traction loss

[maczimb]

I have a Bachmann Spectrum EMD SD45. I picked this up at a yard sale for $10.00. Still in the box and in great shape.
I have a grade of about 3%, yes I know I was advised against it.
With 12 freight cars the wheels lose traction on the grade. In reverse mode it pulls 15 cars up the grade with no problem.
I did some testing and discovered that the front wheels quit turning when under load. I stripped it down and found that the drive shaft is spinning but the worm gear isn't when I apply a slight load with my finger.
Before I go any further into it's mechanism, has anyone got any advise on how to do a fix?
Mac

 

[NYC_George]

Drive shaft end hex shape

Mac on most engines there’s a hex type shape on the ends of the drive shaft. This fit’s into the worm gear on one end and counter weight on the other. It seems this hex shape must have gotten rounded off slightly creating your problem. This is only my guess.

NYC_George

 

[maczimb]

Hex end

Hi George.
Thanks for the response.
You caused me to go a bit deeper into the problem.
There is a plastic coupling between the drive shaft and the worm gear shaft. The plastic coupling relies on friction and is pressed onto the steel worm gear shaft.
Unfortunately there is very little friction and this is the cause of my problem. At this point I don't know quite how to make the fix. Is there some sort of adhesive that will adhere to both plastic and polished/ plated steel?? Do I attempt to get hold of Bachmann and ask for advice?? How does one get hold of Bachmann??
Thanks again George, for the prodding me in the right direction.
Mac

 

[bnsf971]

You can try a dab of epoxy, or CA, on the shaft, then slide the coupler on the shaft. usually, when I have a problem with a Bachmann product, I call them, and send the engine in. It USED to cost $10 to get a lifetime warranty repair on an engine, but prices may have gone up.
BTW, is this a Spectrum N scale, or Spectrum HO scale? They make both, and you didn't specify.

 

[hamltnblue]

Try calling bachmann tech support. It might be worth sending it to them. Don't leave a message or email. Keep trying until you get ahold of them. Once you do they have the best customer service I've seen in a long time.

 

[lmackattack]

a dab of ca glue should do the trick

 

[jtudor]

They will repair or replace under the lifetime warranty for $10, or $15 for a steam loco.

 

[Espeefan]

Loctite should also work, and won't gum up the drive if you get sloppy or have an accident, which happens to all of us with CA