DJSpankyAny insight into my problem with the couplers on a couple of my Christmas train cars?
If they've got "thumbtack" couplers the problem might be weak pin retaining springs, which there isn't much you can do anything about. I've seen it on some of mine. Since I don't do any switching I used tie wraps to lock the couplers shut, applied them around the springs and the coupler shaft.
Mornin' boys and girls. Cloudy (still) and 38 in the Potomac Highlands. Wifey had already taken down most of Christmas decor, today is the tree and layout. Forgot to mention, Ms. Kelly is happily awaiting her new Maytag washing machine. But Fife, whadabout the stove...? Had to order a replacement element. $40 part, and I can fix it.
Flintlock - We were lucky to get the Curly Top to sport a shirt and pull-up. He's a nature boy. And he has turned out to be my toy train fan. He quickly mastered the remote on his Toy Story set that he got in November. He visited the Middle Princess's castle this weekend. She has the Hogwart's LionChief set under her tree. The 3 year old insisted on operating it, and he did so without a hiccup. The gals were impressed.
39 and fair. Off to werk. Haven't worked since before Christmas. 2020 tax year ending. Got two hearings this month and that is it.
Have a good one.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Good evening,
Not a whole lot going on here today. Work seemed to be slow, but at least I work from home. Had a ribeye for dinner and a nice glass of wine. It's about time for bed now.
Good night,
Joe
dougdagrumpThe rear truck and motor worm drive are stripped clean. The motor is readily available but the truck and the drive axle with the helical gear are obsolete and not available.
I had something similar happen to a Lionel U-34CH that came with a NJ Transit set, a plastic drive gear stripped rendering the rear truck useless. Lionel was out of stock with no idea when they'd get more. Brasseur's had some but I knew with a plastic gear mating to a metal one I'd eventually have the same problem again.
What to do? I have a Williams GP9 and wondered "What if?" I pulled the shell off the Lionel and lo and behold, with a little chopping and channeling I could make it fit a Williams frame. I like the Williams, all metal gearing, it'll take decades to wear one out.
A few months later I found a good used Williams GP9 and made the swap. Runs and looks great!
Third attempt, hopefully no more interruptions.
In the past I used to use the black rubber bands on the uncoperative couplers. Unfortunately they rotted out fairly quick leaving a gunk behind. If you find some the rubber/neoprene or whatever the rubber bands that orthodontists use on your choppers. My source is no longer available, hhmm Amazon perhaps.
Well, had one casualty on the Christmas Train event. The North Pole Express RS3 has to go in for a repair.
The rear truck and motor worm drive are stripped clean. The motor is readily available but the truck and the drive axle with the helical gear are obsolete and not available. A shop that has been my "go to guy" has started a hunt to see what can be done for it. There is a truck that may work but it will come at a bit of a funtionality loss, so at least there is a "repair of last resort".
Tomorrow is VegOut day, oncology day.
Later all.
Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.
www.sd3r.org
Proud New Member Of The NRA
DJSpankySo I have a couple of cars that have a very weak coupler - constantly opens. These are Lionel Christmas boxcars - anything I can do other than putting an elastic around the coupler to stiffen it?
I had the same problem. Since I don't do any switching I "locked" the couplers shut with some cable ties, worked perfectly.
Thanks everyone. It really means a lot. While dad did survive covid, it was the after effects that really hurt him. He was 92 in December. He really did live a long life and I am so proud to be his son.
Trying to update my avatar since 2020
MartyE and Kodi the Husky Dog! ( 3/31/90-9/28/04 ) www.MartyE.com My O Gauge Web Page and Home of Kodiak Junction!
Marty So sorry to hear. Prayers for you and your family.
Good morning. 42 and suddenly cloudy. Guessers now say a chance of a shower. [again]
Marty, so sorry. Prayers for you and the family.
Go to Lowes to get more outlets. Got a full box of switches [should be enough for years] that I thought were outlets. Picky up deer corn for Wifey.
One more outlet and then tie all into panel. Thought I would be really sore this AM as crawling in isles and under layout in positions I haven't been in for some time. Really doing OK. Lucky, layout is at the height I can sit up and not bump head.
Hope all have a great day.
MartyE - Our condolences and prayers for the loss of your Dad. May he rest in peace.
Unfortuneatly, we understand - lost my Dad 12/28/2019.
Rich and Jenni
I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.I am the venom in your skin --- Breaking Benjamin
Marty.....condolences. Praying for you and yours. Lost my dad January 23, 2015
Banks, Proud member of the OTTS TCA 12-67310
Good evening all,
Let me add my codolences as well, Marty. I have walked in your shoes on that path as well. Thanks to the people here, that journey was a little easier. Went back to work today. More work than expected, but not overwhelming. After work went to see a high school teacher of mine who had some information for a possible article. The years have not been kind to him. It was a bit sad in a way. I did run some O-27 stuff tonight. Very relaxing. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
Marty, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I seem to be conveying that message to to many people in my circle of friends, both train and many more non train related.
