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loco maintenance "help!"

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  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
loco maintenance "help!"
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 9, 2002 11:19 AM
I have two problems that I'm having troubles with. And since me and my mechanical prowess get along about as well as me and my lawn mower,(which is about not at all!), I decided to see if I can get some tips from the Trains.com faithful.
First, I have a burnt out headlight in a Walthers SW1 and I can't get the shell off! I'm afraid I might damage it with a crowbar.
Secondly, I have a Mantua 0-4-0 switcher that during some routine lubrication, the drive rods and assembly fell apart. Is there some kind of blue print out there anywhere I can follow in order to re-assemble it?
Thanks as always!
Matt
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: Niue
  • 735 posts
Posted by thirdrail1 on Saturday, March 9, 2002 11:58 AM
As far as the steam locomotive goes, you can't get simpler than an 0-4-0 -- there are only two rods on each side, one connecting the drivers and one connecting the main driver to the cylinders via the crosshead. If you can't figure it out just from looking at the parts, look at some of the thousands of steam loco pictures on the internet.
"The public be ***ed, it's the Pennsylvania Railroad I'm competing with." - W.K.Vanderbilt
  • Member since
    February 2001
  • From: US
  • 506 posts
Posted by snowey on Saturday, March 9, 2002 8:52 PM
I don't know about the steam loco, but most diesel locos have tabs molded onto the fuel tank (at the bottom, midway on the side) that are inserted into slots in the body. Bend this part out, CAREFULLY, with a small screwdriver, thenlift the body off.
"I have a message...Lt. Col....Henry Blakes plane...was shot down...over the Sea Of Japan...it spun in...there were no survivors".
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 10, 2002 8:58 AM
Hi Matt, If the loco does not have tabs as Joe suggested try this.... Hold the loco by the trucks in your left hand. Grasp the shell of the loco with your right hand with your thumb on one side and your index finger on the other just above the walkways. Squeeze firmly on the sides of the loco shell and pull upwards at the same time. This will release any "internal" tabs that might be holding the shell on. Although I don't run deisels on my layout I've run into this on some I have repaired for other folks. If this don't work look for tabs or screws at the front and rear ends of the loco. Keep "picking and poking"... if it went together it will have to come apart...Vic
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 11, 2002 11:08 AM
The Walthers SW-1 has an integrated metal frame/shell bottom..The only plastic is the long hood and cab. The cab has a tab in the rear that can be released by pressing in on the cab rear where it meets the base. There are also 2 'bumps' moulded on inner cab wall (both sides) near bottom front..they fit into indentations in inner upright frame metal to hold down front of cab..I have found that the cab will usually come off if you push in the rear to release the tab (make the sides bow out) and tilt cab up/forward.Cab holds down hood so it will come off then..When your in there look at the rear motor drive line. If it is a piece of hose, contact walthers customer support for a free upgrade kit (plastic u-joint)
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 12, 2002 2:20 PM
Hey! That worked!!...now if only I can figure out how to get the old bulb out....

Thank You!!!!!!

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