New Lagacy Polar Express Berkshire Axle Bearing/Plastic found missing when finishing up ballasting

On the last PE Berkshire run I had a front axle bushing that was not pushed in and seated all the way.  I had to clean the bushing up a  bit so it would actually seat properly.

If I remember correctly there is a slight bump on the bushing that locks it in place when seated.

wmcwood posted:

On the last PE Berkshire run I had a front axle bushing that was not pushed in and seated all the way.  I had to clean the bushing up a  bit so it would actually seat properly.

If I remember correctly there is a slight bump on the bushing that locks it in place when seated.

Just got off the phone with Katie at Lionel.  They are sending me 2 of each (2 without taper and 2 with taper for axle ends).  There parts listing showed both.  I'm confident it is the tapered end since the axle end is tapered.  I will make sure they seat all the way, just in case the 1st one was not.

Katie is good to deal with.  Had the same thing on a Pocahontas; the bushing was lying under the pilot in the box; sent the loco back to Lionel for another issue and had them install the bearing.

Should the bushing be glued in place?

Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:

Took about 8 engines off tracks to install ballast.  When starting to put them back I noticed ta pilot wheel flapping in the breeze on my new Polar Express Berkshire.  Good luck finding it.  Probably under a glued ballast section.  No shorts, safe there.  I mention it because this bushing seems to have been an evolution of the same problems experienced in the past.  I'm sure Lionel will be happy to send me a couple.  Wanted others to see if they are having or are going to have the same issue.

 

 

Bryant some advice for you as I just went through an ordeal yesterday with this.I have the Legacy 765 NKP Berk. I had to order the same plastic wheel bearings to hold in the pilot and trailing truck wheels.

I didn't"t think replacing them was going to be a big deal. Install them on the axles and snap them in...NOT

The axles fit  WAY to tight into the new replacement bearing, and when you snap them in, the wheels are solid and will not spin freely-they will drag and cause the Locomotive to derail.THEN don't try to pry them out as you will bend the axle and then the problem gets worse.

You are going to have to drill the hole in the bearing EVER so slightly larger and a little deeper (7/64). Do NOT chuck a drill bit up in a drill. It is to aggressive and will blow out the side or end and ruin the bearing as there is not much material surrounding the hole. I clamped the drill bit into a pair of vice grips and twisted it in gently and I mean GENTLY.. by hand. I installed and it is perfect.Add a drop of Oil to the bearing also.  Good luck. Nick

Nick, good info!  Your experience is going into my notes.

RickM46 posted:

Nick, good info!  Your experience is going into my notes.

Thanks Rick

rockstars1989 posted:

Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:

Took about 8 engines off tracks to install ballast.  When starting to put them back I noticed ta pilot wheel flapping in the breeze on my new Polar Express Berkshire.  Good luck finding it.  Probably under a glued ballast section.  No shorts, safe there.  I mention it because this bushing seems to have been an evolution of the same problems experienced in the past.  I'm sure Lionel will be happy to send me a couple.  Wanted others to see if they are having or are going to have the same issue.

 

 

Bryant some advice for you as I just went through an ordeal yesterday with this.I have the Legacy 765 NKP Berk. I had to order the same plastic wheel bearings to hold in the pilot and trailing truck wheels.

I didn't"t think replacing them was going to be a big deal. Install them on the axles and snap them in...NOT

The axles fit  WAY to tight into the new replacement bearing, and when you snap them in, the wheels are solid and will not spin freely-they will drag and cause the Locomotive to derail.THEN don't try to pry them out as you will bend the axle and then the problem gets worse.

You are going to have to drill the hole in the bearing EVER so slightly larger and a little deeper (7/64). Do NOT chuck a drill bit up in a drill. It is to aggressive and will blow out the side or end and ruin the bearing as there is not much material surrounding the hole. I clamped the drill bit into a pair of vice grips and twisted it in gently and I mean GENTLY.. by hand. I installed and it is perfect.Add a drop of Oil to the bearing also.  Good luck. Nick

 

Thank you Nick.  Very  insightful.  I willl follow you instruction when I install them.

Thanks for the info.  I ordered a couple of bearings because of the reported issues.  1 of them will be installed in a friends one will stay in my parts kit.

Short video of the 765 ..Nick