Sorry for your loss Marty.
I am so sorry Marty. My sincere condolances to you and your family.
Oh my GOD Marty, so very sorry,, our condolances to you and yours from Sandra and I. Wish more would give in and understand this thing is not a hoax! And act like they should, not for them but for others.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
MartyE....Please accept my condolances for the loss of your father.
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
MartyE - My deepest sympathy, amigo. We'll all be here for you.
Hi All
Sorry haven't posted much. We lost dad this morning. I want to thank everyone for their prayers. It meant a lot.
Chief, try printing this out and pasting it on the dashboard.
https://ifunny.co/picture/don-t-get-in-the-car-with-me-if-you-Tch6bnkn7
Home from driving Miss Daisy. Getting about as bad as driving Emma [my Mom after she got older]. Never can do anything right. Over reacts to everything. Patience Frank. Thing is, I asked, "You want me to go with you." "Are you driving?" [her car was out] "No, you are driving the Cadillac."
47 and the sun is out. Train box after handing up Christmas decor in the storage area. [I lit yesterday].
Happy New Year - a little belated.....
Cloudy now and 43F (Stolen from Fife!)
New Years was quiet, had Mom over with Jenni and we had a small dinner and Mom was tired so I brought her home. Returned to Jenni's for Asti and Fireworks at Midnight.
Saturday, I helped the Princess get the house straightened out and took a road trip with Jenni - made a quick stop at Hobby Lobby and picked up a few road runner and Charger signs as well as a wooden train sign for the Train Attic.
Sunday I made breakfast for us, then headed over to my sister's for her birthday - no Train Attic time this weekend - maybe next.
I did receieve a Log Loader from Jenni as a late Christmas present to replace the one that went missing - was in the garage for 30 years and suddenly disappears......go firure.
Prayers for Roy, FifeMom, MartyE's Dad and Brent's family.
Today is the 1 year anniversary of us placing Dad to rest. Still miss him....
That's all from here in Central Jersey - will check back when possible.
Have a great New Year, EVERYONE!!
Tks, Fife,, you know a pine tree is the only trees we don't have. Must be that forest clay we have?
Dennis, driving in snow is simple, just push the 4x4 button or stay home with your snow wimpy two wheel drive, wide tire, low to the ground car till it melts.Then you can do the burnouts and go fast. Nothing will go on ice. Wife has a AWD Torrent with traction control and has never been stuck in 12 years of driving it. Before she retired she drove over 100 miles a day back and forth to work in all kinds of weather conditions. Driving in winter just takes some thought and common sense. If it looks like it is going to be bad, stay off the roads if you don't have the vehicle for the conditions.
When I was in high school if you took drivers ED in the good weather months and got your license they still made you put time behind the wheel later when it snowed. Today if there is 2" of snow they call off school. Might have something to do with all the driving problems in bad weather.
Plop a lit Christmas tree down in front of the cabin, and there's your greeting card for next year, Kev.
Hi there, We have some nice looking conditions here on The North Bluff. We had a ice storm with snow behind it and it has left us with a winter wonderland. Most time we get something like that the limbs melt off within a day but the temps have fallen and it has been like this for three days now. Yesterday The son and grandson came by and we cut and split firewood for them. Other than that not much going on. Just enjoying what God gives us.
Roy keep on moving on with #20!
Wife and I did some night riding.
Some from today.
Trail out back.
Looking north from the deck. Got to love it. Will melt tomorrow.
Mornin' boys and girls. Another incessantly damp day along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Weather can influence one's mood; woof.
The grandsons are safely back home, and the dust has settled. I enjoyed having them and Oldest Princess at Fifedom, just wished the weather could've been better. My favorite moments were when all 3 princesses were gathered around. I must've done something right...
Best of luck to Roy on #20. BTW, the 1309 moved on its own this weekend. Check Trains Newswire.
Last day of vacation before starting back to work. Hopefully this is the last new year I have to return to work. Went to see Wonder Woman 84 today. Very long, but after a year with almost no new movies, it was nice to be in the theater again. A good flick, not a great one, better than most DC movies. Had a preview for the Black Widow movie in May. Hope we get to see that one. Weather icky again. Ran a little DC powered train tonight. Used some of the 11 inch Marx straights on a siding. They work well. I hope everyone has a good day.
Happy New Year all!
Been incognito - radiation accumulated affects after 4 weeks+ finally have me pretty run down - but OK. Treatment #20 tomorrow - continuing the countdown....two weeks and a day to go! Yowzeers!
Watched Texas A&M beat NC (Chief!) last night (Yes!) in the Orange Bowl.
Be careful all!
Regards, Roy
Spank, when I'm feeling homesick (for lack of a better term) about Jersey roads, the maintanance of same, and the drivers on them I go to the "Route 80 Rant Page." It's a Facebook thing but you don't have to be a Facebook user to see it. We get a lot of laughs from it!
I just may do it shortly, it'll help pass the time on the grey, wet, raw day we've got down here today.
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