Can These Engines Be Fixed? | Faulty Model Trains | + Bachmann Fail!

[@Hypnotic_Horizon]

I love your point in the beginning about manufacturers taking notice of your videos. You're like our voice to the manufacturers. I base a lot of my purchase decisions on your reviews.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Kevin, I really appreciate that - cheers mate! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@phil36310]

@@SamsTrains And so do I too ! Sam, You are our 'expert' now for you are always 'objective' and 'to the point' !

[@tmcg972]

Thanks Kevin, that's exactly what I thought, the voice of the consumer... And my gosh, to compare Sam's efforts, would you grab a soldering iron and kapton tape to fix an expensive brand new tablet/phone?

[@atlantaman]

They would also take note if we didn’t so willingly buy their stuff as they rack up prices to nosebleed levels (R U listening, Bachmann, in particular?).

[@muir8009]

@@tmcg972 yeah. why not? Sam got it going through undoing a few screws and having a look and putting a dab of glue in and doing some screws back up. it was probably more complicated hooking up the controllers. good on him for doing something: I get the impression that some here commenting seem to think it's far too difficult and advanced to undo screws. No wonder most detail packs are unused or lost. and these people are going to attempt to build a layout! to think manufacturers used to sell their popular locos in kit form, how the hell would the kids cope now?

[@FunAtDisney]

“Oh no! I picked up the lubricant tube instead of the glue tube....Oh well, no one will ever know...” (said the Bachmann assembler on the line that day).

[@SamsTrains]

haha I think that's literally true - lol! xD Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@FunAtDisney]

@@SamsTrains Here’s something you my enjoy: This couple out of the Salt Lake City area of Utah have dozens of locomotives (many HO / On3 and so on in brass). They are building a large scale logging layout and have been showing several logging engines over these past weeks that they have had stored away, mostly Bachmann. This one in particular is a Bachmann, a Baldwin articulated “Mallet”. I thought of you at the point where he’s a bit miffed that the whistle and bell are made of plastic and painted gold instead of Bachmann using metal or brass! 
 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGGXqmWNa9ufh9E

[@simonbaker6962]

@@SamsTrains Its a bad thing to mix up glue and lube. !!!!!!

[@bow-tiedengineer4453]

I would bet money that's exactly what happened (although they might have not realized, rather than not caring). That would also explain why some of the locos are terrible and some are fine, the ones from that assembler that messed up are terrible, the ones that weren't are fine.

[@horatioyen256]

hm

[@chielvanderkolk4830]

"Ah a piece which works by friction" "Why don't we oil them, definitely helps" - leaked conversation from Bachmann HQ

[@vphil09]

"And we'll charge an extra £50 for the oiled motor."-Bachmann HQ

[@chielvanderkolk4830]

Anyway great video Sam, might try and fix my own 10000 this same way. It's got the exact same issue

[@SamsTrains]

haha exactly - the oil has gold flecks in it!! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@RCassinello]

I have a Bachmann Standard 5 and it had the same stuttery motion - but even at full speed. When I took it apart and inspected the chassis, I found that the quartering was completely botched on the centre drivers - possible as much as 10° out. Once I'd corrected that, it ran perfectly.

[@speleokeir]

@terrys trains OOBill has some useful videos on sorting out poor or non-runners too. kzbin.info/door/ollzrM5WtwitcJGTkNxLJQ

[@billywindsock9597]

When I have mechanisms on the work bench, I use a 9v battery if I want to check if it works. The contacts on the 9v are the right distance for OO wheels - I find it a very useful tool.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's true - i used to do that too!! I only switched to crocodiles as it's a bit more convenient to fix them to a contact, and leave your hands free! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@stephenwilliamson4556]

I really enjoy these fault finding videos. Mainly because model locomotive design, especially in terms of the mechanisms is very similar the world over, so even though the models themselves are different, the running gear is almost identical. Really glad you got your Bachmann loco fixed. I’ve actually been following your ring field motor servicing guide, and I’ve managed to get two of my old Lima locomotives running again after more than 15 years on the sideline. One I thought was a total loss, but it now runs really well. Thanks again for sharing.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Stephen - yeah that's true actually - I always enjoyed that when I got an American/European model in to repair! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@thatcallisto]

Sam’s Bachmann LMS 10000 be like: “My doctor has forbidden me to pull.”

[@talesfromsodor]

Haha! The sad story of Henry. More like the sad story of manufacturing

[@radzieckigraczproductions3]

I see that you are a man of culture as well

[@SamsTrains]

haha very much so... a few days in bed should fix the problem! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@radzieckigraczproductions3]

@@SamsTrains XD

[@generalprincecodyhedgewolf2944]

@@SamsTrains i died of laughter after seeing comments

[@Seasonal50]

Looking forward to this! Love your repair videos. I’ve been watching your restoration lives from last year

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - really hope you like this one! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@peterbartlett4082]

Sam, the similarities between your narrative of this "autopsy" and that of a pathologist "doing his thing" are hilariously uncanny!! Well done you, brilliant and honestly informative, thankyou.

