Need Help Identifying Missing Screw for MTH Premier Triplex

If no one responds to your post, Jared, I would contact MTH. They may have one in stock, or at least be able to tell you what size it is.

It will we a shoulder bolt with large head.  Probably a 8/32 thread.  You can go to a good hardware store and probably find something to work until you get the correct part from MTH.

If you go to a Premier Big boy on the MTH website you can find a picture of the Big Boy version.  Item #48 on the chassis page.  G

It is Metric thread. I pulled the screw out of my triplex and match it up with screws I have at the shop.

I'll post my results later this evening.

Thanks G and Chuck.  I pulled up the exploded diagram of the BigBoy and according to item 48 for the drive block rear it is item

Bolt ( black ) IA-0000066 $1.00

( 8/32x19.0mm)( w/ 5.0x11.0mm oversized shank )

( 2.0x8.0mm slotted head ).

Would this be correct G? 

Chuck, I look forward to your results tonight.  Since you have this engine, may I ask you another question in regards to its operation?  Does this engine have an operating tender light when going in reverse?  When I put mine in reverse, the tender light does not come on.  The specs on the MTH page doesn't list an operating tender light unlike other engines that specifically list that detail.  My friend questioned me about because he was shocked when the light didn't come on.

I truly appreciate your guys' help.  I am really looking forward to getting to run this engine on my own layout once I have my DCS system out of layaway.

Jared

G was correct, it is a 8-32 screw. 8-32x 3/16. I don't have one in stock. You can use this screw with a washer for the head and make a spacer if MTH doesn't have one in stock. I checked my premier Big-Boy pivot screw, and it is much longer and the head is larger, won't fit in the recess. The Triplex doesn't have a rear back-up light, just the 2 marker lamps on the tender.

Once - and if - you find/assemble a screw/screw with spacer that functions, you do not need one from MTH. It is just a piece of hardware, and if it works well (it must actually

work without any more fiddling), it is literally just as good as the "factory" screw (they got it from a supplier, too).

I'm saying all this because sometimes I see guys asking for little mechanical parts like

this, and I think that some of them feel that these parts are "special". They are

special only if, well, they are special for some reason. Don't wait 3 months for something

that you may be able to -carefully- duplicate at home or from a hardware store or

generic hobby shop.

I'm not recommending that you force a sheet metal screw into the hole.

And if it's collectibility that's an issue, I don't really get into that.

OK, I'm finished now.

Thanks again guys.

Chuck, what size is the head on your fastener, height and diameter?  Also what diameter and length is the shoulder of the fastener?  I checked mcmastercarr.com and those were the dimensions needed to get the right one.

I contacted Legacy Station in GA since they are the closest hobby store to me.  I will also check Lowes or Home Depot.

Jared

I don't have one, I was suggesting what you could find at your local hardware store.

A 8-32 x 3/8 will work. You will need a washer for the top. A sleeve around the top 1/2  of the screw to make a 'shouldered' screw. I will contact MTH to see if I can get some originals.

Chuck,

  Let me know if you are able to get some.  I'll pull the engine out of the box and take some measurements to see if I can come up with something in the mean time.

Jared