Sprung suspension for the Bachmann Class 37

DIRECT closer-to-scale wheel conversions often reveal weaknesses in model diesel and electric locomotive chassis and bogies, including the 3-axle bogies fitted to some ‘OO’ gauge Bachmann models. When fitted with the usual RP25-110 wheels, small design issues including slightly distorted bogie frames and twists in fittings rarely manifest themselves. The models will run reliably through proprietary ‘OO’ gauge track work as intended by the manufacturer and that is a perfectly reasonable expectation when it states ‘‘OO’ gauge’ on the box.

Step out of that particular box by dropping in a set of ‘EM’ or ‘P4’ wheels with finer flange profiles and difficulties can become apparent when the locos are run through curves, particularly curved turnouts or the diverging road of normal turnouts. Bachmann Class 47/57s and Class 66s of various ages are prone to derailments which can also be caused by the rigid design of bogies and the frame mounts. Enter the world of sprung bogies and particularly the comprehensive kits by PenBits.

The problem outlined

The Bachmann Class 37 was chosen for this project because of all the Bachmann six-axle drive models in the author’s collection, they are the worst culprits with two routinely