New EE type 1 (TOPS 20) 2024 release

[Bigmet]

Had an example of this newly introduced version of the EE type 1 model for just over a month, most impressed altogether, runs beautifully, smooth and quiet so all you hear is the wheels on the rails, plentiful traction, exterior appearance all it should be; mechanism construction not only very neat, but also a significant advance on the original version which had 'push fit' location of the bogies in the chassis block casting. On this new introduction, the bogies are retained by a pivot screw, as has been the usual past practise on Bach's twin bogie traction. (The first version of the EE type 1 and a spectacularly ugly Western BoBo were I think the only exceptions in Bachmann's range not having pivot screws holding the bogies in place.)

Should a bogie need to be removed, the electrical connection to the pick up wipers is by an accessible plug, so no soldering required. All very good, and the bogie construction has also been improved, the keeper plate is retained by two screws on the underside, and then unclips with minimal force - so very unlike the past products, on which the keeper plates were often clipped on tightly enough to require brute force with a woodwork screwdriver to remove.

Now the caution, based on other experiences; the axles run in brass bearings, slotted into very close fitting locations in the cast gear tower. If removing the keeper plate is a necessity, do this with the bogie inverted, so the wheelsets and thus the bearings stay put. The light force required to unclip the keeper plate makes this easy, and it is easier still if you arrange a couple of wood blocks to hold the bogie inverted when you let go.

The new to Bach's range Brush 2 (TOPS 30 / 31) introduced at the same time, has the same general mechanism arrangements: same advice on bogie removal and handling applies, though untested as yet...

Whatever, this is a fine model, and the evidence of where the money went is clear.

[Phred]

Bigmet wrote:
woodwork screwdriver

What is the difference between a woodwork screwdriver and any other screwdriver?
Genuine question, BTW. Google doesn't offer any enlightenment.

[Bigmet]

What I was trying to convey was the scale of the screwdriver required, as something for putting in a quarter inch slotted head woodscrew, rather than from a 'jeweller's' screwdriver set usually suggested for OO models.

The new design secures the keeper plate and frames moulding by 2 small cross head screws, and and the light clip on action is released by no more than a fingernail, all much easier.

[aleopardstail]

Bigmet wrote:
woodwork screwdriver

What is the difference between a woodwork screwdriver and any other screwdriver?
Genuine question, BTW. Google doesn't offer any enlightenment.

Woodwork screwdriver and be held by the metal end and used as a hammer for making fine adjustments

[Phred]

Bigmet wrote:
the scale of the screwdriver required

Aah - OK.

aleopardstail wrote:
Woodwork screwdriver and be held by the metal end and used as a hammer for making fine adjustments

I have to confess that I've used a screwdriver as a drill, chisel, temporary earth spike for electrical testing, etc, etc.
I long ago discovered that they're not just for opening paint tins.

[Bigmet]

I have to confess that I've used a screwdriver as a drill, chisel, temporary earth spike for electrical testing, etc, etc. I long ago discovered that they're not just for opening paint tins.

Belated catch up: You were the customer Canon's circa 1960 US television advertisement for their new 35mm F1 camera launch was aimed at. Showed it's optional high frame rate motor drive(5fps!!!) high capacity back (250 frames), and with the 135mm lens fitted, that it made an effective hammer for driving in 6 inch nails: until the next photographic opportunity came along, when with no further adjustment required it would get those pictures. (It's a lovely lump of good engineering, and while Kodachrome was still available I had good results handheld with 300 to 600mm focal length lenses from 1/15th shutter speed exposures.)