Lionel 6-28151 (B&O 2-8-8-4) Drive Problem

Yep, a known failure...

Lionel should have a replacement part for this now.

I used a 1999 Allegheny drive shaft which is a close match when parts ran out... just a tad shorter in length. I just took up the length in the motor coupler and it works fine.

Put the universal back on with retaining compound and you’ll be fine. I used an instant adhesive years ago and still working fine. The replacement part is the the absolute best choice but may not be available.

You can drill through the u joint and use a fine thread  screw to secure it in place too. This was actually Mike R’s advice on how to fix it  

I’ve done this to two of my em-1 engines. 

Thanks all!

When I repaired mine,  I started out thinking I was going to drill thru and pin it.   Once I realized how small the diameter of the shaft and coupler is I decided not to drill and pin....  

This is going back about 2 years, so Lionel had no inventory of repair parts back then.  

Like ROMILLER,  I disassembled it, roughed up the shaft with a small chisel.  I think this process is called "staking"....  then used some Gorilla Super Glue GEL, and put it back together.   

NOTE:  I found it helpful to make some small marks on the shaft, before I took it apart,  so I would end up with the "same length" assembly when I was done.   

The marks were extremely helpful when I was tapping the U joint coupler back on the drive shaft.  

Did they correct the design on the later Legacy version? I believe I remember from back then that they did, but not sure.

I went the drill/pin route...  I had a 1.5mm drill bit and went through the joint and the shaft..was easier than I thought it would be...  Secured it with a small piece of stiff wire along with some grease in the joints..  She is back on the track working like a champ...  Thanks again all!!