No. 143 Wheels and axles – Bachmann’s early B1s
Continuing my BR(NE) saga I have resurrected a couple of elderly Bachmann B1s that have been quietly slumbering in their boxes. Bachmann B1s – Widlebeeste and Hartebeeste There is an issue with these particular early models and mine were not immune! For whatever reason the black plastic wheel centres expand with time and catch on the coupling rods preventing the wheels from freely turning. The affliction does not affect the centre driving wheel and rather puzzlingly it is the rear pair of driving wheels that is most at risk. Fellow modellers report that Bachmann BR standard 4MT models of a similar vintage are also affected. Bulging rear wheel centre Another view of the problem. Bulging Plastic The wheel centre appears to be a type of nylon and can be poked out from behind the wheel using a cocktail stick or very small screw driver. I think it is a push fit into the wheel casting but I cannot be sure. Bachmann B1 rear wheel set