3D Printed Gears Didn't Work! I Found A Technique That DOES!

Customer Repair of a Gen 2 Bachmann GS-4 Southern Pacific. 3D gears kept breaking because they are too brittle. I found a way to fix these for dirt cheap. Also how to identify Gen 1's from Gen 2's
#bachmanntrains
#classicmodeltrains
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@classicmodeltrains
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[@dw5304]

I'd like to address some concerns regarding the 3D printed parts that Ron experienced issues with bought from eBay. Over the past 2-3 years, I've successfully sold around 300 of these parts, and it's worth noting that Ron's case is one of the very few - possibly only three - where problems have arisen. To assure Ron's community, I have already issued him a refund for the costs. In response to this incident, I'm planning to implement minor modifications to enhance the durability and functionality of these parts. Interestingly, after incorporating the brass fittings, the measurement was precisely 2.14mm, aligning with the original design specifications. Moving forward, I intend to add a subtle taper to each axle. This adjustment aims to ensure a tighter fit for the wheelbase. I encourage Ron and others who have faced similar issues to give the updated version a try once I get that completed, in the future. I'm committed to continual improvement and customer satisfaction. The whole reason my 3d printed parts exist is because I ran into the same scenario where I had all axels cracked on all sides. tried the shapeway version and instantly cracked. Please also keep in mind mfg. Torrences as we have seen they verry a lot.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Dave, I'm going to pin this at the top of all the comments. I respect you and your open communication with all of this and I know you will build an excellent replacement part (s)

[@ronaldjoyce7374]

Happy holidays to you and yours, Ron. Thank you for sharing such a great repair with us. Sometimes ya gotta think outside the box. Ron

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@ronaldjoyce7374 M.C. to you and yours as well Ron!

[@babbagebrassworks4278]

Press fit plastic gears can be tricky, gear/room temp can be important. Usually made from Nylon which actually absorbs water. Boiling the Nylon in water makes them less brittle, a trick I used for Nylon model airplane propellers. Got some new Anycubic Tough resin which seems to act a bit like Nylon to try. The Brass Ferrules are a great idea, common on Wood Chisel etc to stop the wood from splitting. Lots of useful tips from this vid.

[@dw5304]

​@@babbagebrassworks4278that's what I actually use the anycubic tough resin for most prints I have found a new resin that I'm going to try from sunlu pa-like resin aka nylon like and will be giving that a go to see how it holds up. To give a bit of spring to it

[@azslotracer]

When I was able to do things a year ago before my strokes, I made a silicone mold to remake Athearn gears and spacers for the 0-6-0 steam engines from the 1960s. I made about a dozen of each for my brother in law to repair his engines. The looked and performed well once assembled in the engines. I used Smooth on products for the mold and the resin casting. I think the resin I used was Task 9 by name.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Well that's pretty cool to be resin casting stuff. A process I have no knowledge in. I should do some research :-)

[@azslotracer]

@@classicmodeltrains I was lucky enough to be trained by a master model caster with a full shop of everything needed to be successful.

[@dogbreath312]

Curious, what material did you use for the gear material ?

[@azslotracer]

@@dogbreath312 I think it was smooth on brand and maybe Task 8 product?

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@dogbreath312 the original Bachmann broken gear

[@rexxumus]

I enjoyed this video immensely. "The patience of a craftsman" should, you know, be a thing! Personally, I run O gauge trains, but after watching you at work, I will never again complain about working on O gauge again. I have subscribed, and I will be a regular viewer from now on! Again, great video!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you for the new Sub and kind words :-)

[@rustintampa1]

PLAIN & SIMPLE ....This video should be required watching for the Brass @ Bachmann, and anyone applying to work for them. Granted, their newer products have improved, but there are far more of their old steamers floating around in the condition Ron got these in... they become shelf queens, or parts locos, or just thrown out. Crazy impressive the determination he has to repair and complete these. It could not be more entertaining, and I've been inspired over the last year to dig into some of the old locos that I have to bring them back to life. Happy Holidays to you Ron, and to the nearly 10,000 of my fellow veiwers.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Greetings, I suppose the brass would say "that's not our companies product. That was the owners before us and there legacy". or something like that. NOW....If someone would come to the plate and make the gear sets like they did on these and sell them as legacy parts. We can all wish for miracles. M.C. to you and yours as well :-)

[@adventuresinmodelrailroading]

I've got a 44 tonner and doodlebug (with dcc built-in) that can grind out the miles on the club's T-trak layout at shows.