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks Peter - I guess that's pretty worrying, lol! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@pedalcarguy]

Sam, wonderful video! Congrats for repairing the Bachmann loco. I love problem solving and fixing things, so this really hit the spot for me. Thank you and stay healthy!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - really glad I was able to fix that! You too mate, Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@solidsnake4595]

Sam you are a model train wizard!!!!!!!! you manged to improve one lemon and fix another lemon bloody hell lad! you proved in one video why subbing to you for the last 3 years was worth while!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much mate - yeah I'm really pleased I fixed the Bachmann!! Really appreciate your kind words, Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@masterofsouthern5427]

It’s is very satisfying seeing the inside of the loco. Thanks for this Sam I need a tutorial to see faults in locos. 🙂🙂

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah it is - glad you liked seeing it mate! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@bpresolve]

Thank you Sam. This is the sort of problem we have when we purchase locomotive from retailers in Britain with the added problem that we live in Australia. I could count on both hands how many I have had to do the same repair on the fly wheels for members of the Club I belong to and all of them were Bachmann locos. The problem with sending anything back for repair takes forever with the added cost of postage that luckily in my own case was paid for by Hatton’s but that has not been the same for all retailers. So we have had to take things into our own hands and repair them ourselves which is a shame because I always considered Bachmann the No 1 manufacturer. Thank you so much for your time and patience on showing us in the colonies how to get around the Tyranny Of distance in my case it was the same problem as your own Regards Bill W/Australia.

[@SamsTrains]

It's a pleasure - yeah pity these issues are so common! At least you're able to do the repairs yourself - I feel sorry for the poor folks who can't! :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@loltangera]

Very satisfying to watch! At least for those of us who haven't spent £150 on the 10000...

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's a very good point!! xD Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@samuraifool912]

I just wonder how many of your Video's, help out very Disappointed Model train collector's. Who have Forked out £150 plus and get home excited to find these kinda issues..!! Dashing any Joy ( that this Hobby is all about Fun & Joy.) I wouldn't be capable or confident enough to tackle what you just did. (65 yr old Wobbles make things Difficult.) But some People out there would be..! So well Done Sam, you will have helped someone. And even if it Just One Person you're Clip is Worth every second of watching and Producing..!! Cheers kim in Oz..!😎

[@Onthemainline]

I really enjoyed this one Sam, very informative and interesting once again.. Great video, stay safe and take care :)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - really glad you liked it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@sharkymcsharknose2979]

Nice work, Sam! It's satisfying to have a positive result from all of that dis- and reassembly. I've fixed several Atlas N scale diesels from the mid-Aughties which have a similar issue as the LMS 10000. The universals, friction-fit on the motor shaft & nestled within the flywheels, would crack with age and cause the same free spinning problem. Some CA glue or more durable replacements from Atlas fixed the problem. Atlas doesn't use that design anymore. I'm surprised (well, not THAT surprised) to see Bachmann scale it up! Pity because the LMS 10000 is so pretty & pretty expensive.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Sharky, yes I was very glad too! Thanks for sharing your projects too - sounds like a right pain to fix those as well! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@journeythroughtherails5294]

This is called “A normal day for Bachman”.

[@brianartillery]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@radzieckigraczproductions3]

I died laughing XD

[@dukesy1957]

Very interesting to watch......very different to when I had my model trains years ago....vastly different inside now a days.........mine were all 3 pole motors......Springfield was just coming out and very expensive.

[@SamsTrains]

haha you're not wrong!! xD Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lewiscartwright3609]

@@dukesy1957 parden me but I think they're called ring field motors I wasn't around when they came out because I was born in 2004

[@sam-yo9gd]

these videos are great for teaching people how to service and improve the performance of locomotives. Keep up the good work!

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you Sam, I'm glad you think so! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@methylatedspirit6810]

The blue flying scotsman is just how my mallard is acting

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh sorry to hear that - still not sure why that is! :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@methylatedspirit6810]

@@SamsTrainsone of the connecting rods have ripped its self apart ill be able to get it fixed though

[@bruce7699]

I’m quite sure hornby use the same type of chassis for the A3 and A4 as the A4 is basically an A3 with a streamlined casing and has a higher pressure boiler

[@methylatedspirit6810]

@@bruce7699 although my mallard is gold plated and its only a small amount of damage and it’ll just clip back in

[@dylanpurcell1246]

sam’s Train i have that same Hornby blue flying scotsman

[@atlantaman]

I have the old green version of10000 and it was a good runner until regularly one of the cardan shafts kept slipping from its motor dog. Eventually, the thing didn’t move, though the motor turned. Frustrated, because I couldn’t see why, I placed it in my “loco hospital” awaiting treatment. I didn’t think of the little bushing and after watching your analysis must examine that. I recently bought 10001, though haven’t fitted decoder yet, and have the Locomotion DP1, which has given no problems so far. I think they’re all the same drive platform so I’ll be alert for similar problems in the future. Thanks Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh so sorry to hear that - yes it's a right bugger of a design.. hopefully your latest one won't have the same problem! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@HarryC_640]

