fixing a train

[Anonymous]

i was given an Atlas SD6 SP black widow by my uncel but i found out why he gave it to me the metal base the unit sit on is bent by the coupler so when you run it hits the rails its like this at both ends i dont know why maybe it came like this do u think i should bash it with a hammer or what???????? please help


Codyr

12 Y/O

New Zealand

[Anonymous]

The metal casting may break right off if you "bash" it. You might try straightening it by gripping with pliers, but be prepared for it to break off! If that happens, you may need to build it out again with styrene or something so you can mount a coupler box (Kadee or other) in the right spot for a new coupler.

Andrew

[Anonymous]

The metal that most underframes is made of can be very brittle if bent too much so be very careful trying to straighten it. Are you sure that this engine isnt actually bowed in the middle of the frame. If both ends are dragging it may very well have a bend in the middle of the frame that is causing it.

The best way I kno to check this is to place it on a scrap piece of straight track on a flat surface and look at it from the side at eye level. it should be very obvious if the frame is bent at all from this perspective.

I often make a simple "test Track" using a scrap piece of Balsa wood and a 9 inch piece of sectional track glued to the top of this wood for this purpose. It also make a great place to put completed rolling stock while waiting for glue to cure after finishing a kit.

[ndbprr]

Cody, I think you need to find a hobby shop in your area that can look at it for you. They can tell you what is wrong pretty quickly. I suggest that because you are pretty young and may need some help diagnosing this. Most people in the hobby are pretty friendly and will do what it takes to get you started right. Most engine frames are cast metal that doesn't bend too well. I agree that the bend may not be at the ends but it could be anything without seeing it. Replacement parts can be bought for almost everything and Atlas is a good source for parts. Their engines are fairly high in quality so it is probably worth repairing rather than throwing it away. I wuld be happy to help you if you lived near me. Is there any chance you could show us a digital picture of the engine? We could do a lot more to hlep you if we could see it.

[Anonymous]

i dont have a digital camera and i live in hawkes bay New Zealand u know to the right of australia and under hawiai

[ndbprr]

I wish we could help you more Cody but you are a little far from most of us here in the USA :-) . You live in a beautiful country that must have some hobby shops or other modelers. Are there any local modelers that can help you with your problem? I would hang on to the engine in either case because it is definitely a fixable problem that would allow you to use a fairly high quality engine some day.

[Anonymous]

Hmm after re-reading your post it makes me wonder something.

Does this particular Loco have metal Coupler pockets at the ends of the undercarriage? If so that could be the bent part. I know that some of my Loco's are pretty fragile in that area and do seem to bend fairly easily if I put to much stress on the coupler pocket while working on the engine.

Again the metal is usually very fragile and it might be best to take it to a local hobby shop and let them take a look at it. Just be careful to not fall for the "There is no hope for this unit you better buy this new one" syndrome some places like to try and pull. If it is a good qulality locomotive they should be able to either fix it for you or possibly send it to the manufacturer for repairs. But be prepared to have to pay for the repairs, wither way it should still be cheaper than buying a new one.