brianel_k-lineguy posted:Just so you know, Bachmann has discontinued the Scale 44 ton switcher. This message is on their parts web page for the Scale 44 ton switcher. Most of the parts for that are now gone. So I'm not sure what coupler assembly was used on that model.
But WBB has a standard operating coupler assembly that was also used on the RMT Buddy RDC Budd Car and their S-4 Bang switcher. And I had the same problem with those two models, derailing the first car of a train on 027 curves.
The rear of that coupler assembly has, what I could best describe as something of a "roller coaster" shape. It's the highest in the back, and goes down lower on the sides. The problem is that the slope of that is too steep for the center "T" shaped pin. Either that or the spring that goes over the "T" pin is too stiff.
On the RMT models, I found I could move the coupler all the way to the left or right, and it would "lock" in place. Not permanently lock, but it would stay put. So I did that to those to help loosen the spring. And over time it did help.
On a few of them though, I did make some modifications with a Dremel, so I didn't have to wait. Anyways, it sounds to me like WBB has used the same coupler assembly on these 70 ton switchers.
As a final thought, parts on the WBB website are mostly unavailable for many items. And the new 2020 catalog has barely nothing new save for three new quad hopper models. Everything else are holdovers from previous years. As with Lionel, when that happens, that means the stuff isn't moving, so it's still in inventory.
I don't understand why WBB would be dropping the new scale 44 ton switcher. There was only one production run done to my knowledge, so they couldn't have made their investment back. Maybe some part to that, like the motor, is no longer available, meaning they'd have to do some retooling, as Lionel did to the starter line Dockside switcher, with a revised frame assembly to accommodate the new style motor.
Thank you for that update. I hadn't seen it and didn't know. The little engine runs great. Hope I don't ever need a part. And the 2020 catalog is a total disappointment. Not that we have all the answers but one thing seems obvious: If little or nothing new is produced, how can you expect to keep customers? They have nice models in the GP-38, F3, and GP-9. Wouldn't new roadnames (or ones that haven't been done in a long time) help rejuvenate sales? I can't help but think Bachmann doesn't care enough about Williams products to keep making them.