Well done Sam that was very clever of you! I can’t believe that you have to pay all that money and you receive a disfunctional loco. Either way you are very talented at working with the mechanism! I learnt a lot today! Thank you!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Harry, yeah I can't believe it either... even though it happens quite a lot, lol! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@NKPgator]

Thanks for bringing these problems to light. Most of my model train collection is recycled junk I acquired from various sources. I have repaired a variety of Bachmann locomotives, a favourite if their design team is to put a plastic reciver on the end of a metal shaft which tends to crack and slip, or just slip. If your glue method breaks loose, there is another more dramatic fix I use a bit more often than I like to admit. I take the shaft or motor out and put it under the Dremel drill press, drilling a hole, or if I miss, even a notch out of the shaft and through the plastic. Then I simply pin that in place with broken pieces of drill bit or the right size wire. I turned a whimpy DD40AX model that could not pull itself around into a real "stump puller" With your steam loco, I would recomend very tiny amounts of oil on the connecting rods and especially the cross head and guides. After its applied, run the loco on the bench so as to not throw excess lubricant all over your tracks and then try it for creeping around. A good run in after proper lub also might improve performance over time

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing Eric - yes I know a lot of Bachmann's plastic mechanical parts fail, come across many of them myself! Thanks a lot for the tip - appreciate that! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@astonnapper-woods1230]

Great video Sam. Can you do a new pulling test (with the newton meter) on the Bachmann 10000 now it is fixed? Would be very interesting to see how much more pulling power it has.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much! That's a great idea - I didn't think of that!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@edwardlawrence9916]

Watching these kinds of repair videos is like therapy, please do more, always great to learn a bit more about how to take things apart! Have you thought of ever taking a model completely apart, bit like Todd McLellan?

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Edward, I'll do my best to do more! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@atlantaman]

@@SamsTrains if you do, perhaps show/list the tools, lubricator etc you use, Sam. I’m sure lots of your viewers would be helped. Thanks.

[@Sir2Edward]

It acctually is really fun to fix my trains! I had a märklin percy, that when he drives and i block his way, instead of making a wheelslip, he acctually just stopped, so i had to give him a lil' push. I ended up taking it appart.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah it is fun isn't it?! Great to hear you've been able to sort that out! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

I'd have sent that unreliable stinky box on wheels back where it came from. I'd have swapped it for a more reliable GWR steam engine. Glad you got Scottie up and running, no railway modeller should be without her. By the way, I'm about to miss your very last Springtime live stream for a very good reason. I know you upload on Sunday, so "WAAH!" I've been crying so much due to feeling homesick. Lockdown is getting to me. I've told you about my nasty accident in which I broke my left wrist. It's healing and after I've had my first Covid jab, first step towards freedom, I'll be home for good. That's why there are so many videos of yours I haven't had time to view still awaiting my comments.

[@SamsTrains]

haha good choice Kelly, hope you enjoy your second choice much more! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@JonatanGronoset]

Sam, I have a theory that if it's not the wheels and running gear, motor or excessive grease, maybe the oscillating speed in a model could be down to an individual gear being manufactured nonconcentric which causes it to make an eccentric motion and bind in the tightest spot? In that case the only option is getting a replacement for said gear. Might be worth investingating!

[@SamsTrains]

That's a very interesting idea Jonatan - that would definitely do it!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@RichardKuivila1947]

OH ? Their spares bin has1,000 identical, nonconcentric replacements !

[@fredfairclough4390]

Love your videos you go into so much detail on how to repair locos I would feel quite confident following your videos to do any repairs or servicing thank you

[@dennisnorton831]

Very,very interesting Sam, there seems to be a lot of sloppiness in the Chinese factories. I have had a few similar experiences with Hornby as well.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Dennis - yes far too much in fact!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@chrisclark6192]

Hi Sam. Another enjoyable video. I think that Bachmanns standards are slipping even further. A few years ago, I had a similar issue with a Hornby steam loco. After some checking (and some swearing) I found the teeth on a plastic cogwheel had not been cut properly and as a result it wasn't meching properly. I had to use a scalpel to carefully scrape away the plastic to effectively cut some new teeth into the cog. I ended up with a successful repair in the end. Some of the manufacturers obviously don't believe in quality control, which is bad considering the prices that they charge for their products. Keep up the good work and stay safe. Cheers Chris.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Chris - yeah you could be right - I'm shocked when I find things like this! Thanks for sharing your story of woe too! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@muir8009]

but of a bugger about the mis cast gear, however as far as modern QC goes, have a look at tinplate train variation collectables, you may want to reconsider the modern QC verdict :)

[@chrisclark6192]

@@muir8009 I'm quite happy to stick with my verdict thank you. It is quite obvious that there are quality issues judging by the video and other comments, and of course my own experiences with model railways over the years.

