ArtmakersWorlds
Member
I had one of those engines, and you're not going to like what I tell you about it.
The reason it derails is the front truck is too stiff to swivel, and too light to track through the turnout. The wheels will want to go straight, instead of turning. I know it looks cool, and simply going in circles it will probably do okay, but it will never, ever be reliable to do much else. I'm sorry I have to tell you this, but it will save you much frustration.
Yea I heard, early Bachman stuff is crap. Heard that a few times now. However, the front pilot wheels on mine are fine. PUNY but they swivel very freely. So far this engine has not derailed yet. Stops too much, but again track not finished, several consistent dead spots, engine needs cleaning. For what it is I'm impressed. I'm sure the pick ups in the tender just need work. Even on a perfectly flat straight track it keeps stopping. It's gunky is all. Fixable. (Tooth picks, alcohol, clean wheels, possibly bend metal electric plates a tad, or not. tiny bit of lube on worm gear ends, should help a ton.)
OH YEA guys.... on that video where it looses the passenger car? Look close at that. You can see the back end of the car actually takes the wrong track. I really think that diamond has issues.