N scale Bachmann Northern 4-8-4 & 52’ tender rebuild Santa Fe

I’ll be honest with you, I almost gave up on this one. But then, a miracle happened, when I added the pilot truck and the trailing truck it started to run better.
If you want to see how I got the box:
• No box, no problem

[@jerrystone7521]

I would agree...rebuilding engines is not always cost effective but always therapeutic for me. You do a great job every time!!!

[@watchtrainsnow1099]

I glad you enjoyed the video

[@jamesburba1995]

I have two of the old (late 70's) Bachmann 4-8-4's, and after some serious finesse work, they both run great on 11" curves.

[@watchtrainsnow1099]

That’s cool! I wish they would tell people on the box. Lots of them go on sale because guys have 9” curves.

[@lyndonfoster1090]

Wow thank you for doing this video. and also thank the viewer for the info on theater versions. It has always been one of my favor locos and I have always wanted Bachmann to do the right thing and upgrade it to modern standards because it doesn't actually look that bad, it just doesn't run that well, at least in the past. Hopefully Bachmann reads your videos and will improve it soon..But Iearn something from every video, thank-you and have a wondeful holiday

[@watchtrainsnow1099]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video

[@pathvalleyrailroad9277]

On this generation of loco the pilot and trailing truck are live and help to provide power, so they really need to be on there. Richmond Controls makes a kit to add power pickups to the tender trucks as well. The major problem with these locomotives is the plastic gearing that tend to crack and then the drivers come loose. The new ones with the split frames do not have these problems.

[@watchtrainsnow1099]

Very true. I will check Richmond Controls

[@rapcreeperproductions3269]

At my club we have a couple of n scale locos that were slightly water damaged last year. They want to run but the oxidation needs to be removed and lubrication applied.

[@watchtrainsnow1099]

Thanks for watching!

[@UCSPanther20]

I got one of the newer versions of this steamer, and here are my two cents on it:
1. It pulls like an elephant. Just like what you would expect for a model of a large mainline loco.
2. Its looks are a little lacking. Not too bad, but not great either.
3. Some complain about it being tough to put on the rails. I have found that true for n scale steam locomotives in general due to all the wheels.
4. 11" curves are no problem for it, but I can see how smaller radii can cause problems.
I have heard that 80s and early 90s era Bachmann gears were made of white nylon plastic , which is notorious for shrinking and cracking. Hence, it was probably best to avoid locos of that era, especially if they weren't stored properly.

[@watchtrainsnow1099]

Yes, quite a few have broken gears.

[@jerrystone7521]

I tried using Crazy Glue to fix those broken gears in my steam loco but still have issues with them. You suggested getting black ones to replace the white ones. Unfortunately, I don't remember where you said to try finding some. Little help?

[@watchtrainsnow1099]

Bachmann try to improve their locomotives every year. They often completely redesign their locomotives. Here’s an example of the newer design with black gears. They do not retrofit in the older 4-8-4
th-cam.com/video/oyl8tKnUGdc/w-d-xo.html

[@chuckboise]

I have one of these that runs but only because I used parts from 2 broken ones as well. I like the way this model looks but I just wouldn't recommend them to anyone because of the maintenance hassle.

[@watchtrainsnow1099]

Yes, it’s hardcore…