[@user-df6ld5rg3q]

Good evening Ron, a nice shout out to your Bachmann cracked gear fix tonight on SMT Mainline channel. Take care, Jeff

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Jeff for the heads up. I headed over to his channel and found the video. heard it and Gave him a thanks!!!

[@TLS6723]

This is the kinda stuff I like to do. Being raised on the farm, you have to make due with what you have. Repair things with what you have. That engine from what comes through on the video sounds really smooth and quiet. Merry Christmas Ron to you and your family. I hope you have a great holiday!

[@classicmodeltrains]

It was very quiet. I was shocked. Farmers can certainly "engineer" there way out of a lot of broken issues. M.C. to you and yours as well Sir!!

[@lawrenceechols6453]

In my opinion to this date this to me is probably one of the most valuable restoration videos that you've done repairing these bachman in cracking gears and drives on these locomotives I think it's incredible how you figured out to do this and I will one day be trying to repair a bachman that I've had sitting on the shelf as a display for a long time that just haven't been able to get it going and hopefully this brass sleeve will fix the problem Great video One of my favorites thank you Ron never settle find a way get er done

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Lawrence!!

[@TwistedMacGyversTrains]

Fantastic job Ron on rebuilding those axles! Love your comedy!👍🚂💯🎄😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you T McG! trying to keep it interesting :-)

[@SleeperBBQ]

Mind blown Ron you're not a quitter! Sharp looking train and tender If I get my hands on one of these I know where to send it. Excellent video

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you! They are nice looking models for sure

[@ccrm10]

Great job on those, it is terrible that a company will not supply proper parts for the items they sell. Happy Holidays to your and yours!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you! M.C. to you and yours as well :-)

[@Gurgenshlurgen2024]

Wish I had this kinda time and patience. My Bachmann 611 did the exact same thing and is now a static display.

[@leongenetti1718]

I'm an O gauge guy Ron but really enjoy watching all your videos. Like to watch people who problem solve. Watched your Bachmann gen 1 gen 2 twice. Never know if I will have to make something for an O gauge item. Thanks

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you for your support Leon! I hope I get some more O stuff to work on.

[@the44thcosmic_galaxy25]

What a ride. This video is nice and thorough, love to see locomotives that are labeled as dnr/parts being fixed back to working order

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikepoindexter9849]

I have a 30 year old Bachmann 0-6-0. I went through what you through with the gears and axles. All cracked plastic. I fixed it with a lot of creative work with hard plastic tubing. Thanks. Great job.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Mike

[@eXtremeFX2010]

Great...ABSOLUTELY GREAT Video showing the great lengths we go through not to spend high dollars on manufacturing locomotives that only last about 4 years. I myself have completely gutted and rebuilding an MTH DCC GP38. It lasted only 4yrs, and MTH is OUT OF BUSINESS... When I'm done... New Motor, New DCC board, iPhone 4 speaker and LEDs to add for step and truck lights... But YES! This video shows everyone what we do... And OMG, I have a few broken Bachmann Steamers from the 80s of eVile Bay..., I'm not gonna touch now...WOW what a headache to go through 😮

[@classicmodeltrains]

It was a lot, but in the end it's going to work for quite some time now. Sounds like you have a lot into your GP-38. Hope she pulls real good for ya :-)

[@ArcadiaJunctionModelTrains]

That was amazing. Spectacular repair and one of the best videos I have watched on any model train video.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@regisbraga3833]

Congratulations Ron for your very well done work! Your skills - as I already said before - are really amazing! You have transformed a very crappy model into a decent one, surpassing many extremely irritating difficulties (at least for me). I bow to you my friend!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Regis!

