Bent or warped Lionel 41 switcher frame

[benw314]

In process of replacing the worm gear of a No. 41 US Army switcher the frame was warped or bent. I noticed that the E-unit was at a crooked angle before I started to drive the axle shaft out. And It is not warped in a way that would be accounted for in the method used. Note that if it was this way before and the axle holes were drilled, straightening it would make it not run well, if at all!
Before I start the process of straightening it by hammering, anyone who has some experience in this may benefit me with it! I know to go slowly and have patience. I am not a machinist, but good mechanically. -- Ben

[1688torpedo]

Hi Ben- I'm not sure if your frame can be bent back into proper form again as they are thick & can crack under stress from being hit from a Hammer to straighten it again. My suggestion is to Contact Jeff at the Train Tender in Pittsford,NY to see if he has a new frame for you. Lionel has also reproduced these Switchers and may be able to supply you with one as well. So, either Jeff or Lionel should be able to help you out. Just type in "The Train Tender" on your computer address bar & the website will come up for you.& Lionel has a website as well to help you out. Take Care.

[benw314]

SUPER. Great info and a fast answer.
It's not magnetic, and it's not a soft metal. Probably a zinc alloy like zamak. If a replacement will be available, I will try a little judicious tapping. I am patient with 0.0001" adjustments. I believe it was that way because the aforementioned tilt of the E-unit.
- I found -
The Train Tender 135 Hampton Way Penfield, NY 14526-1523
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] [e-mail]
http://www.ttender.com/


Jeff notes:
----- ----- -----
All correspondence with The Train Tender is on a first come first serve basis. The most effective way to communicate with us is through the telephone.

E-Mail correspondence has a strong tendency to be very confusing and time intensive. Calling directly is the best and most concise way to handle every situation.

[benw314]

The correct spelling of the zinc alloy is Zamac. Mantua and others cast their loco parts in Zamac, which probably was a trade name; likely still is. If the warped parts were thin, as Athearn diesel frames are, it can be reformed slightly. I checked and successfully reformed all my Athearn frames. But the No. 41 switcher frame is thick, and I have decided it was like that originally. Proceeding to reassemble!