorry to hear this. If it's just the plastic that is broken or stripped - it is possible to repair. A search of ye ol' internet should provide instruction if you need, Good luck!
Wow you are old
When did you found out about Bachmann trains?
I'm not THAT old! Besides - what difference does it make?
I purchased my Bachmann BIG Hauler train set in 1992. I knew about them prior, but that was when I acquired mine.
the other chassis is available again
That is excellent news! Thank you for the update.
I have A 4-6-0 5th gen bachman large scale
Loco northern lights that I replaced the colored LEDs on the boiler with non diffused red green and white LEDs.
And a 6th gen Annie
90047 wonderland flyer Annie with full valve gear
I also have a bachmann large scale challenger it is also 5th generation with 5 dual axel trucks on the tender. Only trucks one and 5 are screwed to the chassis on the tender the other three are connected by pivot arms between trucks
Sounds like you have a nice collection! I bet the Challenger is MASSIVE and quite an impressive model. Congrats!
LEDs are diodes. Replace your diodes with LEDs and replace your bulbs with appropriate resistors. Done.
Yes - I realize that LEDs are diodes, but white LEDs did NOT exist back when I did this. Plus, I like the look of the 1.5V grain-o-wheat bulbs. Thank you for your comment!
@@kevintaberski4249 That makes sense. With that said, they now make grain of wheat white LEDs. I'm sure you're at the point though where you're beyond trying to keep up with all the crazy things that are going on. I have two 3D printers myself. A decade ago the very concept was considered by some to be too radical to ever be useful in the hobby.
@@fraidykat I'll look into these if I ever redo the lighting on this locomotive - or if/when I add lighting to another. Thank you!
@@kevintaberski4249 If Garden Railways Magazine was still around, I'd say that second unit with LEDs and resistors along side the diagram for bulbs would be a sweet little article. I'm sort of amazed I've seen such great things pass.
Thanks for your video, it is the only way now to see this work.
@@fraidykat Thanks again for the reply. If I find the time, I may revisit directional lighting and record a video comparing LEDs to incandescent grain-o-wheat bulbs.
Use a JST male/female leads so you can undo the tender...eBay
I realize that Bachmann adds quite a mark-up, but it was easier (for me) to just add the cable with connector to my order.
Dont need the smoke box sir
Since I use my loco as a Christmas train, the kids enjoy the effect of having the smoke - so it's a nice touch for me.
So, let me see...All this to once a year run it around a Christmas tree ??!! I will say, the newer chassis allows daylight under the boiler, something the original was poor with..But again, why all the modifications in the first place if it's only to be treated like a toy instead of serving on a full model railroad ? I did give it a 'like', though...
Mark - For the simple joy that the grandkids have of running the train around the tree every year. Totally worth it!
18:36
Nobody but Nobody is going to notice a 'wrong' cow catcher. Trust me...its only a model...
That may be true - but it was an easy swap!