RIP...Lil Guy bites the big one.

[SpaceMouse]

I took Lil Guy (pictured below) to the train club in the gun case with my daughters 4-8-4 and a bunch of rolling stock. I didn't see it happen but the case get's knocked ocer and pieces fly everywhere. I found all the parts to all the rolling stock except two wheels, but I don't know about lil guy. Two bearings fell out which fit on either end of the drive shaft (gear on one end pulley on the other) The front truck also broke off. I don't yet know whether it is easily repairable. It's not like it is the highest value switcher on the market.

[Anonymous]

OOH! sorry to hear that, has happened to me a couple times too, i know how you feel. If you could post some pics of the damage that would help.

[SpaceMouse]

I got the bearings back in on the drive and it still works, but the truck is broken off. Assuming I have all the pieces, the screw and plastic washer have fallen out. The washer is broken, but even so the screw does not want to thread into the chassis.

All in all, better shape than I thought.

[PennsyHoosier]

My son sat on a BL2 on Christmas by mistake. (I had just painted it in C&O). He was devestated. The thing is, he broke off the flanges that hold the trucks to the body.

[tstage]

Chip,

Hey, sorry about 'Lil Guy! He was becoming like a mascot on the forum. (You gotta keep the old pic in your signiature, Chip! It's become YOUR moniker.)

As far as the trucks. The threads may be damaged on either the frame or screw. You could retap the threads on either but you'd need to figure out the thread size.

Tom

[Anonymous]

Tom has a good idea. Retap the hole and use a slightly larger screw

[twhite]

[#ditto]
I'm with the other Tom and Joe. See if you can re-tap and re-thread it--Lil' Guy's really sort of become the Forum Mascot. We'd all hate to see him go. Best of luck to you.
Tom [:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[TurboOne]

Sorry about the mascot. Hopefully it can be repaired. At least you got to run it a while at home. I rolled my main engine the second lap around the loop. The silly little plastic connector that holds on the front truck. Dead until I find another truck holder. But I know the sunken I broke it feeling.

Tim

[dave9999]

Looks like lil' guy is on his way to train heaven.

I can see the tombstone:

Here lies Lil' Guy
Rest In Pieces

[tstage]

Chip,

Make sure you tap the screw hole for the original thread size FIrST. If that doesn't work out THEN go one size up, if need be.

Tom

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335

Tom has a good idea. Retap the hole and use a slightly larger screw

You can also use plumbers tape wraped around the the original screw or install
cotton fibers, off cotton balls and tighten

[Jetrock]

Or...he could get a power truck (like a NWSL PDT or a Tenshodo SPUD), stick the sideframes on the power truck, get rid of the rubberband drivetrain on the other truck, and have a nice little smooth-running switcher that won't exceed Mach 1.

And, with a power truck, one could get rid of the motor inside the body entirely--leaving plenty of room for sound and a DCC decoder.

Let me tell you about another model railroader's tradition, SpaceMouse: It's called "the parts box." This box holds all the extra pieces from kits you didn't use, broken components from things that got stepped on/sat on, interesting looking plastic widgets that you know will come in handy someday, and other bits. If you don't have one, start one, and put Lil Guy in a place of honor inside it. Someday you'll get back to it, as a more experienced model railroader, and resurrect it from the dead...

[tstage]

Chiiiiiiiiiiiiip...............

Proto 2000...............

ALCO S1 switcher...............

DCC-ready...............

runs like a dreeeeeeeeeeeeam...............

$29.99...............

Trainworld.com...............

Jetrock would approooooooove...............

it's calling your naaaaaaaaame...............

[Anonymous]

I'd agree with the suggestion of adding a pair of SPUDs or similar powered trucks, assuming repairing the original drive system doesn't work - this would leave space for sound and DCC as suggested, you could also fit a cab interior. Fill all the other available space with ballast and you'll have a smooth-running switcher that will pull anything you can couple to it (and I mean anything!)

I had a Hornby 0-4-0 meet a similar fate when I was about 8 or 9 - younger bro trod on it and broke the chimney off, I hung on to the surviving parts and last year was able to rebuild it with a new bodyshell and frame bought from a spares supplier, now has pride of place on the shelf even if it is a bit like the old hammer of legend (three new heads and four new handles, same hammer...)

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage

Chiiiiiiiiiiiiip...............

Proto 2000...............

ALCO S1 switcher...............

DCC-ready...............

runs like a dreeeeeeeeeeeeam...............

$29.99...............

Trainworld.com...............

Jetrock would approooooooove...............

it's calling your naaaaaaaaame...............

The Rock would approve...oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my .

What time do they open? !!!!!!

