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Replacing locomotive truck springs -- how close do they need to be to original?

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  • Member since
    October 2023
  • 7 posts
Replacing locomotive truck springs -- how close do they need to be to original?
Posted by CliffhouseNY on Thursday, February 29, 2024 1:22 PM

Wondering how close do replacements for the conical springs in locomotive front trucks really need to be to the original?  Are the replacement parts for sale today really exactly like the specifications for the original Lionel parts?

I have a 2020 locomotive that kept derailing even after cleaning and checking the track.  Reading in a thread it could be due to a worn front truck spring, I tracked one down... a 671-151.  It made a world of difference - no more derailments!  You can actually see a slight bouncing in the front of the locomotive from the support the new spring provides.  I was really surprised with what a difference it made.

So I also recently obtained a box of several 6110 locomotives that need attention.  They are not giving me any real trouble, but the springs are completely flat, so I'd like to replace as part of the rebuild. Unfortunately, my usual suppliers don't have the spring the 6110's use (1120-11) and the suppliers that do have it either have a minimum order or flat shipping fee that makes it cost prohibitive.  (Lionel has them for .24 but a $10 shipping fee.) I'm heading to a train show nearby in a couple weeks, so I'm hoping to track some down there.  

However, if I find someone selling parts, do I need to get an exact replacment, or if I figure out the measurements, can I expect good results from something close?  I have a spare 671-151 -- could that be a suitable substitute for the 1120-11?

Also, is there a reference anywhere that lists the specifications for Lionel springs?  It's easy enough to figure out a 6-32x3/8 RH screw, or a substitute lightbulb, but measuring a conical spring accurately requires Small Outer Diameter, Large Outer Diameter, Free Length, Wire Diameter, and Total Coils. Maybe I'm overthinking this and just need something that hasn't gone totally flat after 60 years?

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • 447 posts
Posted by stuartmit on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 6:02 PM

GG1's too--same problem with leading truck--aggravated by slider shoes. especially on Gargraves or Ross switches.

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • 447 posts
Posted by stuartmit on Sunday, March 24, 2024 7:19 PM

I have been lucky today to find a replacement lead truck for a GG1 which works great, although it is not from mid 1950's like my loco is.  It does not have a coil coupler, or slider shoe, of course, or metal wheels.  But, for whatever reason, this truck is not derailing. Hooray! 

  • Member since
    March 2013
  • 563 posts
Posted by BigAl 956 on Thursday, April 4, 2024 10:02 AM

On your next call to your dealer for parts ask for the exact spring part and some ordinary conical truck springs. They are close to being good overall springs. In the meanwhile stop by the hardware store and pick up an assortment of springs. They are cheap and as you suspect you can get something close that works.

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