[@muir8009]

@@chrisclark6192 good on you. sorry, I wasn't really trying to imply your QC was incorrect, and it's a fair call, I was rather badly wording that QC has changed a lot since days of old. by that tinplate went out with no lithography of one side, unfinished paint, mismatched coach sides or even upside down etc, none of which appears today (not common anyway) but generally tinplate engineering was very robust. today's QC issues seem to more consist of the right parts, badly put together. I actually made my comment not at you really, it was more to let people try to realise that it's not a modern thing, or a China thing etc. one thing that has changed for the better is the warranty. so again apologies, I wasn't meant to get at you personally :)

[@chrisclark6192]

@@muir8009 Hi there. No problem. I think at the end of the day we both think pretty much the same. You are right the warranties have improved, but you should not need to use them. 👍.

[@mariebcfhs9491]

Lost a customer Bachmann has How embarrassing, how embarrassing *in Yoda's voice*

[@MuffinManMax]

Noice

[@radzieckigraczproductions3]

You have got the Galactic Model Railway’s approval

[@whiteroseBR]

I mean I have 16 bachmann locos and they've all been perfect, actually had more issues with hornby and I only have 5 of them

[@SamsTrains]

haha very much so! Not typical of all Bachmann locos though, to be fair! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@johnoneill5661]

I love this kind of video. I have a load of locos mostly Fleischmann and Roco with a few Trix and Lilliput that haven't run in over 10 years and I need to service before use which I've never done. So watching this is a great help. 👍👍👍

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much for sharing John - all the best with your own servicing! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@SteamingThroughYorkshire]

As soon as I saw the title, I knew you'd make it do Bachmann come out worse.

[@SamsTrains]

I managed to make the Bachmann one better, the Hornby is pretty much the same though! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@matthewpalmer2049]

same thought, the 10000 is fine tbh, the motor is a but gutless, but no worse than Scotsman. Should put a whole new cab in Scotsman, with all the controls on the wrong side of the cab!! Well done Hornby to screw that up!!

[@18EStudios]

@@matthewpalmer2049 The BR blue Scotsman is modelled as before its alteration to left hand drive (how it is now) and it clearly states that in the brief history section on the back of the box. So it is not "wrong" but sometimes the pictures on Hornby's packaging can be misleading at times. A good example is the Thompson A2/2s where the green in the picture is completely different from the actual model (but in reality Hornby has never gotten BR Brunswick green right so yeah :P)

[@matthewpalmer2049]

@@18EStudios true, but being in a BR colour scheme, I'd imagine it would be in the right state as represented by the model.

[@paulwilson3083]

At the end of the day the video showed it as it was, preference to a manufacturer meant nothing as the proof was there for all to see.

[@anthonyhawkins9432]

What a mission Sam,you are a braver man than i,i have the Dapol version of 1001 in Green livery and i'am very happy with it.i once bought the Heljan Tango,i was not impressed with it,it kept derailing on my layout and i sent it back.cheers for another great video mate

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks Anthony - either brave or foolish! Yeah the Heljan Tango is a complete waste of time - I'll never touch one again! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@anthonyhawkins9432]

@@SamsTrains cheers Sam,keep up the great work mate,stay safe

[@dansmodelrailways7886]

Ive fixed locos for years, and watching that scotsman i reckon it has a slight wheel quartering issue. Thats why its sticking in a certain part of the wheel rotation.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Dan, yeah I bet you're right there... I won't attempt to fix such a minor issue though, as quartering does my head in! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@mintysgt]

Have to say. That’s What came to mind before he started pulling it apart. Quartering is not that hard

[@michaelwhiles5282]

Sam, you are a true inspiration too us all. Thanks for all the cracking videos.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Michael, that's so lovely to read! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@peterdriffill7950]

Please contact Bachmann for a comment - explain the situation (who you are - perhaps a link to the video). Everyone can make mistakes (though as you say this is totally unacceptable) but the way they respond and the steps to they take to address your complaint makes all the difference! Great video as always ☺️

[@SamsTrains]

I'll think about it Peter - I would be interested to hear what they had to say! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@duncanbhaltaireanraigwilso9627]

Thanks Sam. I think I now know what is wrong with my Bachmann Class 221. I was bought it for Christmas 20 years ago, and it's sat in its box for 15 of those years. The motor turns, but the wheels don't when any torque is required.

[@brianartillery]

I would have thought that the best way to secure those driveshafts would have been by a grub screw through the side of the brass flywheel. Simple, secure, and idiot-proof.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right Brian - or even just use a longer motor shaft, and have the plastic retainers fit onto that as well... don't understand why such a solution was beyond the Bachmann engineers! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@muir8009]

nice thought, dublo used grubscrews on their ringfield drive pinions: one of the big reasons why they went bankrupt unfortunately, thinking that providing expensive proper engineering solutions would redeem itself through sales. nobody gave a monkey's and bought the cheap and cheerful triang sets instead.

[@norfolkngood8960]

Exactly maybe too foolproof & too long lasting.... Cynical mode

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hey Sam, watched this on my TV really good quality! Loved this video, so much of what I do. Excellent work on fixing the diesel, I find it incredible that they would use such a system, undoubtedly a push fit but oiled by someone who has no clue or care about what they are doing. This service video will be invaluable for anyone in the future. The Flying Scotsman, I'd suggest this is one of the gears you removed, probably the 2nd one, might have a blocked tooth or something fouling the spindles it runs on, I've seen this myself. Well done mate

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Mike - filmed the top shot on my phone unbelievably... it's the only other 1080p 60fps camera I own... quite impressed with it! Thanks a lot for sharing - yeah very shoddy workmanship there, not impressed! Appreciate your kind words as always mate, stay safe, Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@thediamondtank]

“This is my Bachmann, This is my Hornby. Most trains are for running, But mine are just faulty”

[@Sir2Edward]

Sad

[@SamsTrains]

haha sad but true!!