[tomwatkins]

Chip, They are all good ideas, so you have lots of ways you could go. I will say the P2K switchers are excellent and very inexpensive these days. I'm sorry it happened. The sinking feeling in one's stomach is no fun.
Tom Watkins

[Anonymous]

Chip:

From your picture showing the truck damage it's very unusuall in a crossing accident for a car to do that much damage to a loco.

From what you have told us about "lil guy" it's time for the parts box as the newer locos are so much better then the older ones.

I still have the Mantua 0-4-0 that my dad bought me back in 1952. I bet that locos been painted a zillion times and taken apart just about as many. It sits on the shelves with some of the brass that I've been able to purchase over the years. It's on its third motor and second set of drivers and bushings. One pilot step is broken off but it still brings back good memories.

I'm very sorry for your loss
Bob

[Jetrock]

The Alco S1 is your friend, but it wasn't born until 1939...so unless you've decided to go modern, chip, it might not be the loco you want...it is SWEET, though. runs like a dream.

I got a new pulse-power momentum powerpack and tried it out on my S1. The thing moves so slow I had to sit there and stare at it until I realized it was moving at an infinitesimal crawl...Magnificent!

[SpaceMouse]

The engine and the drive seem to be fine. It is just a matter of attatching the truck. I need to find or make a spacer/washer and I need to find a screw that will work.

Lil Guy is not dowh for the count--just a little under the weather.

[tstage]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

The Alco S1 is your friend, but it wasn't born until 1939...so unless you've decided to go modern, chip, it might not be the loco you want...it is SWEET, though. runs like a dream.

Yep. Neither is the E7...or Lil' Guy, for that matter. I thought the layout was turning out to be somewhat ecclectic anyhow.

Chip, give Lil' Guy your best efforts then figure out what you want to do. Keep us posted on the outcome....

Tom

[JPowell]

Chip,
Lil' Guy's in my thoughts and prayers. I hope he comes out from the operation workin' like a brand new champ!
As the rest have said, please, keep us posted as to how the surgery turned out and of Lil' Guy's prognosis.
JP

[Anonymous]

While I like the SW-1 it seems like going around undecorated is almost like running around with no clothes on. I'm half tempted to offer a free custom paint job on the engine so it can assume an identity and number.

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by murrieta

While I like the SW-1 it seems like going around undecorated is almost like running around with no clothes on. I'm half tempted to offer a free custom paint job on the engine so it can assume an identity and number.

I ordered the Tuscan Red last week. It'll be joining the PRR as soon as it gets out of the hospital.

By the way, I have a 6 track passenger staion called Creekside Staion that is becoming my MRR club home base. It is in serious disrepair, but hey. He might not get out much, but Lil guy will be joining the E7.

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage

Chiiiiiiiiiiiiip...............

Proto 2000...............

ALCO S1 switcher...............

DCC-ready...............

runs like a dreeeeeeeeeeeeam...............

$29.99...............

Trainworld.com...............

Jetrock would approooooooove...............

it's calling your naaaaaaaaame...............

I just got one--PRR $39.99.

[tstage]

Chip,

You won't regret it. It will make a lovely bride for Lil' Guy and you a happy man! Do give us a heads up when you decide to add the decoder. The motor does need to be isolated from the frame BEFORE adding the decoder or the decoder will go POOF!

Tom

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage

Chip,

You won't regret it. It will make a lovely bride for Lil' Guy and you a happy man! Do give us a heads up when you decide to add the decoder. The motor does need to be isolated from the frame BEFORE adding the decoder or the decoder will go POOF!

Tom

Are you talking about the new Proto or Lil Guy?

[tstage]

The new Proto. Check Tony's Train Exchange for details. Here's the direct link about the problem and the solution:

http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/2001/120601.htm

Let me know how you like the new switcher, when it comes in...

Tom

[rrinker]

Don't worry, it's weasy. I have pics of decodering my S1 in a webshots gallery linked from my web page. haha the internet portion of this is more complicated than the actual decoder install.. [:D]

--Randy

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker

Don't worry, it's easy. I have pics of decodering my S1 in a webshots gallery linked from my web page. haha the internet portion of this is more complicated than the actual decoder install.. [:D]

--Randy

It is a real service to provide instructions such as these. If I was any good with a soldering iron, I could do it with these instructions. (Heck I know I'm going to try it.)

PS: Here's a Photo Essay I did on slicking up a Ruger Vaquero for Cowboy competition.

http://www.tonytinhorn.com/Ruger.html

[SpaceMouse]

Uh Randy, ....uh you wouldn't...u... you know...like ....want to do ....uh...a Bachman...uh...4-8-4... uh Photo Essay. Uh, I'll supply the 4-8-4 .