[@marklinzeit]

Inventive use of sproooz! I have used them for repairs too. Could really feel your frustration - and impressed to no end by your perseverance and inventiveness. Thanks for all the tips on techniques and tools that help us all our repairs!

[@classicmodeltrains]

THANK YOU once again! Your are very kind!!

[@richardryan517]

That was an amazing piece of work fabricating the parts you needed and PATIENCE! Keep up the good work.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Richard :-)

[@leverettrailfan5414]

The guy who offered those first set of gears through shapeways also offers gears for N scale bachmann trolleys. I was fixing a friends, he ordered the gears- same thing happened to me, I tried inserting a gear and it broke the instant I pressed it onto the axle. Axle holes weren't big enough! I figured if one gear broke, the others would probably break too, so instead I widened the holes in the gears until the axles slid into em, and then used a dab of CA to hold them in, which seemed to work out. They should really offer a buyer beware on those 3D printed gears! It's always fun trying to make up something because you can't get the part you need. Used some K&S metal tubing, thin sheet brass, and some ball bearings salvaged from an old busted VCR to fix up an O gauge Lionel engine of mine that never ran because the bearings were shot. Runs like it's brand new now! It's an early MPC job where the bearings are just plastic, molded into the bottom of the motor truck and the brushplate on top, so there's no real seperate bearing to replace. Had to open the holes up and make my own!

[@classicmodeltrains]

If I would have started with that little file set I bought for this job I suppose I could have done the same thing and made it work. I just thought if the gears are this brittle will they break if I set the loco down bit rough? Sounds like you came up with a pretty good solution for that MPC. Quite the fabricator you are!!

[@brentpodoll5848]

You are incredible your talents have no boundaries

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Brent :-)

[@BobR-gy5gx]

Another job well done Ron! Wishing you and yours a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Bob! Same for You and Yours as well :-)

[@davecrosson5018]

Wow, Ron! Just wow! I'm a kiwi from New Zealand and we take much pride at breeding guys and gals that show ingenuity. You would fit right in over her on I wee patch of dirt. Btw, I loved your pipe stretching tapper machine!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Dave! Kiwi is an interesting description for New Zealanders. A Feller from Australia was just chatting me up. You "islanders" (he he) sure have interesting slang down there :-)

[@chrisgwynn773]

Ron…Awesome video. Thanks for sharing! Happy Holidays and New Year 🎉

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Chris!

[@andyangle809]

The Lionel version is the original one from the 1970's. Bachmann bought out the tooling and produced the "Gen 1" as you call it in the 1980's and early 90's. The "Gen 2" version is the newer Spectrum version that was supposed to be better, but in reality, it wasn't. I have a first gen Bachmann 4449 and it was always a good running engine. I also had a Spectrum AFT 4449 and it ran horribly. Bachmann still makes them to this day under their Spectrum line, and from my understanding they are pretty good engines. They have all new tooling for the running gears, and I think they now use the tender for electrical pickup instead of the engine.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Andy, Your story of the Lionel/bachmann marriage makes more since to me. Someone mentioned Kader was in the mix as well? Thanks for the good information.

[@davydigger708]

@@classicmodeltrains I've heard it differently. Kader owns Bachmann - I believe they still do to this day. Back in the late 70's, when Lionel was selling HO trains, they partnered up with Kader and had them manufacture their HO items for them. But then Lionel quit selling HO trains for a while. Then in 1980, Kader purchased Bachmann, and they re-used the design for the Lionel HO locomotives on the new-for-1980 Bachmann locomotives.

[@rickestabrook4987]

Ron, you are the engine that can. What perseverance! Well done and Merry Christmas to you too,.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Rick and M.C. to you as well :-)

[@richd9505]

Wow. I am really impressed. Great job. Merry Christmas

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you. M.C. too you as well!

[@jebbohanan2626]

This video just skyrocketed to the top of my favorite list!! A video that gives ya somethin’ ta sink ya teeth into.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it Jeb!

