On a couple models I found that I had forgotten about (an Athearn and Stewart), I brought them up for maintenance and noticed on those clips under the trucks that you remove to access the wheels, 2 of these models have 1 of 4 tabs broken, but they are still keeping the truck assemblies together. Is it necessary to replace the clips with the broken tabs or can I run the units as-is?
I'm talking about these clips:
http://www.mcor-nmra.org/Publications/Articles/Athearn_Tune_Up_Files/AthearnTuneUp018.jpg
Check out my work here:
http://rmd-painting.weebly.com/
Made the link clickable.
I think you are pretty safe with only three of the four clips still in place provided that the remaining three clips are sound. If the other clips are starting to break off then you would be smart to replace them. I don't see the parts listed on the Athearn website but you might try giving them a call. They are available on eBay. I think these are the right parts:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Athearn-Blue-Box-Locomotive-Parts-2-2-Axle-Truck-Lower-Gearbox-Clip-/361856287675?hash=item544050c3bb:g:BUcAAOSwMN9XQu3b
Edit: I just realized that the clips listed above are used. I guess ya pays your money and ya takes your chances.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!