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Problem with Athearn RTR SW1500 (2009 release)

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  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 36 posts
Problem with Athearn RTR SW1500 (2009 release)
Posted by BrassModeler on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 6:59 PM

Hi all,

This might be a newbie question, but I have no clue what to do and really want to fix it. My problem is that my sw1500 is leaning slightly to the left when on track. The right side of the front truck is slightly lifting off the rails. This might not be fixable, but I would definetley want to fix it if I can. Pictures are below.

Matt

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • 1,162 posts
Posted by PC101 on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 7:05 PM

No pictures are ''below'' above that I see.

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 36 posts
Posted by BrassModeler on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 7:11 PM
  • Member since
    January 2018
  • From: Douglas AZ.
  • 635 posts
Posted by Little Timmy on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 7:25 PM

My first thought...

Is the body completely snapped down onto the chassis  ?

It kinda looks like the body has a slight twist to it.

Rust...... It's a good thing !

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 36 posts
Posted by BrassModeler on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 9:20 PM

Little Timmy

My first thought...

Is the body completely snapped down onto the chassis  ?

It kinda looks like the body has a slight twist to it.

 

 

Hi Timmy,

Yes the body is fully snapped down. I also thought of that!

 

Matt

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 2,775 posts
Posted by snjroy on Thursday, April 28, 2022 6:45 AM

Hi there. Did you remove the body to see what could be the cause? It might be one of the trucks that is not seating well.

Simon

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Thursday, April 28, 2022 9:45 AM

It's possible that the worm/truck retaining clip isn't fully seated. Body removal will be neccisary to see if this is the issue. 

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 527 posts
Posted by Attuvian1 on Thursday, April 28, 2022 9:57 AM

Strange that the wheels don't seem to be resting on the tops of the rails.  That small gap could be producing the tilt that's evident in the body.  Have you checked the guage of the wheelsets in that truck?  And the other one, for good measure . . .

John

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 527 posts
Posted by Attuvian1 on Thursday, April 28, 2022 10:00 AM

[Deleted - duplicate response]

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 148 posts
Posted by leewal on Monday, May 2, 2022 7:52 AM

If it's just the front truck that is "off the rails" it's probably that the truck is not sitting all the way onto the frame. Metal "flash" on the frame or a small piece of the truck frame could be blocking it from seating correctly. A little filing may work, if that is the case. Even a small piece of ballast/gravel might have gotten in there.  It's worth a look.

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 36 posts
Posted by BrassModeler on Monday, May 2, 2022 9:19 PM

Thanks for all the responses! I will check and post my results.

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 2,775 posts
Posted by snjroy on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 8:04 AM

If the trucks are well seated, check the frame to see if it is nice and straight.

Simon

  • Member since
    June 2014
  • From: Ohio
  • 231 posts
Posted by josephbw on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 8:36 AM

It looks to me like the plastic truck frame is warped or twisted. In other words a factory defect.

Joe

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 36 posts
Posted by BrassModeler on Saturday, May 28, 2022 7:14 PM

snjroy

If the trucks are well seated, check the frame to see if it is nice and straight.

Simon

 

 

Thanks Simon! that was the issue.

 

Matt

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