Page 1 of 1
Bachmann J72
Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 7:47 pm
by Frazmataz
Does anyone know the axle sizes for the Bachman J72? I'm thinking of buying it and fitting slightly bigger wheels to turn it into a J71, and I've seen one on the Hattons website going for a good price in the exact livery I want
Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 7:09 pm
by Colombo
Bass,
That would be a problem as the Bachmann J72 has an old split frame chassis with insulated axles so you can't do it.
Sorry,
Colombo
Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:45 pm
by Frazmataz
And why not? I've seen people get the wheels in and out of split chassis locos in order to clean the journals, so I don't see installation to be a problem. Is it that insulated axles aren't sold?
Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 9:19 pm
by Colombo
Bass,
If you find a way, I shall be very interested because I have a B1 with wonky axles that I would like rewheel. There is also the problem of matching the gear on the drive axle to the existing spur wheel.
Colombo
Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 9:34 pm
by Frazmataz
Yes, I have foreseen some problems with it. Not only would I need to be careful matching the gearing like you said, but I can also expect to have to remove some of the chassis details (mainly the brakes) and position them further away from the axles to accomodate the bigger wheels. However, I'm still willing to try it. If I do make a hash of it, I'll still keep the original wheels to put back on, and just run a plain J72. I will inform you of my results as soon as I get the chance to try it. Won't be till after christmas because I'm hoping the locomotive will be a present
Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 9:37 pm
by Tom Quayle
So im not the only on who takes my Christmas presents to bits then
Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 9:38 pm
by paul2001
Somebody (could be Mainly Trains) does a conversion kit larger splashers and a comet style chassie and a few extra detail parts could be worth a look.
Just googled it mt249 £19.95
Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 9:41 pm
by Colombo
Bass,
I could sell you a defunct J72 for conversion if you like. No need to hack a new one.
Colombo
Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 10:56 pm
by Frazmataz
paul2001: interesting idea Paul, I might look into it
Colombo: Thanks for the offer, but the one I've got my eyes on is in the exact livery I want, and I don't really want anything done to the body, just replacing the wheels and making a few minor adjustments to compensate the new wheel size, so I wouldn't really call it 'hacking'