[@TonySmith-cd7jo]

Ha ha, nice Full Metal Jacket ref.

[@OlivierGabin]

@@TonySmith-cd7jo Another FMJ reference when you see an Heljan Tango : "I don't know they stacked s*** so high !"

[@misterpaulgg3231]

Wow! Grear, sam!! This gives me the idea of dearing revise two of my locos of faulty running. You are an inspiration. Thank you.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - that sounds great, good luck! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@highbrookendmodelrailway]

I am flabbergasted how someone didn't pick up on this issue - like QC, or when the model is reviewed before being put into mass production. There are literally no words for how stupid the assembly / design is, and even less words than no words for how someone didn't notice it! Nice video again, I love seeing the action "as it happens!"

[@OriginalBongoliath]

This is what happens when everything is made in China.

[@highbrookendmodelrailway]

@@OriginalBongoliath I'll give you that, but I'd say yes and no. Most of the time, mechanisms & detail are much better than when models were built over here, apart from Bachmann mechanisms. The rest I find are much better performers. The downside is that assembly and overall QC for these models has become quite poor, and also getting replacement parts or even servicing the model has become difficult.

[@SamsTrains]

Me too mate - a real shocker isn't it?! Crazy stuff! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@muir8009]

@@OriginalBongoliath no, it's a reoccurring thing no matter where it's made. it's more a customer expectation thing: remember all the mismatched sides, wrong colours, bad castings etc from days of old? customers were just more accepting then :)

[@paulwilson3083]

A very interesting and factual video as always Sam and thanks to you I now know the problem my bachman 108 DMU has, thank you Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

Appreciate it Paul - ahh hope you can fix it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@roberthill6216]

I thought this video was brilliant, thank you. :)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Robert!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tabriff3832]

Excellent. I'm glad that you are in a position to do this, and that you have the patience for the task. If every faulty or underperforming model was exchanged or refunded, nothing would change, and if someone's model develops a fault further into ownership, then you will have given them hope that it might be fixable. I liked to think of these episodes as washing the manufacturers dirty grunners in public... well actually, maybe not, not a pretty thought. I've been collecting 2nd hand models over the last 3 years or so. I've managed to fix, repair, and correct most problems. Some will never be 100%, because of age, design, wear, but I'm chill. One though, which was bought as an excellent condition, good runner, has driven me to the stamping on stage. Hornby R2224 LMS Fowler 2-6-4T Class 4P '2311'. Did Hornby go through a phase of fitting square axles and gears, or deliberately unbalancing them? Should of returned it right away, but was one of two models I first bought, and I accepted then, what I don't accept now. Have you ever done an autopsy on one of these?

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Tab! Great to hear you've seen success too - I spent many years doing much the same thing with 2nd hand models, and it was very satisfying. Yes they did indeed - square axles were a Hornby feature for a time... I believe it's known as planned obsolescence! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@thomascollector5443]

Woah im early Im getting my 1st hornby set in the nrar future Im getting the christmas express for 90$ from hattons

[@adogeatingapieceofbread9335]

Cool

[@SamsTrains]

Welcome!! That sounds great - hope you really enjoy it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lindsaydonovan6241]

Hi. Get a freight set (Like Valley drifter or Highland Rambler). If i could say one thing to someone starting the hobby is 'get freight, not passenger'. With freight you can arrange trains into endless combinations, particularly as you grow into the hobby and start to care about realism, especially when working in a limited space. Passenger trains test to stick in 'sets' a lot more and I find freight more fun in this regard.

[@GSD-hd1yh]

I have an affinity for those one-off experimental locos such as GT3, Lion, Kestrel, 10000, W1, Turbomotive etc so it was good to see this one fixed. Maybe in one of your future running sessions you could use whichever one-offs you have to give us all a taste?

[@radzieckigraczproductions3]

hmm yes, i was hoping that this vid will be uploaded. this has been interesting so far! lol i run out of things to say sometimes XD

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you!! Glad it was interesting so far! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@timboyle3114]

I had a very similar sticking / hesitation problem with West country/ Bob / MN Pacific's in the past. Turned out that it was a cracked gear. I think this was a common issue with models made around 2007 ish, but it might be worth a check. Replacing the gear set fixed the issues. Happened to several of my models. Took me a age to get the gearset as they were never in stock.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing Tim - yes you're right - I've had the exact problem with locos from that era too, absolute nightmare to repair! This isn't anywhere near as bad as that though - just a very slight hesitation at low speeds! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Ben-Likes-Trains]

Interesting video, I couldn’t take a loco apart without breaking it-Ben

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Ben! It takes a bit of practice, but I'm sure you could with a bit of experience! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SeatedViper]

Many years ago, I had the American-outline 4-4-0 "JUPITER" or similar and coach for use on my model tramway. The loco had a similar sort of drive shaft to that on 10000/10001, and it performed just as well. In the end, I had the motor out and fitted Tenshodos to the coach, so it pushed the loco . . . Not quite what was wanted, but it worked!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing Peter - that's very interesting - sounds like a good fix! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@finnsartor9987]

Keep in mind they are made and asembled out in China. Do the chineese always know what they are doing?

