[34C]

David,

And do note that it is not just the crankpin that is worn, but also the hole in the rod. In addition to what Richard suggests, an out of quarter wheelset can also produce this effect. There likely will be at least one more crankpin and hole with visible wear, have you checked all round?

 

[34C]

QUOTE (Saint Johnstoun @ 28 Oct 2008, 15:40) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>.. Strange to say I have had more glitches with Hornby than Bachmann.
That matches my experience on the new designs introduced by both makers from 1999 (ie Bachmann 'Blue Riband' and Hornby's post Merchant Navy introductions). Design weaknesses which contribute to assembly errors, and poor factory control of tolerances (remember the screaming 08's?) have affected about half my Hornby loco purchases. I buy far more Bachmann locos and have yet to have any mechanical problems with them. Like you I check over and then test run carefully all new purchases and it is the Hornbys that have to be sorted mechanically. (Both makes usually require adjustment to pick-up wipers; Hornby to soldering up pick up connections, Bachmann to reducing springing on carrying wheels, adding springing to Hornby carrying wheels.)