Bachmann Williams ALCO PA-1

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Summary

ALCO PA-1 Powered Locomotive Lubrication

Axle and Coupler Pivot Points (A)

Apply light oil to axles and coupler pivot points.

Roller Pick-ups (B)

Use conductive lube for electrical contact areas.

ALCO PA-1 Powered Locomotive Operation

Throttle Control

Adjust speed by slowly turning the throttle knob.

Horn and Bell Operation

Operate horn/whistle by pressing transformer button, bell by holding button.

Direction Control

Sequence through FWD, REV, NEU by pressing direction button.

Uncoupling

Use magnetic track section or plunger for uncoupling.

ALCO PA-1 Powered Locomotive Periodic Maintenance

Disassembly Instructions

Remove body shell and trucks for servicing.

Lubrication Schedule

Lubricate every 10 hours; check gearbox every 25 hours.

Traction Tire Replacement

Replace worn traction tires following disassembly steps.

Light Bulb Replacement

Use a 12-volt bayonet style bulb, number 53.

ALCO PA-1 Dummy Locomotive Lubrication

Dummy Unit Axle and Coupler Lubrication

Apply light oil to dummy unit axles and coupler pivot points.

Dummy Unit Roller Pick-up Lubrication

Use conductive lube for dummy unit electrical contact areas.

ALCO PA-1 Dummy Locomotive Operation & Maintenance

Dummy Unit Uncoupling

Use magnetic track section or plunger for uncoupling.

Dummy Unit Disassembly

Remove body shell for bulb or upgrade kit installation.

Dummy Unit Lubrication Schedule

Lubricate every 10 hours of operation.

Dummy Unit Light Bulb Replacement

Use a 12-volt bayonet style bulb, number 53.

Power Upgrade Kit Installation

Convert dummy unit to powered unit with upgrade kit.

Summary

ALCO PA-1 Powered Locomotive Lubrication

Axle and Coupler Pivot Points (A)

Apply light oil to axles and coupler pivot points.

Roller Pick-ups (B)

Use conductive lube for electrical contact areas.

ALCO PA-1 Powered Locomotive Operation

Throttle Control

Adjust speed by slowly turning the throttle knob.

Horn and Bell Operation

Operate horn/whistle by pressing transformer button, bell by holding button.

Direction Control

Sequence through FWD, REV, NEU by pressing direction button.

Uncoupling

Use magnetic track section or plunger for uncoupling.

ALCO PA-1 Powered Locomotive Periodic Maintenance

Disassembly Instructions

Remove body shell and trucks for servicing.

Lubrication Schedule

Lubricate every 10 hours; check gearbox every 25 hours.

Traction Tire Replacement

Replace worn traction tires following disassembly steps.

Light Bulb Replacement

Use a 12-volt bayonet style bulb, number 53.

ALCO PA-1 Dummy Locomotive Lubrication

Dummy Unit Axle and Coupler Lubrication

Apply light oil to dummy unit axles and coupler pivot points.

Dummy Unit Roller Pick-up Lubrication

Use conductive lube for dummy unit electrical contact areas.

ALCO PA-1 Dummy Locomotive Operation & Maintenance

Dummy Unit Uncoupling

Use magnetic track section or plunger for uncoupling.

Dummy Unit Disassembly

Remove body shell for bulb or upgrade kit installation.

Dummy Unit Lubrication Schedule

Lubricate every 10 hours of operation.

Dummy Unit Light Bulb Replacement

Use a 12-volt bayonet style bulb, number 53.

Power Upgrade Kit Installation

Convert dummy unit to powered unit with upgrade kit.

The provided document is a user manual for the Williams by Bachmann ALCO PA-1 Diesel Locomotive, available in both powered and dummy (unpowered) versions. It covers operation, maintenance, and parts identification for both models.

Function Description:

The Williams by Bachmann ALCO PA-1 Diesel Locomotive is a model train designed for hobby use. The powered version is a functional locomotive capable of pulling rolling stock on a model train track. It features a motor, gear system, and electrical components for movement, as well as sound systems for realistic operation. The dummy version is an unpowered unit designed to be coupled with a powered locomotive, typically to create a longer, more realistic train consist. It lacks a motor and associated drive components but shares the same external appearance and some functional parts like couplers and lighting. Both models are designed for AC hobby transformers.

