So, ever go to a train show? Up here in our neck of the woods I get to just about all the local train shows and my club derives some of our operating funds through the commissioned sales of peoples collections, we do this a about 4 shows a year. So when I went this weekend to the Mount Cheam Lions show in Chilliwack BC this last weekend I had a lot of time to see what was on everybody else's tables as well. One table had on it a fine looking little doodlebug all painted up CP and well, you know, I bought it.
There is nothing more fun than coming home with a new toy and promptly dismantling it and voiding the warrantee by installing a decoder. Problem was this was not going to be as simple an install as I thought while looking over the documentation that was in the box while making my purchase decision. Ok who am I kidding I'd bought the thing before I even picked it up.
So after doing some online research I decided on a install strategy and began my task. Finicky little machine but I got a DZ123 inside and just abandoned the original PC board. I also had to disassemble the power truck and file all the gears and re-lube but it's running fine now. Looks good too but the total time bill was a few hours more than my original estimate.
Work on the layout is coming a little slower, spending whole weekends at train shows does not help but I'm now trying just to complete a few scenes and then run trains to ensure the track is working fine on show day. Think I'll take my own advise and take some progress shots to see where I am.
JF
What brand etc. doodle bug
What brand etc. doodle bug was this?
Thanks, Charles
If I had to take a wild
If I had to take a wild guess, I'd say it was made by the only company that makes an N-scale 'North American Prototype' doodlebug...Bachmann. Spectrum, if i'm not mistaken. I have a pair, but haven't seen them in at least 6 months.
Congrats on the find, John!
AR
Part of the reason I ask,
Part of the reason I ask, is the gear filing John did. I have a Bachmann doodlebug, and it seems to run OK, quite a noisy drive train. Though it did improve with some breaking in. So I was curious about why the filing and what, how it was done.
Thanks
Charles
me too!
I was contemplating gear changes, but filing is an option I never considered. A nice "how to" would be welcomed...
Dennis
Yup its a Bachman Spectrum
The Bug is a Bachman Spectrum! to get at the gears you pull off the front truck pop off the lower sheild, pop out the wheels Gears on the axles are then exposed. the other 3 gears 5 in total you need to unscrew the gear box "carefully" and then you can work them over as well.
I found that there was flash on the plastic gear teeth.
Ah trains ... time well wasted.
John, thanks I will need to
John, thanks I will need to check into that! Charles
Next weekend...
This weekend was Kato project weekend: I spent today painting the side-frames and fuel tank of a "Build a Beast" E8, after sorting out its noisy running, as well as installing the railings and number boards in the front of my AC4400CW (WHY does Kato leave these off???).
Next weekend I'll pull the 'bug apart and have a look, as well as some of the other Bachmann locos (I have five GE CCs) and have a look. noise is an issue...
Thanks for the tip!
Dennis
I recently installed a
I recently installed a decoder in one of my bugs, found the Lenz Silver mini was a nicer fit, then the DZ123, it was a lot easier to hide.
Trevor Jones
The upcoming DZ125 will fit