I need to replace the rear truck on a Kato N scale F7B (current models). I have the replacement truck and it appears that it should snap in/out but a gentle pull on the installed truck did not release it. Is there a trick to removing the trucks?
Paul D
N scale Washita and Santa Fe RailroadSouthern Oklahoma circa late 70's
See if this works,
http://www.katousa.com/N/F7/maintenance.html
It appears you have to remove the worm gear, which will release the truck from the frame, like the HO version.
I don't have anything N scale, just trying to help out.
Mike.
My You Tube
I have seen the parts diagram. From what I can tell, you cannot get to the worm gear without removing the truck first. I don't think the worm gear is involved in removing the truck.
Cannot find any video or other guidance on removing the trucks anywhere on web.
Help!
OK, well, I just watched a couple of videos on truck removal from locomotives other than the F7.
The SD40-2 and the AC4400. Maybe something in there could help you.
After watching these videos, it does seem that the truck comes out by squeezing the side frames, and wiggling back and forth, and the worm gear stays in place, along with the worm gear cover and the clips that hold the trucks.
You can also call Kato USA, I have on a few occasions about HO scale locomotives, and they do help.
I'm pretty sure to get the truck off, you need to remove the rear gray plastic piece on top of the mechanism. Then, you can see the ears on top of the truck. Gently pry them away from the frame, and the truck should come off.
Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge
Thanks all. Did not need to remove the gray piece. I could look under the gray piece and see how the clips were holding it in. I suppose a slight side to side movement could release them if they were not too tight. Mine were very tight so I took a small screwdriver and inserted it between the truck and the frame and gave it a slight twist. Popped right out. New truck went back in with little pressure.