[@johnbanicki7232]

That turned out really nice. Thanks for sharing. And Merry Christmas!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching and commenting John! M.C. to you as well :-)

[@dannyjones3840]

After owning a Bachmann NYC Niagara back in the 90's, I'll never own another. But i love watching your videos just got you. The "juiceses" and all the other ways you make it fun, yet informative, keeps me watching. Keep up being you brother!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Danny :-)

[@BriansModelTrains]

Merry Christmas! You are very talented.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you and M.C. to you as well :-)

[@davidvincent9713]

Enjoyed your video! Merry Christmas!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you David! M.C. to you as well :-)

[@davidkaralus7464]

This is Great! It is good to see a way to repair the cracked gears!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hope it saves a few out there David :-)

[@bluesboyst]

Great video....Your sense of humor is so entertaining. You are a great craftsman..... Steve...

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Steve. Trying to bring some humor to the Model RR community ;-)

[@rinnmhor]

This is the by far the best repair channel on youtube. An absolutely incredible job. Love your channel, keep up the tremendous work. A very happy new year to you, from Ireland.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Very Kind of you!! Thank you from over here in Montana, USA. Happy new year to you as well :-)

[@johnbarone3426]

Great video Ron love the brass fix

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks John 👍

[@SantaFeBob]

Another excellent video! I have a few of these engines and I dread the day I have to do this major overhaul. It will be some time before I run any trains since we moved into a new house, but I will tag this video in my “saved” list. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks SF Bob. Hope your new house has lots of room for the NEW LAYOUT WHOOP WHOOP!!

[@SantaFeBob]

@@classicmodeltrains Thank you. The basement is the footprint of the whole house. 38 ft x 33 ft. I would love to fill every square inch with trains, but there will be a section for a sofa and TV so I can have people over.

[@rwheatley0206]

Great repair job Ron. Merry Christmas buddy.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks, M.C. to you and yours as well :-)

[@vferrante6436]

that was great! fixing other people's mistakes and making a video all at once,take a break and Merry Christmas!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks. I........HAVE......TO.......KEEP.....FEEDING....THE....ALGORITHM.......OVerloard.....no..rest..for me............ Merry christmas to you and yours as well :-)

[@lotsatrains]

Wow Ron you are awesome and did an amazing job on that locomotive and I know you got that thing running better than it ever did even brand new straight out of the box 👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much!

[@tony42hajdu]

I am glad that You managed to find out the solution. Nice trick with the brass tubing. :)

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Tony :-)

[@adamserafini6945]

Nice fix brother !!!!! .I really like the tube stretch method to get what you need . Made in freaking China/Tiawan /Korea .Rebuilt right in the USA MAN!!! The makers of the junk replacement parts needs to be called out big time or the old fashioned way .Well you know. .Almost seems they made them and never took the time to actually test to see if they actually worked .. Thanks Man !

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Adam. The second set I received, I was able to phone call and visit with the creator of the piece. Says he's sold over 500 of them and not had the problems I encountered. He was at a loss as to why I could not get his gears to fit on my axles. Merry Christmas to you and yours Sir!!

[@pauls-train-asylum-581]

Brilliant solution to the Bachmann curse. Thanks for sharing and have a great Christmas!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Paul, M.C. to you as well

[@jeffbaker2897]

Really enjoyed your vid Ron, thanks for the info on these locomotives, Merry Christmas 🎁🎄🎅🏻& a Happy New Year🎆🎇🥂

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it Jeff. M.C. to you as well :-)

[@ededwardson6074]

Beautiful job

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Ed!

[@jasonmarkum171]

Wow! You really went all in on this one Ron! Great job thinking out of the box.Two thumbs up 👍👍 to you Sir! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Jason, yes I had to get the old brain cells working overtime on this fix. Merry Christmas to you and yours as well Sir :-)

[@ecidaho]

Merry Christmas Ron! Freaking Awesome job on the G4!! All the best and happy new year too!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Erick!