[@SamsTrains]

In the case of the Bachmann, it seems not... oil instead of glue by the looks of it! Not all Chinese factories suck though! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@finnsartor9987]

@@SamsTrains I lean more to the theory that it is a mistake made by a newcommer. No one with a little bit of knowledge would oil something like that. I have a number of Bachmann diesels and never had a problem like that. Class 20-24-25-37-40-47 never had any problems with them. Exelent runners and they pull .

[@dancampbell3068]

Thanks for this Sam, it kind of gives me confidence to take apart my Bachmann class 37's when needed. Hopefully they're of a similar design. Up to now 100% reliability, regardless how much they're used. Shame the 10000 had issues, I swear by the 37s. Take care Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

It's a pleasure Dan - all the best, good luck with it!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lukeslocomotives]

1st

[@BuffaloNY518]

Hi

[@lukeslocomotives]

@@BuffaloNY518 hello

[@SamsTrains]

Well done Luke! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@selwynlawton7939]

Hey Sam, over a period of time quite a number of my Bachmann Diesel shaft driven Loco have failed at the motor end or the Bogey end. I have fixed the problem myself by applying super glue to stop the slip. I think Bachmann initially use "tightness" to avoid slipping but over time , plastic fittings must expand slightly. I am very surprised this is your first time to fix this problem. ;-] PS: I have since sold off all my Bachmann stock as I no longer purchase rubbish!!!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing this - crazy to think how often this seems to happen! Friction-fitted parts are a joke... they'll always fail in time!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@michaelhall8586]

This is such a soothing video to watch

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Michael - that's great to hear!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@louisbuscarino7330]

Sam great video as usual. That is why I like your videos I always learn something. You show what to do and not do to enjoy this hobby. You advise is usually spot on. Thank you for making this hobby so enjoyable.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Louis, really glad to hear that!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Lanky0001]

I now take back what I said before about getting that diesel, at least until it is re-tooled. And I appreciate the sort of step-by-step tutorial on how to clean old lubricant from the gears. I still need to do a super-thorough cleaning on all of the engines I got from eBay, but I was unsure of how until this video. Many thanks from America!

[@SamsTrains]

haha I don''t blame you mate! Glad you liked the cleaning part - yeah that is pretty handy! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@johnillingworth1920]

Really"open it up" enjoyed this.I have a Hornby J15 that dies after running about 4 feet.I think you gave me confidence to open it up and have a look.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much John - ahh sorry to hear that - all the best with it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@andrewackerley9985]

Bachmann are getting too big to care. Thanks for the info Sam. I have a rather lovely old Fleishman BR green Class 42 loco with an annoying flywheel that keeps dropping off into the body. I had no idea that you could superglue the damn things onto the shaft & so you may just have solved my problem too! Wish me luck! Cheers.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Andrew - I don't know about getting too big - seems they've downsized hugely over the last year or two! Oh god that's super annoying... but yeah, a touch of superglue might solve it, just be sure not to get any in the bearing! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@trackxorailfan]

Hi Sam! Love the videos, I always enjoy watching them. You should do more repair/maintenance videos!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot mate - really glad you like these! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@samspade5962]

Brilliant video Sam, enjoyed it from begining to the end, your a man after my own heart.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Sam, really appreciate it mate! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@timsully8958]

Great work Sam! Shame about the Scotsman but what a improvement on the 10000! 😎🍻 I have issues on a few engines I picked up as “non-runners” which I have still to tackle one day...you have inspired me to do so, though I will have to wait until I can have a dedicated area when we have moved as my missus can’t abide mess in out ‘shared’ areas 😜 Nice one, enjoyed that 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Tim, yes very much so! All the best with your non-runners, I'm sure you'll figure them out! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jeffreymcneal1507]

Some people swear they've never had an issue with a Bachmann, ever. I am glad for them. Myself and two model rail friends have not been as fortunate. I would LOVE to see Bachmann be the GOLD STANDARD of model trains. They produce some of the more interesting locomotives out there. But the number of mechanical issues belies a very deep fissure between engineering and production. Without Sam's analysis first, I am not spending a farthing. Sam is the voice of us consumers.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I don't believe them, unless their experience with Bachmann is very limited! I'd love that too - some of their models are utterly superb - but far from all of them! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@leedholden9427]

Got my 10001 before yo did your review. Mine had no issues and can easily pull a full rake of coaches. However your findings are useful for identifying a potential future problem that could present itself. And your video gives owners a good idea how to fix the issue when and if the locomotives start to suffer over time. Perhaps other Bachmann diesel locomotives have the same design and could suffer. It remains me of the Mainline split chassis wheel and gears that split over time and need replacing and quartering. Thanks Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing Lee - sounds like yours was put together a bit better then! Yes the Mainline are dogs for that - I avoid those like the plague! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@odenviking]

No Sam you are correct in telling ppl to send faulty models back. But since some manufactures is not lisetning on what customers are saying. But when one see how mutch work and hours that are spent on the model in r and d. The ones that is hurting from this is the manufacture of the model . 👍👍👍👍🇸🇪

[@dennisedgar3430]

Hello Sam, I had a similar problem with a Bachmann GE DASH 8, except here the plastic couplings on the worm gears on the gear towers were slipping. I roughened up the shafts and used super glue gel. The problem was solved.

