rebuilding a 2026

[steve1946]

Rebuilding this engine is probably not the best use of my time but I have a very nice 2026, (2-6-4), that is a shambles mechanically.  I need to know how to remove the collector plate from between the frame sides without removing the wheels.  Thanks for any comments,

 

Steve

[TrainLarry]

 Lionel recommends using a screwdriver to wedge it out, but that approach is difficult, and could lead to a broken shoe pate. To get the shoe plate out, the motor frame has to be spread apart just a little. There is a tool that is sold to spread the frame so the plate just slips out.

Larry

[cwburfle]

I have the tool. Never had any luck removing collector plates intact.

[TrainLarry]

I made a tool similar to the e-unit spreader tool only with a larger head to remove these shoeplates, and had complete success in removal and reinstallation of the plates.

Larry

[TRAINCAT]

Steve, why do you need to remove the collector plate? You ever do this before?
Roger

[steve1946]

Roger,

 

The collector plate is rough at best.  The pick-up sliders are shot and the locomotive, when on the tracks with power applied, creates a dead short.  Sparks fly from the outside pick-up shoe so I thought I would replace it.  Steve.

 

PS  Does the collector plate fit into little slots on the motor side frames?

[TrainLarry]

If the wiring to the shoeplate is original, the insulation may be cracked and shorting out to the frame. You need to pull the plate out to rewire it. If you still get a short, there is something else shorting out elsewhere.

The shoeplate fits into 2 slots in either side of the motor frame.

Larry

[ADCX Rob]

steve1946

The pick-up sliders are shot and the locomotive, when on the tracks with power applied, creates a dead short.  Sparks fly from the outside pick-up shoe so I thought I would replace it...

The sliders can be replaced separately without removing the plate.

[servoguy]

I have replaced the insulation on the wire to the pickup plate without removing the plate or removing the wire.  I did this on a 152.  I unsolder the end of the wire that connects to the motor, remove the cracked insulation with a pair of pliers (just crush it and it will fall off).  Then I put a piece of shrink tubing over the old wire and shrink it as best I can.  Then I solder the wire back in place.  Easy and quick.

[cwburfle]

I do the same a servo guy, except I use spaghetti tubing. If I don't have a piece that is the right size, I strip a long piece from some wire that is a slightly larger gauge.

 
Any tips on removing the plate with the Hobby Horse spreader?