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas Ron and Family🎄⛄🎄🍺🍻🎄🎅🎄🍻🍺🎄⛄🎄

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching and M.C. to you and your as well :-)

[@alberthofer679]

Great job Ron ! Have a Merry Christmas.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Albert, and M.C. to you as well :-)

[@alberthofer679]

@@classicmodeltrains by the way, I have the Niagara hidden somewhere in my collection, I remember it having something wrong with the steam chest or something, had to be glued. I might get it out and look at it sometime.

[@user-df6ld5rg3q]

Another fantastic video Ron. I am always amazed by your fabrication skills. Thanks again for your videos. Between your channel and one other that I follow I have been able to maintain my fleet of Athearn Blue Box, Tyco, Mantua, Bachman, and Atlas. Most of which I would have never purchased if I had not learned how to maintain them. All are diesel and per your channel and the other I have been convinced I do not want to mess with steam engines 😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you. Glad to be able to help you out getting your fleet serviced and running well. Dont be afraid of steamers. There pretty much the same to work on just stay out of the valve gears and rods. Those can be a pain

[@user-ru9uy2ei4p]

I enjoy watching you fix model trains. Thanks for making your videos. Many years ago Bowser-Trains used to make a rebuild kits for Bachmann trains. I remember they made a specific kit for repowering Bachmann Daylights. Perhaps you could find one on the secondary market, i.e. train shows, estate sales, e-bay. The bowser kits were made of mostly die-cast metal parts.

[@classicmodeltrains]

A few Fellers have mentioned this upgraded kit and it's rarity. Would be nice to score one or two :-)

[@JimboW-iv7zw]

That was fantastic work. Good for you and your diligence to stick with the problem until solved. Hope you enjoyed your beers. Merry Xmas.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Jimbo! 4 more to go before im "out" (of beers that is) :-)

[@williambruceboisjoli8455]

Great video Ron and Merry Christmas Ron

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks William, M.C. to you as well :-)

[@alanb287]

What an amazing job and uncommon patience!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Alan. I really wanted to find a solution for these dang things :-)

[@franktino6676]

Ron, you are a true craftsman. Re-Built from scratch... You should be selling those gear kits you designed, instead of the fellows hawking the garbage resin ones produced by those 3rd party 3D printing companies that left you holding the bag!👜! 🌟🌟🌟Merry Christmas to you and the little lady! 🎄🎄🎄

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Frank, Merry Christmas to you as well :-)

[@paparoysworkshop]

I do a lot of 3D printing and you have to use the right resins for the right job. Sometimes even mixing resins. And then you need to stress test the parts so you can be reasonably sure they will not fail. It's not as simple as just designing the part, printing it and then here you go. This is why I will not make these types of parts for sale. But I will take a loco and custom make parts. Fit them, test them and only if I'm successful, do I bill the person. And because this all takes time, I only do it for club members, friends and maybe... friends of friends. I really enjoyed watching you tackle this job. Well done. But most important I think is for the people who ask others to do these repairs to watch these videos so they can see how difficult it can be. Maybe then they won't complain about the cost.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Roy. I like the way you think!!

[@TheRobertSterling]

Wow, from Canada also. And I have 2 of these in series 1. I have pulled out my last hair working on these, lol. I was so glad you made a video on your repair and fix...going to have to give this a try! Just became a 33% er about a month ago. Been playing catch up on your videos. Love them and learning from them. Keep up the good work and have a Merry Christmas.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you for your Support of my channel. Hope you get a few new idea's along the way of watching the video's. M.C. to you and yours as well Sir!!

[@dmbigguy1]

"Merry Christmas Ron" Hope you have a Great Holiday. Enjoy your videos

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks B.G. and merry Christmas to you as well :-)

[@roberthaffey9493]

thanks for your entertaining videos, you make them both fun and interesting! Merry Christmas to you! Warm Regards, Bob. 🎄🎅🎄

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Bob, M.C. to you and Yours as well :-)

[@w.rustylane5650]

I've never seen anyone fix a split frame Bachmann. That is the very reason I will never buy another Bachmann engine. Their rolling stock is okay but engines, they're a no go for me. Everyone says that Bachmann engines are good, but I've had to throw too many in the scrap bin after only 1 year of use. You thought through the problem and came up with a really good fix for split gears. I think that now it will last for a very long time. Brilliant idea using sleeves around the plastic. Maybe Bachmann needs to adopt your idea. Cheers from eastern TN & Merry Christmas

[@classicmodeltrains]

I won't buy them either.

