I've not had very much modelling time lately, for various reasons, and what time I have had, has been devoted to weathering the Bachmann chassis for 82044.

Tonight, I thought I would give it a good running-in on my circle of Lima track, which I keep specially for the purpose.

Prior to the start of running in, the chassis did exhibit signs of jerkiness, especially in one direction, but, ever the optimist, I hoped that this would improve with some running. However, after 90 minutes of continuous running in both directions, it hasn't improved one jot and after a while and with a bit of experience, you can start to tell which locos will improve with running in, and which won't.

Unfortunately, this chassis falls into the latter category. I even test ran a couple of examples in the shop when I bought it and chose the better of the two. I do try to buy R-T-R locos from a local shop, for precisely that reason, but any proprietor's patience is going to wear thin if I make him go through a dozen boxed locos until I find one I'm satisfied with.

This particular chassis will lollop along reasonably happily at a scale 40 - 50 mph, but when it comes to slower speeds, especially starting away or slowing to a stop, the jerkiness returns with a vengence.

As it happens, I have another Bachmann Standard 3 tank, and the chassis on that does run marginally better, but it's still far from perfect.

I had intended that 82044 would be a relatively quick loco to do, prior to some other jobs I want to do on 'Engine Wood' and it's rolling stock in time for Railex at Aylesbury this coming May.

So, what to do about it? I don't want to just pack it all up and 'walk away', because I really don't like leaving anything unfinished. I suppose I could dismantle the errant chassis and try to find the source of the tight spot or jerky running.

Alternatively I could use the chassis from the other example (which is destined to have a P4 chassis at some stage, anyway), but would have to start with the weathering all over again, and I can't guarantee at the moment that this one won't bed in to my satisfaction either.

On the other hand, I do have a Comet 76XXX chassis, plus a suitable motor and gearbox in stock, plus the right wheels, so I am now sorely tempted to build and modify that to fit the 82XXX.

I almost can't face dismantling the Bachmann R-T-R chassis. I know others have done it, but I feel that I would be better off spending the time building the brass chassis for the loco instead. I'll have to have a think about it.

I do wonder, though, why it is that so many of the Bachmann steam-outline R-T-R locos that I've bought in recent years are such indifferent runners, even after an attempt at running-in. I know we've had discussions like this on RMWeb before, yet it's just so frustrating when it happens again...