Collar for MTH drawbar issues solution

How about a picture of this "Collar."

Ron

I use clear vinyl tubing, for years now, works great and buy it at hardware store. 

I can not take credit for this fix, another forum member came up with the vinyl tubing idea. This was done years ago Clem

I hope the above photos help? The MTH part number is FB0000014, wireless drawbar (6P) (45mm) (vertical pug). Midge at MTH was, as always, very helpful in tracking my order down for me. I'm really hoping that this is a more permanent fix to the drawbar slipping issue. I've tried sink washers with some success and shrink tubing, with even more success, but this one is new to me, and since MTH manufactured them, I'm hoping for a longer running period before the collar slips down the tender post.

It works great. I expect you will see these included in the box for future steam engine releases. 

Since this drawbar issues are a result of poor engineering on MTH's part, are the collars being issued free of charge by MTH? If not, what did MTH charge for the collarS?

One of my friends suggested using black twist ties.  Almost invisible and no failures to date.

Very interesting. Thanks for the heads up. 

I had this problem with my MTH Proto-3 PRR J1 for several years. Needless to say, it was very annoying. The worst experience was when the engine stalled out in the middle of my longest tunnel.

I spoke to the MTH team at the last October York Meet and they sent me several of these collars at no cost. I have yet to try one out, but I am optimistic that at long last there is a solution.

Pat

I've placed the collars on a big boy and on the challenger. For now, both seem to work well. MTH charged me $2.00 for each collar. If they keep on working, I'll order more. I believe if and when I have to remove the collar for servicing, I might lesson the collars strength. So having extra collar is a good fell safe. It's nice to know that MTH was so supportive of you. Thanks for the comment. Best, Lou

Sorry, I should have written fail-safe

I’ve used the MTH part for about a year with no problems.  Before that, I used cable ties…still do on PS2 steamers with the wireless drawbar.  They aren’t easy to take off so I don’t think there will be a problem with them falling off.  And I do believe they are supplied with new steamers.  They are shown in some of the newer manuals.

Unfortunately, it only solves half the problem.  I've got one or two locos where the front plug at the cab comes loose on occasion.

I'll check it out.

    Thanks

Here are some additional ideas:

https://ogrforum.com/topic/35640429849568008

Always wondered why they didn't put in a little spring loaded ball like on the square drive of a ratchet.

the real issue is transmitting electrical signals thru a very thin moving connector while still looking scale.

The drawbar connector has to be small and permit "up-down and side to side" movement while still keeping contact with the connected ends.

LNL solved this issue with a sort of bulky optical connector.

@AlanRail posted:

the real issue is transmitting electrical signals thru a very thin moving connector while still looking scale.

The drawbar connector has to be small and permit "up-down and side to side" movement while still keeping contact with the connected ends.

LNL solved this issue with a sort of bulky optical connector.

Alan:

Best description of the MTH drawbar connector issue I have heard. Accurate and succinct. I have yet to find a failproof solution for it. Whatever one may feel about the design of the Lionel connector, what I like about it is that it works flawlessly.

Pat

@irish rifle posted:

what I like about it is that it works flawlessly.

Unless it's an Acela............

Vernon:

I probably should have been more clear that I was referring to the connectors for steam engines.

Pat

This has been a terrific topic. All of my MTH steamers have been running great with the MTH collar. For me, it's been the best solution. Although, I have to fiddle with them, now and then. Thanks to all for following this one.

My Railking Imperial Berkshire came with one of these in the box. I believe it was from the 2017 run.

The manual said it was only needed if you have elevation changes on your layout so I never used it.

It stops running from time to time so I would reconnect the drawbar connector and I'm good for a little while.

Now I realize I need to use this drawbar collar next time I run it and I should be good.

Brad

Is the drawbar a replacement for the tether cord between loco and tender?? They are areal pain - the tethers that is!

So the MTH drawbar collar is FB0000015 and can be ordered directly from MTH ( see attached)

@Geojr posted:

Is the drawbar a replacement for the tether cord between loco and tender?? They are areal pain - the tethers that is!

Yes and no??!!

By that, I mean yes, they wanted to get away from the tether so at some point a major design change happened and engines after that production date are designed with wireless PCB drawbar systems. Again, this design is integral to the chassis and is signifcantly different so you are not going to just buy some kit and retrofit an engine with a tether.

Both systems have drawbacks.

Chief issue with the drawbar system is the connectors at both ends and just general pulling stress on the drawbar system.

My last post was suppose to be in the form of question about part # for collar. (So the MTH drawbar collar is FB0000015 and can be ordered directly from MTH ( see attached)

Appears to be a slightly different part number FB0000037

https://www.mthpartsandsales.com/shop/search

Thanks- I've ordered 4- 

While I was able to order 4 retainers, I tried to order 6 pin drawbar, plastic cover, & ground wire (since I have to pay $10 to ship) Mike's is out of stock on these. Any other resources for Mikes parts?

I've had some success with MTH dealers. However, most do not have MTH electronic parts to spare. Stockyard Express has been very helpful to me in the past. It's in Oberlin, Ohio. You can find them on the Web. Good luck.