[@peterwebster3076]

Well done on the repair ron great job merry Xmas and a prosperous new year to you and your family from uk

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Peter. Same for you and yours :-)

[@DavidSmith-rc7hs]

Superb job, have a great x-mas

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks, you too David!

[@TomzTrainzandAccessories]

That was an excellent video Ron! You’re too funny trying to keep it clean. I was helping you fill in the gaps on my end. LOL Merry Christmas to You, and your Family. Enjoy your holiday! Tom

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Tom! M.C. to you and yours as well :-)

[@joediberardino4419]

Great video and Merry Christmas

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Joe!

[@christophermondone6864]

Thanks Ron you are like me, you never give, you find a way to overcome the problem. I've been doing the same thing myself for over 60 years so far. Keep pressing on. Thanks again my friend.😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Chris!

[@MygrandpasTrain]

Wow what a chore! If Bachmann had done that extra bit of reinforcement back when they were building these new they might have kept a good reputation. But the Bean Counters had to get involved I suspect and make more profits at the cost of many unhappy customers. Too bad. I have a version of that engine which is later gen2 or maybe Gen 3. It still works good, although it's spent most of it's life in a box. My Uncle has the Gen 2 version which all the spacers cracked, causing the frame to short out. He thought it was the motor so he threw it away. Now I have to find a motor, gear and probably spacers to fix for him. The smoke units worked pretty good before they burn out, a nice stream of smoke at speed. Also apparently that giant brass gear was supposed to act as a flywheel too. Thanks for another helpful video and Merry Christmas!

[@classicmodeltrains]

The bean counters can really "F" up what the engineers designed that's for sure. Thanks for watching and M.C. to you and yours as well :-)

[@user-pm4ls6pr9v]

Cool! Happy Holidays

[@classicmodeltrains]

Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@frankshimkets5000]

Merry Christmas Ron! New subscriber here! Fantastic vid! You were truely against all odds, yet your diligence paid off!!! Great job getting that steamer runnin' again! 👍👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Frank! Thank you for your kind words and another Sub!! I really appreciate it :-)

[@user-re4sl2cp3e]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[@classicmodeltrains]

same to you as well :-)

[@stevenpeaketrainsandstuff3682]

Man I hate Bachmann for not coming up with a permanent fix themselves. I spent about $1000 on various locos with this setup, only to be told a few years later that there were no replacement parts as it had been discontinued. I ended up using clear shrinkplastic and superglue, which has worked. But I am thinking I might give your fix a try. I don't buy Bachmann to this day, they got me once, but never again. Merry Christmas Ron.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Steven, I won't lay down $$$ for bachmanns either. I think I will run some off the table in some short video's for my revenge of their existence. Just have to find one that can pull itself down the track for 3 feet. (he he) Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!!

[@stevenwaller192]

Wholly Miley!!! That was the most impressive repair video. I’ll consider that a Christmas Present. Though I don’t own any HO Bachmann or Bachman/lionel locos. I really appreciated that repair. I liked your chart showing measurements of the wheel shafts. Would have thought to file them till all 4/8 were the same dimensions. And then go on to fit the gears. So happy to find out those 3D gears and spacers have limited success. Or None. I wanted to say what a fine job of Shining that turd into a runner. But maybe that wouldn’t apply as you actually waay improved the movement along with operations. And thank you for the efforts on clean language too! 33% ers rule!