[@thebluejelly7012]

You make the Video so clear how to fix the trains, great video 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Great idea!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@simonbaker6962]

Hi Sam, The Dapol Railtrack 121 that you reviewed sometime ago can be fixed by removing one of the cardan shafts. This will remove the tension that causes it to run slowly.

[@SamsTrains]

That's a good thought Simon, thanks for sharing! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TrainmanDan]

Good job, Sam. You can never let a loco get the upper hand! Cheers, Dan.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Dan, that's right mate! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tonyslight826]

That was very good Sam .Glad you voiced my sentiments regarding bad workmanship you how feel about that nice one Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks Tony! Glad to hear that - we shouldn't have to put up with this! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ianhaynes5898]

Very interesting regarding the Bachmann as I had something similar happen with my GE 44t (little tiny switcher thing). Had it running around and and I noticed it stopped but I could still heard the motor, very curious I thought and worthy of investigation. Had a look inside and found a similar arrangement to that found in yours, little rubber thing that accepted the drive shafts was not doing what it should - the friction was non existent. I did not go for glue but a minute bit of blu tack which has done the job and it has been fine for a couple of years now. Every bit as fiddly to get together as with your larger engine - possibly more so.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing ian, sorry to hear about that switcher! That sounds like a right dodgy design doesn't it?! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@christopherdelgaudio9484]

Very very very enjoyable sam a lot of fun to watch the master!

[@scottfw7169]

"Baffled by Bachmann" there at 27:30, ya know, that theme could make an entire video series from what I and several model train club members experienced with their models in several scales here in US. My first "Baffled by Bachmann" question would be why does their HO scale USRA 0-6-0 switcher/shunter *still* have a non-working front coupler after decades of production?

[@paulsmith6616]

Sam, I enjoyed your video and the journey to try and undo what others should have checked in their rush to release clearly unsatisfactory models. May I suggest that with the A3 that it looks (to me) that the quartering is out so very slightly out and with a gentle touch this should relieve the stiffness. Best wishes for the future, Paul.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Paul - yes you could be right with the quartering, I daren't mess with it though, much more likely I'd make it worse! :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TheGarlee]

Excellent and informative video. Well done on the problem solving especially with the Bachmann model 10000 . Definitely a mix up at the factory with oil and glue ! . Love the Borman shirt , think he must have inspired you to find the source of the problems

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - yeah that's the most popular theory, I'd agree with it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@petertate5741]

Very interesting video Sam, glad you managed to fix the bachmann diesel,but what a faff about !! Well done

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Pete, yes it was a real faff! :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@andrewpalm2103]

A very instructional video, indeed. By the way, it's a very posh touch to use a Braun electric toothbrush head for applying alcohol to gears. I assume it's used, as those heads are expensive! We've had a Braun for several years now, and it was like magic for improving our oral hygiene. Cheers from Wisconsin.

[@SamsTrains]

Appreciate that Andrew, thanks so much! haha yes definitely already used!! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@thomasmcelroy3637]

hi sam. very interesting . how that got through the bachman quality control is beyond me. but well sorted out.as for the scotsman i think thats as good as it gets. cheers tom

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Thomas, yeah it's beyond me too mate! :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@dennisedgar3430]

Sam, not on the same theme as this video but interesting. I was given a Hornby Schools Class loco to repair. It was not running properly. When I opened it up this is what I found: the chassis looked like a mosaic and was very brittle. I believe that the gremlin is ZAMAK rot which is due to impurities in the casting metal. I have photos but do not know how to get them to you. Regards, Dennis

[@OlivierGabin]

Impressive to see your skills in action. The problem on the Bachmann is a shame for the brand. Glad to see you have solved it !

