Why 90s Bachmann Locomotives Fail - Can it be Fixed?

A couple days ago I was hosting a live stream when someone asked for me to run this late 90s Bachmann GP50. Initially the locomotive seemed fine as it was running at a good speed with low current draw however after a few minutes the locomotive started to slow down until it stopped and started burning.

Today we attempt to take the locomotive apart to see why this locomotive failed and how it could have been prevented. As well as try and fix any broken parts inside.

[antonbruce]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - you, sir, are a genius, No broken loco is safe when in your hands - they ALL seem to be fixed perfectly. My hat's off to you, sir!!!

[speedfiend]

I'm nearly 50 y/o but as a young'n...8-10 y/o I was big into model railroading. I had 2 4X8 plywood layouts in what my family named the train room. The layouts are long gone but I still have all the trains, track, buildings, etc. Your channel, which I found a few weeks ago, is inspiring me to drag out the 5 or 6 train sets I have, plus the tons of extras I spent my childhood allowance on, and build a new layout. I've really enjoyed your channel and it has taken me back to a simpler time that would now be a nice relaxing hobby that is much needed right now. Keep it up with that awesome content! Howdy from Kentucky, USA!

[DarkpawTheWolf]

"All you need to get a Bachmann going again is Life-Like parts."
I burst out laughing when you said that.

[jamesanderson]

I love watching you work on these trains and I am amazed at your knowledge of how these things work! I enjoyed seeing the spare parts drawers!

[HO_Scale_Modeler]

I have to thank you for fixing it, that was my second
ever HO scale locomotive and I ran it to hell and back when I was a kid.
Brings back good memories, thanks Harrison.

[dhruvR]

I fought your channel almost 1 year ago, but I saw a train video today in my feed and remember your channel. so glad to see you again.

[WWIIREBEL]

I remember way back in the 80's, those were sold en-mass at the Pocono summit, Pa. train station, when Steamtown was running steam to that location from Scranton. They always sold out, lol.

[runninginthewoodsandrew]

Just a line to say Thank you, by watching your videos i have felt confident enough to have a crack at loco servicing. Your presentation is great, even an old timer like me understands what is required

[frankcodispoti]

Hi mate. I'm a big fan of your channel. I've opened and repaired, greased and maintained a few bachmann gp35 and gp40 pancake motors in my time. Also bachmann 060 steam train cracked gear replacements. Fun stuff.

[jatco]

Love it.. Another great job on the 'Phoenix'... from dead to real. Runs fabulous..and yes, another successful job..!! The layout is pretty cool too..!! Kudos to you..!

[npwx]

You done it again. You brought another one back to life. Congrats!!!

[ApproachDiverging]

Well done restoring the Erie Hackawana! Since watching your videos, I've been performing regular maintenance on the commutator and gears and its been working like a charm on my Athearn locos!

[oskarvalance]

Just when I think no way this loco will run. Good job. You've got the Midas touch. From Texas

[michaelhardeman]

Well folks today we're working on a 1990s bachmann locomotive. I just love your intros

[ovallino]

I love how this guy fixes, and runs trains on his layout and has a huge variety of trains. I really with for a city/suburban Australian rail network, I wish I was him.

[osimodfrance]

Many thanks for your extremely interesting videos. There are some extremely innovative and useful ideas in improving locos working. You do mention quite often your use of Fibre Glass pencils. Can I suggest that these can pose a health hazard - fibre glass is not nice stuff - Another channel I watch - 00 Bill - used to use Fibre Glass pencils but now uses a metal cleaner - he uses TCut (Autosol is also good) - which he then cleans off with an electrical contact spray. One does not need much - just put a little onto a cotton bud. I use this technique on my railway especially for wheels and track. I also use a really excellent tool - a Dremel - its wire brush is excellent for wheels....the cutting disks I use all the time for cutting track and its little drills are excellent for accurate drilling of small holes .

[williammcgeehan]

The prototype Erie Lackawanna never had the EMD GP-50 or even a GP40 or a dash two GP40. They did have the EMD SD45-2 with the extra large extended fuel tank for the New Jersey - Chicago runs. They looked great in maroon, gray and yellow and in the bicentennial red white and blue paint scheme. They even posed them atop Starucca viaduct in Lanesboro Pennsylvania so rail photographers could document them.

[kaikuklik]

Hi Harrison 🙂
You definitely saved that Geep 👍🏻
Looks good and runs well regarded to the hulk you started on.
Best wishes ☺️

[gregginter]

So glad your Bachmann loco turned out for you…clean tracks ahead!

[rdTrickGang]

Great Video! As soon as I seen this I clicked on it I have a grandfather that worked on the Erie Lackawanna from its beginning until it's end in the Buffalo New York area. Fun Fact the North Shore RR in Pennsylvania still has locomotives with this exact color scheme, not sure if they are old units that were purchased from EL, but cool to see rolling around. Best Wishes!