Bachmann HO scale Trolley and Streetcar

[@BurningtunaDC]

Thanks for the suggestion. The PCC struggles in tight turns whereas the Brill does great. I was thinking of segmenting the board into 4 city blocks 24" wide and 12" deep. A great big + sign if you will. 2 turnouts at all intersections except the center one will add up to a total of 8 and at $15 for the Customtraxx turnout and $22 for the switch machine and suddenly this becomes a rather expensive project.

[@Electrotract]

A good start- mayt i suggest you look at the spectrum Peter Witt and Brill cars they are dual Dc/dcc and have 5 pole motors all wheel pickup etc aand i have seen them as cheap as 80.00 USD. I look forward to following your progress

[@BurningtunaDC]

After a year of researching and exploring this: Under bed (a futon in this case) layouts are much better suited for N or even Z scale if you want to create any scenery or have a wide choice of structures. OSB is per sq ft heavier than plywood and since you can't get OSB in less thickness than .5 inch the plywood could be substantionally lighter if you're building a portable layout.

[@BurningtunaDC]

@JBofBrisbane The PCC is only a few weeks old. I think eventually I will order the after market drive that Bowser makes. The Bachmann models are cheap and someone once said that you get what you pay for. I will have to say that I am very happy with the way the Brill runs.

[@gatodecamapa]

I guess, to oil you PCC will be good to use any motor oil that you can find in the model railroad store, any oil that is good for shaving machines, hair cut mashines will be good as well. I oil all of my trolleys regularly, 2 times per year.

[@JBofBrisbane]

Could be worn bearings in the motor or gears. Sorry to say my original PCC just died - motor burnt out. I've ordered new bogies direct from Bachmann online. Hopefully, in a few weeks, my first PCC will be back better than new.

[@BurningtunaDC]

@JBofBrisbane Suggestions such as your is why I posted this video. What oil do you suggest? Thanks for the suggestion.

[@BurningtunaDC]

A little bit of 3 and 1 and the performance of the PCC has improved. I can't seem to find the cause of the guinea pig like sound.

[@JBofBrisbane]

The PCC sounds a bit dry - try oiling the motor bearings and layshafts in the gearbox.

[@BurningtunaDC]

Thanks for all the input. The layout has been scaled back and is now on a 2' x 4' piece of plywood. If you'd like to keep up with the progress and/or have an interest in trolleys, streetcars, and trams you are welcome to "Like" the Petworth Traction Co. on Facebook.