GRBlogs What's New

During November 2011 Bachmann introduced yet another upgraded version of their Anniversary 4-6-0. The major change is an up-graded gear box that has all metal gears. This is the first mechanical change to the Anniversary Big Hauler since it was introduced late in 2000.

Over the years, since first introduced, Bachmann has used five distinct gear box arrangements. Each version of the drive train, gear box and motor, was an attempt to improve the performance and reliability of the gear case and drive train. Bachmann owner’s have classified these gear boxes as Versions of the drive train. This reference to Version helps to identify the age and period that the locomotive was produced during it production that started in 1989. Version six is the latest in a long line of gear box upgrades/improvements. For now the Version 6 is being installed in the Anniversary 4-6-0. In time Bachmann may carry this latest version gear case/motor combination to the complete line of Big Hauler 4-6-0 locomotives.

This is the new gear case with all gears made of brass or phosphor-bronze. I can’t tell the difference between brass and phosphor-bronze so not sure exactly the type of metal used. When opened it was found that the gears were well lubricated. Running on the outdoor layout the locomotive is quiet with no gear noise.

In addition to this drive train up-grade Bachmann also redesigned the locomotive’s Pony truck.

The Pony truck is now all metal. Note that it pivots at its attachment point on the bottom cover and also pivots at the center of the truck. This new truck and its attachment is a big improvement over the Pony truck that has been used since these locomotives were first introduced in 1989. This new truck tracks well. Derailments of this truck should not be the problem experienced with previous versions of the Big Hauler.

The only visual cue that the Anniversary is a Sixth Edition is the metal Pony truck.

Bachmann made no changes to the external details of the locomotive. Its detail is the same as all previous Anniversary locomotives.

Tabulated Data for the Version 6 is exactly the same as previous Anniversary locomotives.

Length: 30 inches (tip of cow catcher to tender coupler face.)
Width: 4 3/4 inches (measured at steam chests)
Height: 7 1/4 inches (at top of turbo generator exhaust)
Weight: 8 lbs 8 oz (engine and tender)

On balance the mechanical upgrade should prove to further enhance the reliability of this locomotive.

In 2011 we decided to sell our home in Spring Creek, Nevada and move to Grand Junction, Colorado. We had six acres of land in Spring Creek but downsized to one acre in Grand Junction. We moved into our current house in July. The climate is better here. Also have lots of trees.

Posting a lot of pictures. If you have any comments please e mail rsenek@gmail.com.

Of course one of the first things to happen was to have a shop built. After that the track laying started.

Of course the idea is to run a soon as possible. This was a temporary fix till new testle could be built.

My Brother came to visit. We spent two weeks building trestles. Sure appreciated his help.

This is the Sixth Edition of the Almon Miller Heritage Series Box Car.

This car was painted and decorated for the newest addition to the family. Evan was born Oct. 1, 2011.

The car is a Bachmann 1:22.5 box car with a Black Hawk helicopter for a load. Evan’s father is a Black Hawk pilot with combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. So, we thought that Evan should have a box car with a model of the helicopter that his father piloted on two tours.

Custom decal set was produced by Stan Cedarleaf of Dewey, AZ. Stan does excellent custom decals.

I didn’t realize it has been so long since I updated my blog. The work on the E5 continues, the nose has been airbrushed with a stainless steel coloured buffing metalizer paint. The rivet strips have almost all been covered with foil tape and the foil worked around the rivets with a blunt toothpick. The flat polished aluminum panels are almost all installed. That leaves the roof and nose to do, as well as the fluted side panes, interior, vents and……Thats why I been calling it “The Impossible Project", it seams like its impossible I will ever finish it.

Steam!

Managed to run a few trains in October on the Bear Creek & Marathon RR. It’s either been too hot or too windy to run a good consist of freight. They just get blown over. However, this month has been much cooler and less windy, so we were up and running all month. Here’s a look at a few of the consists we ran this past week: