I have the Chessie version of this locomotive. Cosmetically it looks great. Just the motor is in bad shape. Now I want to try this . Thanks for posting.
The Hobbytown of Boston kit is not exactly 'easy' to assemble; many parts required filing. I mainly did what I did because I wanted a 'smooth running' Tyco to run on a DCC layout. Personally, I'd only upgrade iconic locomotives from Tyco (Silver Streak, Midnight Express, Canadiana, Rocky Mountain Line).. I don't think the other releases are 'worth it' because modern day manufacturers do a better job than Tyco. If your power torque motor is bad, it may just need cleaning; throwing $200+ at a Tyco is wasteful... however, I had 'fun' putting it together and I'm 'okay' with taking a $$ loss when it comes time to sell. (I probably made the locomotive worth even less on the collector market after I 'upgraded' it, lol) Good luck with whatever you decide to do with your Chessie.
Not using a HobbyTown of Boston kit, no. It's so loud that any decoder/speaker combination wouldn't be loud enough to drown out the sound of the gears. Sound-equipped locomotives sound great when parked at a locomotive shed, open the throttle up and the sound is somewhat lost to the whirring of the motor and distance as the locomotive moves further away from your ear - which is why very few sound-equipped models 'sound good'. My best sounding locomotive is an ESU/Apple iPhone aftermarket speaker combination. On this particular model, you have to be happy with the sound of the motor/gears and accept it for what it is.
I've heard of people using athearnsd 40-2 and other chassis to go under these shells. I don't care what anybody says, the Golden eagle is an absolutely gorgeous engine. Taco made some pretty nice stuff although they was just toys, but they was very eye appealing.
@@chrisdaniell2990 I have a Bachmann E9 with a very strange mechanism. I might try one of those to have a better running loco. I don't know about the driving system, may need a new one. Would be a big challenge.
I don't think HobbyTown of Boston drives are compatible with the E9, you'd have to check their website. I'd try repairing what you have, probably needs cleaning? Trust me, it's a very intimidating kit when you first get it. My first kit sat on a shelf for almost 2 years out of reluctance/fear. However, once you understand how the parts go together, it's a snap. I only made the video tutorial because you'll never figure out how everything goes together just by reading the instructions, lol.
@@chrisdaniell2990 Well, actually the loco runs but I would like better performances. As far as cleaning the motor unit on the one only truck with motor, it is sealed. No improvement possible there. I will not buy an other Bachmann again. This one was second hand. That will teach me. Right. I guess I would not mind to do some experiment with this unit.
I Foamed the entire time. Frothing even. Great build with a legendary brute of a model drive train. Very cool Chris. Thank you for sharing.
I have the Chessie version of this locomotive. Cosmetically it looks great. Just the motor is in bad shape. Now I want to try this . Thanks for posting.
The Hobbytown of Boston kit is not exactly 'easy' to assemble; many parts required filing. I mainly did what I did because I wanted a 'smooth running' Tyco to run on a DCC layout. Personally, I'd only upgrade iconic locomotives from Tyco (Silver Streak, Midnight Express, Canadiana, Rocky Mountain Line).. I don't think the other releases are 'worth it' because modern day manufacturers do a better job than Tyco. If your power torque motor is bad, it may just need cleaning; throwing $200+ at a Tyco is wasteful... however, I had 'fun' putting it together and I'm 'okay' with taking a $$ loss when it comes time to sell. (I probably made the locomotive worth even less on the collector market after I 'upgraded' it, lol) Good luck with whatever you decide to do with your Chessie.
Good job on bringing the Tyco unit back to life.Would you ever do one with sound?😊
Not using a HobbyTown of Boston kit, no. It's so loud that any decoder/speaker combination wouldn't be loud enough to drown out the sound of the gears. Sound-equipped locomotives sound great when parked at a locomotive shed, open the throttle up and the sound is somewhat lost to the whirring of the motor and distance as the locomotive moves further away from your ear - which is why very few sound-equipped models 'sound good'. My best sounding locomotive is an ESU/Apple iPhone aftermarket speaker combination. On this particular model, you have to be happy with the sound of the motor/gears and accept it for what it is.
8:50 That part can be called either a bushing or a bearing.
I've heard of people using athearnsd 40-2 and other chassis to go under these shells.
I don't care what anybody says, the Golden eagle is an absolutely gorgeous engine. Taco made some pretty nice stuff although they was just toys, but they was very eye appealing.
If you're a 'younger' modeller, it's likely because of Tyco.
@@chrisdaniell2990 tyco and mpc era Lionel. Toy trains are what got me hooked
Hey Chris, would an after market snow plow painted blue cover the hole in the pilot?
I'm thinking it will... a guy on Diesel Detailer did that and it looks pretty good.
30:39 Who makes that tool ? Need that.
Kadee. (You can probably get one at any auto parts store)
@@chrisdaniell2990 Thank you.
The mechanism is very unusual at best, but it works.
It's a metal kit and can be used a number of ways depending on the locomotive; therefore the design has to be flexible based on application.
@@chrisdaniell2990 I have a Bachmann E9 with a very strange mechanism. I might try one of those to have a better running loco. I don't know about the driving system, may need a new one. Would be a big challenge.
I don't think HobbyTown of Boston drives are compatible with the E9, you'd have to check their website. I'd try repairing what you have, probably needs cleaning? Trust me, it's a very intimidating kit when you first get it. My first kit sat on a shelf for almost 2 years out of reluctance/fear. However, once you understand how the parts go together, it's a snap. I only made the video tutorial because you'll never figure out how everything goes together just by reading the instructions, lol.
@@chrisdaniell2990 Well, actually the loco runs but I would like better performances. As far as cleaning the motor unit on the one only truck with motor, it is sealed. No improvement possible there. I will not buy an other Bachmann again. This one was second hand. That will teach me. Right. I guess I would not mind to do some experiment with this unit.
@@Christiane069 In that case, sell it on eBay, upgrade to a different manufacturer.