Help!! Need 8 hands to repair Aristocraft Caboose, I think?

[JoeG222]

Hi Everyone,

 

I am new to this forum as I normally run O-Gauge and Standard. A freind  of mine needs one of the trucks repaired on an aristocraft Steel SP Caboose. The entire truck is in pieces. I can see how it all goes back together. My question is how does one get the metal suspension springs assembled and back into their pockets, as well as the axles into their sockets with the metal pickups?

It appears one needs more hands than I have to put this all back together. Can Anyone share their wisdom with this?

 

Thanks,

 

JoeG222

[ttrigg]

Not sure about your springs, but when I've had to deal with springs I use a needle and thread. Coil springs, a quick loop on 2 sides will compress until ready to release. HINT! I tie a 5 foot length of thread to the spring and wrap the other end on a shirt button. Have had too many try to reach lunar orbit. Leaf springs, when ever possible I introduce a wood "pry bar" to tension the leaves with string.