[@garykellerup3470]

Great video Ron! Loved it! Maybe you remember, but I mentioned to you in one of my postings that I had a Lionel GS4. I was surprised just how cheap it was when I took a good look at it with the shell off. I didn't like the way it ran, and it look cheaply made. I figured I was buying quality Lionel. I didn't know it was actually a Bachmann. I was able to sell it though. I got rid of it and glad I did after watching your video. Love the way you fabricate and find ways to overcome with broken parts. Brass sleeves were brilliant. Even melting the sprues to fabricate those pins. Learned a lot! Thanks for the work you do to help us MRR'ers. Especially newbs like me. Merry Christmas!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Gary, M.C. to you also :-)

[@ruagoof2]

Go Ron go....your ingenuity never ceases to amaze... Thanks for the great comparison of the gen 1 and gen 2 locos... It's a good observation that they changed the loco numbers from the gen 1 #4454 to the gen 2 #4446 Not to confuse things...but a quick search on the ebay showed that there is also a #4449 out there... my GS4's are both gen1..1 still works fine...the other has zinc rot on the center set of drivers...least I know which used ones to keep an eye out for now... Keep up the great vids... Hope you and yours have a grand holiday and a Merry Christmas.... Rich...

[@classicmodeltrains]

Greetings Rich, Glad you enjoyed my video. M.C. to you and yours as well :-)

[@normfredriksen1381]

Wow Ron. Excellent work and patience. I was starting to think it would be easier to find a less complicated motor assembly to put those (what I consider beautiful) engine shells on. But then again, keeping things original also has its benefits though they may be a bit of a challenge.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Norm.

[@jamescotter5376]

Great video Ron I love your videos and Merry Christmas to you you're a patient man working with all that little stuff like that Merry Christmas young man

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you James! M.C. to you as well Sir!

[@danielpaulson786]

Love this guy,he's funny.keep up the good work.

[@classicmodeltrains]

thank you Daniel

[@jamesfitch6431]

Thank you for this information. I really appreciate it. I have two Bachmanns one is the N&W 611. I'm putting a Bowser rebuild under that one. The other is the 806 Union Pacific which I'm going to try your fix on. I'm hoping that the brass will work the same on Gen 1 as they do on Gen 2. Happy Holidays Ron and wishing you the best.

[@classicmodeltrains]

You are welcome James, I hope you get your Gen 1 running again :-)

[@JOEMAMA_534]

You are my savior I have gone through 3 of these things with their gears cracked!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad to help out :-)

[@terrencemarx4054]

This is In Time for me. My Botchmann GS4 broke the gear first run I used it. Now I know how you fix. Thanks!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad I could help Terrence :-)

[@azmike1]

I'm speechless. Bravo! Bully! Bully my good man! This video is a treasure of knowledge. Thank you! I just love engineering things by the seat of my pants! By the way, I have a Lionel GS4. It runs. But sounds like a rock tumbler.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you so much. Here! Here! I need to get into one of those Gen ones and root around a bit.

[@MozanaRN]

Merry Christmas in advance Ron. Excellent video! All my Bachmann Steamers are Shelf Queens. I think you should market the brass sleeves idea for split gears as this is a common problem for not only cruddy Bachmann wheel arrangements but also Proto 2000 and unfortunately sometimes even Athearn gears. Carry on and keep up the good work.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you and M.C. to you as well :-)

[@michaelcudby787]

Wow Ron. I do a lot of repairs to some of my stuff, and funny that it seems to be just Bachman.They used that split chasis design on nearly all their stuff ,steam & deisel, back then.The steamers did not need the phospher bronze wipers to pick up current.They did change that around mid 2000s I think.to the wiper system. I was blown away with your determination, & thought process, to get the perfect results, especially wth this one. I thought, at the time, I hopng those drivers dont end up with a wobble, but NOT ON YOUR NELLY. Perfect just spot on.Wishing you all the best over the xmas period. Michael NZ

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Michael!

[@hardslider2930]

Great job again

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you!!

[@cab4word]

I had to do something of the same with some MTH turbines. I replaced the gears with Athearn gears after I drilled them out and did sleeves like you did. They all work great now, just takes time to build the parts

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup, Lots of time to make custom one offs. I'm surprised MTH didnt offer replacement parts

[@paulatherton985]

Thanks for the idea. I have a Lionel version type one that I tried the printed gears from the same guy you used the second time and had the same problem. I will try the brass rings with the old split gears and hopefully will get it working again. Great video! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad to help out Paul! M.C. to you as well :-)

[@paulatherton985]

@@classicmodeltrains Thank you and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you also!!