Important Technical Specifications:

Power Source (Powered Unit): AC hobby transformer with a maximum voltage output of 18 VAC, a pure or smooth sine wave output, and a wattage rating of at least 80 watts.
Sound System (Powered Unit): Requires 6 volts or greater to operate correctly. Features True Blast™ Horns (6-second sequence) and a bell.
Light Bulbs (Both Units): 12-volt bayonet style bulb, standard replacement bulb number 53.
Couplers: Operating knuckle coupler at the pilot end (front) on both powered and dummy units. The rear end of the powered locomotive has a fixed coupler for close coupling with a matching dummy A unit. The dummy locomotive's rear also has a fixed coupler for close coupling with a powered unit.
Direction Control (Powered Unit): Williams reverse units sequence FORWARD, NEUTRAL, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and again FORWARD. The reverse board resets to FORWARD after approximately 7 seconds without power.
Power Upgrade Kit (Dummy Unit): Williams by Bachmann® #00243 is available to convert the dummy unit into a powered unit.

Usage Features:

Operation: The locomotive is ready for operation after unpacking and light lubrication. Users control the train's speed using a throttle control knob on their transformer.
Horn Operation (Powered Unit): Activated by depressing the horn/whistle button on the transformer, playing a 6-second sequence.
Bell Operation (Powered Unit): Activated by pressing and holding the bell button for one second to start and again for one second to stop.
Direction Control (Powered Unit): The direction is changed by depressing and holding the direction button on the transformer, releasing it one second after the train comes to a complete stop. It's crucial to wait for the train to stop to ensure proper sequencing of the reverse unit.
Uncoupling: Both units are equipped with an operating knuckle coupler at the pilot end. Uncoupling is achieved by positioning the uncoupling plunger over an electro-magnetic track uncoupling section and activating the magnet. If running the locomotive alone or with a Dummy B unit, the operating coupler on the first piece of rolling stock in the consist must be used.
Pre-lubricated and Tested: Locomotives are greased and tested at the factory before shipment.

Maintenance Features:

Lubrication:
- Frequency: Recommended every 10 hours of operation for axles, coupler pivot points, and roller pick-ups. Motor gearbox should be checked every 25 hours.
- Axles and Coupler Pivot Points (Marked A): Use a small amount of light oil, such as Bachmann E-Z Lube® #99984 Light Gear Oil. Avoid over-lubrication.
- Roller Pick-ups (Marked B): Use Bachmann E-Z Lube® #99981 Conductive Contact Lube. Crucially, never use Teflon® based oil on these areas as it has insulating properties.
- Gears (Marked C): Use a small amount of heavy gear oil, such as Bachmann E-Z Lube® #99983 Heavy Gear Oil. Avoid over-lubrication.
Disassembly for Maintenance:
- Body Shell Removal: The body shell is attached by four screws on the bottom of the locomotive frame, located in each corner. Care should be taken not to over-tighten screws during re-attachment.
- Motor Truck Disengagement (Powered Unit): After removing the body shell, unscrew the truck mounting screw (shown in Figure 1) to disengage the motor from the truck assembly. Ensure the worm gear meshes with the truck gear before tightening the mounting screw.
Traction Tire Replacement (Powered Unit):
- Durability: Traction tires are designed to be durable and last hundreds of hours under normal conditions.
- Procedure: Requires disassembling the body shell and removing the two screws that attach each sideframe. Remove the old tire, clean the wheel groove with a degreasing agent (following safety instructions), wipe dry, and then stretch the new traction tire over the wheel, ensuring it does not twist and seats smoothly. Re-assemble as directed.
- Troubleshooting: Premature wear may indicate loose track joints, which can damage the tires.
Light Bulb Replacement:
- Procedure: Requires removing the body shell. The locomotive uses a 12-volt bayonet style bulb (number 53).
Uncoupling Plunger Check: After unpacking, ensure the uncoupling plunger is in the correct position with the pin inserted in the knuckle. Failure to do so can cause a direct short circuit if the plunger contacts the center rail when power is applied.
Parts Identification: The manual includes detailed parts lists and exploded diagrams for both powered and dummy units, aiding in identifying and ordering replacement parts.