Graham Farish (Bachmann) 47 makes "ticking" noise when running

[markwilson]

I've just managed to get my hands on a N Gauge 372-241 Graham Farish Class 47 Diesel 47612 Titan in InterCity livery. I had to pay top dollar on eBay, because this model is tricky to get hold of. It was described as new (only taken out of box to test) but I'm starting to have concerns...

 

1. The first thing I noticed was loose radio aerials on the cab roof. A minor issue, but concerning on a new model.
2. The next thing I noticed was that it ran backwards on my DC test track. By that, I mean it ran in the opposite direction to everything else (including the directional lights on a Dapol Mk3 DVT). I took the body off and noticed that the DCC blanking plate was upside down, compared with another of my Farish 47s. Once I flipped that over, it started behaving.
3. Most significantly though, the loco makes a "ticking" noise when it runs. There's no obvious vibration and it does actually run, but I have 3 more Farish (Bachmann) 47s that are much quieter. 

 

Hopefully this video helps to show the problem: https://www.dropbox.com/s/dlvpn88abrcl27t/20210423_203813.mp4?dl=0

 

The advert says the seller doesn't accept returns but this appears to be faulty. My question is, does this sound like something I should worry about (e.g. split gear) or is it likely to be an easy fix? I have no experience of servicing locos, but I'd try basic disassembly/reassembly.

[jpendle]

Well the clicking might be a split gear, does it do that in both directions?

 

As you have more than one 47 then I would suggest switching out bogies to determine which bogie has the issue.

 

You can get spare gears from Peter's spares and from BR Lines https://www.farishnspares.co.uk/.

 

Alternatively you can buy complete bogie assemblies from Bachmann.

 

Regards,

 

John P

[rob D2]

15 minutes ago, markwilson said:

I've just managed to get my hands on a N Gauge 372-241 Graham Farish Class 47 Diesel 47612 Titan in InterCity livery. I had to pay top dollar on eBay, because this model is tricky to get hold of. It was described as new (only taken out of box to test) but I'm starting to have concerns...

 

1. The first thing I noticed was loose radio aerials on the cab roof. A minor issue, but concerning on a new model.
2. The next thing I noticed was that it ran backwards on my DC test track. By that, I mean it ran in the opposite direction to everything else (including the directional lights on a Dapol Mk3 DVT). I took the body off and noticed that the DCC blanking plate was upside down, compared with another of my Farish 47s. Once I flipped that over, it started behaving.
3. Most significantly though, the loco makes a "ticking" noise when it runs. There's no obvious vibration and it does actually run, but I have 3 more Farish (Bachmann) 47s that are much quieter. 

 

Hopefully this video helps to show the problem: https://www.dropbox.com/s/dlvpn88abrcl27t/20210423_203813.mp4?dl=0

 

The advert says the seller doesn't accept returns but this appears to be faulty. My question is, does this sound like something I should worry about (e.g. split gear) or is it likely to be an easy fix? I have no experience of servicing locos, but I'd try basic disassembly/reassembly.

I think eBay will still offer a money back guarantee even if the seller doesn’t accept returns so to speak.

 

almost sounds like the flanges are catching on the sleepers but doesn’t make sense if only one direction. 

[markwilson]

Really helpful replies - thank you @jpendle and @rob D2.

 

The noise is in both directions.

[Marke]

From the video I would say you have a split gear on one of the bogies.

[markwilson]

Thanks @Marke.

 

The seller is being really responsive and has offered me a partial refund. I'm just trying to work out the cost of parts before accepting (or not).

 

Looking at BR Lines and Peter's Spares it's tricky to work out the right parts so have emailed Bachmann for cost of complete bogie.

[woodenhead]

I've found it easier to simply remove the split gear and accept I have one less wheel providing traction.

[jpendle]

4 hours ago, woodenhead said:

I've found it easier to simply remove the split gear and accept I have one less wheel providing traction.

You didn't trade in a GBRF CL66 in Europorte livery at Hattons, did you? 

 

John P

[woodenhead]

6 hours ago, jpendle said:

You didn't trade in a GBRF CL66 in Europorte livery at Hattons, did you? 

 

John P

A 66 haha, way too modern.  I do have a current 47 missing a gear, runs perfectly well and I've no intention of letting it go at present.

[Steven B]

Classic Farish split gear symptoms. Give it a few weeks and it'll lock up in one or both directions. I've got a Royal Mail liveried 47 474 in a similar condition.

 

There's no need to replace the whole bogie. It's likely only one wheel-set is affected. Dismantle the loco and remove the cosmetic bogie side-frames from the bogie. Take each wheel-set out in turn. On at least one of them you'll find the gear slips on the axle. Unless you're hauling long trains up gradients you can probably get away with cutting off the offending gear and rebuilding the loco.

 

Steven B.