[@Steamerthesteamtrain]

Oh boy, this was the engine that forever cemented my hatred for plastic steam. I remember I ran this on my table at the time, I think a gear got stuck for a moment then it shot off the corner and broke. Makes me wish Bowser or Mantua made a GS4 back in the day since they knew how to make steam locos.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree with you Sir!!

[@Steamerthesteamtrain]

@@classicmodeltrains Thank you, If I ever started a model train company I would make neo-classical models with crisp and accurate scale. And these said models would be user and very upgrade friendly.

[@AEStudt]

Love this video Ron I'm working on my gen 2 daylights I would like to try your way with the brass an see if I can do it

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you, Hope you can get Her fixed up and back on the rails.

[@OgdenTunkRR]

Rob as always I love your videos 😆

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Frank!

[@footienz]

Another informative, yet entertaining video! Thanks for providing a great channel and hope you have a great Christmas and a cold beer...or 6!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you! Sippin an IPA as I type.

[@footienz]

Good Job!@@classicmodeltrains

[@AEStudt]

Merry Christmas Ron

[@classicmodeltrains]

Same to you Sir!!

[@irenecraggs6123]

nice job Ron i have one that broke off right at the axle have to wait for a donor so i can change the wheels out👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

yes I have a Gen 1 that's in the same predicament

[@silvertrain7945]

I just did the same repair on a Bachmann 44 tonner a couple of weeks ago. I still have one gear giving me fits. That might be a two beer project to get the last gear to work correctly. Have a merry Christmas.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Merry Christmas to you as well!!

[@dougvalmore1450]

Wow! Amazing amount of fussy little rebuild-from-scratch work! Did not think you did repairs for hire (do you? - I have a Bachmann 3-truck Shay with broken gears & NWSL brass replacements for that model but no adequate eyes or patience for it any more. I found a site in Cali that claimed to do this work but multiple phone calls & emails have not been returned. Been watching you for at least a year now & would trust you if you're interested).

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Doug. Reach out to me at [e-mail] We can see what can be done :-)

[@modelrailpreservation]

Yes! Finally! Other people who make their own sleeves for Bachmann gears. Thank you!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Have you done this as well?

[@modelrailpreservation]

@@classicmodeltrains Oh yes, both N and HO models. I'm sure a lot of people independently had the same idea too. But for some reason I never seen to actually hear of anyone else doing it. Also works with those early Proto 2000 HO units that had similar cracked gear issues.

[@EricCayton]

33%er here, 100% of the time! Great videos! Keep’em coming. 🚂💨

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you so much for your support Eric!!

[@ceijohn1107]

Great way to make parts!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you!

[@larryboyer]

Great video. You give me hope that I may be able to fix the gears on my Rapido Turbo Train. I will never buy another Rapido engine... I paid a lot for that when I purchase it only to have gears that split and when I contacted them i was told they have no replacement gears for it. So I figured all I had was an exspensive paper weight.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I hope Larry that you might be able to resurrect the ol gal. Too many paperweights in this hobby :-)

[@williamsantangelo]

Thank You Ron

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks William for watching :-)

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

Merry Christmas Ron nice job saving a poor product.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Norman, M.C. to you and yours too!

[@Zebrails]

Wow... Well, I'm pushing buttons and clicking a mouse to support your channel. The time you spent reengineering those axle gears... Wow... I'd like to win the fight some day... and then sell the action. Priceless effort on your part. Good job, sir. John

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for your support John :-)

[@randallellison6421]

Awesome job Ron! This is one reason I don't buy Bachmann steam locomotives (ironically, I haven't had much trouble from the few diesels I have from them), or I guess I should say, steam locomotives in general regardless of manufacturer. All that being said, I do have a GS-4 (early 2000s era) that apparently has suffered the same fate yours did, I might try that trick at some point and see if I can resurrect it, happy holidays!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Randall. M.C. to you as well :-)