Bachmann Spectrum Climax - Dismantling Instructions

Ralphmp

Ralphmp

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Hi

Hope this is the right area for this query.

I have a Bachmann Spectrum Climax I bought from a shop in Utah on a visit to relatives a while back. It was on display and although the shop owner hunted high and low he couldn't find either the video(?!) or manual that came with the loco.

The loco runs fine but I'd like to check/lubricate the gearboxes and maybe install a sound module, and I'm unsure where/how to start taking her to bits (all my previous experience on this kind of task has been with LGB locos). I have tried to get the instructions from various sources (retailers, web sites, etc.) but haven't had any luck so if anyone can either point me at a place I can get a copy or can give me some hints/tips I'd be very grateful.

Thanks
 
http://www.bachmantrains.com < Link To www.bachmantrains.com

Go to the Parts, Service and Information section. Scroll down the list to the Large Scale items. There are a bunch of diagrams relating to the Climax. For example, this one is for the power truck:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/G850X_IS004_2.pdf
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Also worth looking at George Schreyer's tips for the Climax:
http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips5/climax_tips.html
 
Thanks for the helpful tips. The girr.org site looks a good source of info.

I must have had a senior moment when I tried to locate these on the Bachmann website previously - couldn't seem to find anything.

Thanks again.
 
Is your Climax a current production DCC ready model or the early non DCC capable version.
They are two completely different models.
If it is the early version, fitting sound is fairly easy but be advised the inbuilt chuff timers simply do not work. You would have to use voltage controlled chuff or build yourself a mechanical chuff timer with magnets and a reed switch.
Also, the early version had a solid linkage between the two trucks which could cause overload problems. Bachmann once sold a replacement slipping drive shaft to prevent that happening.
 
Thanks all for the hints, tips and advice.

In answer to Tony, the model number is 81181 (which I believe was made in 2000) but I'm not sure how to tell if it's DCC ready. I know it runs OK on Massoth DCC as Address 0 (Analog-Lok) but nothing else. Is there an obvious way of telling apart from opening her up?

Cheers

Phil
 
theres a G scale site you might like to visit, a site by george schreyer (sp?)
http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips.html
he has some very good tips/suggestions, rebuilds, and other 'improvements' on a variety of g scale locos-
this is likely to be worth your time
 
There certainly is a lot of detailed info on that site. However, it seems to be more aimed at folk with PhD in Climax dismantling. I was kind of hoping there'd be some "step 1, take out of box, step 2 undo 2 screws, step 3 undo 3 more screws then take cab off, ..." kind of instructions with photos (rather like some of the "how to fit a decoder" articles on this forum).

From what I can see, Bachmanns are not as easy to fully dismantle as LGB locos but I guess it's what one's used to. If I have a crack at opening her up I'll take pictures and notes - may help others.

Thanks again
 
;) OK, take loco out of box......

Under the bottom of the truck side frames you will see a small screw, located under the spring nest.
Take these out, and put in a safe place, they are tiny.
Next, pull out the whole of the spring nest. Use a pair of pliers, and pull gently. Try to avoid wriggling.
When this is out, you will see the once hidden screw that holds the truck to the bolster frame.
Unscrew this on both sides, and the truck mechanism will slip out. Once this is out there are covers that you can unscrew to access the gears etc etc.
If you decide to remove the wheel sets, be aware that the spring loaded pick ups are behind them, and the ball bearings will shoot off into oblivion.... how do I know this?
 
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