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Oliver, yeah you're right there! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ewanmcgregor146]

Hey Sam! One of the things I loved about going to model shops to buy my trains in Hong Kong and Japan (pre-covid, that is 😵) was that the staff always tested equipment with me before I paid and left the shop! Also, the quality control for Japanese manufacturers tends to be pretty high anyway! The only factory defect I’ve come across has been an EMU cab car with a failed white headlight LED. I could get a replacement direct from Kato showroom in Tōkyō, but I haven’t done anything about it yet because the cab car will always be running coupled to another train, so I don’t need the lights! However, talking about Bachmann’s lubrication issues reminds me of one of my American Bachmann locos I bought in about 2001.... A Spectrum Union Pacific GE Dash 8-40CW massive 6 axle American monster loco. Mine was from an entire batch that had been so over-lubricated that it was constantly suffering from a slow grease leak for years.... You could see the oil on the bogies & under frame, and the loco always seemed to be oily to the touch.... It was like Bachmann was aiming for maintenance free by simply bathing the mechanisms in an oil bath! 🤣🤣🤣

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Ewan - yeah that's definitely the way to go if you live near to your model shop! Sounds like it paid off though, if you only came across that one defect! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ewanmcgregor146]

@@SamsTrains A train with one broken LED is far better than a loco that leaks oil over your layout! 🤣🤣

[@garylewis2248]

Hi Sam, watched your strip down and repair of the Bachmann 10000 diesel with interest. I have two Heljan diesel locomotives that seem to have the same issue with the shafts slipping. I think I will need to strip them down and have a look at the plastic inserts in the flywheels of those locos to see if it's the same issue ? Then carry out the remedy you did with fixing them with a bit of superglue !!!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing Gary - ahh good luck, you're braver than I am with Heljan! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tobyyoder8350]

Great video Sam, Rails of Sheffield has those Heljan 05 shunters on sale for £175.00 and it says in the details section of the model, that it has a cab light and a 5 pole motor, so I know you love 5 pole motors

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I've been looking at those - very tempting for sure! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TDSWar]

I wasn’t actually expecting this video but every time I see a video like this I have to watch it Good videos same :)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - that's great to hear! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TDSWar]

@@SamsTrains I did a typo I was supposed to say good videos sam not good videos same lol

[@gkjsooley]

In the testing section for the Hornby loco, there is daylight visible under the far-side (left side) pony truck wheel, i.e. it's not touching the rail. The slipping driveshafts is something Bachmann might have learned when they took over Liliput many years ago. I have two of their old "Made in Austria" models from the pre-Hornby late '80s that have twice been repaired for a similar problem.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right Kenneth - I'm going to look into that pony, although I think that's a separate issue! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@rucarnuts13]

I have a Bachmann 3-Truck Climax that seems to be insanely weak. It can barely pull 3 log cars up a slight grade. I now wonder if it has a similar driveshaft design to that Bachmann diesel. It is a geared steam locomotive after all with loads of driveshafts and gears. Going to have to pull that apart and find out.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh sorry to hear that - yeah it could well be the shaft, if it has one! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Exactly right!! If there’s a problem with the new model, I ALWAYS take it back to the dealer. But there again, I’m not able to do it myself!!

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you - yeah that's the right thing to do every time! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TheWandering-te3oc]

Brilliant and very informative vid Sam. Well done and thank you for showing us 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - really glad you liked it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@onnihietala4349]

I enjoy fixing My model trains even if they are not broken it is really relaxing to see what is inside them! I have one large german locomotive wich back bogie is getting stuck and wont to back to its original position... I have installed a speaker and a sound decoder to it and im starting to think that The speaker is jamming it somehow... Great video!

[@SamsTrains]

Great to hear that Onni - yeah it is good fun isn't it?! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Gscalenut]

Apart from quartering issues, split gears were (are) a common issue with many Hornby locomotives that will cause the motion to bind.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing - yeah that's true, but a split gear will usually cause much more dramatically poor running than this - I expect it's just a minor quartering issue! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@derekhayes8209]

Excellent, well done, you make it easy. Easy it is not. Kudos.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Derek, appreciate it mate! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@dobbsdroid]

Aye aye aye Bachmann! Of all the models for that to happen on it had to be that one! And such a nice looking loco too! Well this is something to take on board when examining diesel locos in the future.

[@random0clock]

That was interesting to watch you work on the drive shaft issue. I've had one loco with the exact same slippage problem, also from Bachmann-- go figure. I got it from a train fair, though, so it was definitely not under warranty, but a drop of glue did the job.

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! Yeah fortunately it's an easy fix... difficult part is accessing the trouble-zone! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@paulcherrytrains3339]

Good video. The public need to be made aware of these issues.. Your flying Scotsman is probably feeling blue. Glad you fixed the bachmann.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Paul, yeah I think so too.. .and that's a very good point! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@robmasterman]

Another excellent example of where your considerable skills have highlighted major shortfalls in the production of these increasingly expensive models Sam. It's quite appalling that they continue to treat customers with such contempt, and that these continuing issues are not being addressed. With all that modern technology had to offer, it's incredulous that these issues keep on occurring. Will they ever understand what's happening? Thanks again for your excellent reviews Sam...Bob

[@SamsTrains]

Bless you Bob, that's very kind of you to say! Yes it is incredulous isn't it?! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ciaranburke3243]

Very interesting sam, im glad you uploaded this as I have a Bachmann 46 I need to get inside and have dreaded it as they are so hard to access probably give it try now 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Kieran - ahh good luck, hopefully you get on okay! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@RailfanAndrew]

you are literally the english accent version of SMT mainline hahah also very cool seeing this being fixed up!

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks so much!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Madonsteamrailways]

It’s better than it was when you did the review!!

[@SamsTrains]

I think so - just a little! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)