Recommendation For Train Service/Maintenance Videos

Sounds like a good idea for a running thread Paul, ….I’ll do it if there’s enough gauged interest,….other techs, & service folks can join in too,….the more wealth of knowledge the better …..I really enjoy threads that are packed with useful information and service tips and tricks ……a preventative maintenance or “new to you” service thread could be a wealth of information,……..of course, if something like this already exists, perhaps someone can point that out,.….but we’re talking about a comprehensive guide to modern O gauge locomotive maintenance practices….

Pat ,

Paul, Pat I think this is a fantastic idea. A so called one stop shop for service/maintenance materials and videos.

I agree it's a great idea and can help everyone even techs Alan

Let’s set the criteria on this thread, what all exactly is wanted & needed. This way, we keep the thread clean & tidy, with useful information in every bite,….I think it should go into depth, but be restricted for DIY preventative maintenance procedures that anyone can do at home. Not getting into heavy repairs. Discussions to include ( feel free to add )

1. tools required ( with specifics on the proper tool for the task )    
2. lubricants ( NOT DOING THE GREAT OIL DEBATE!!!! but, the why & where )    
3. shell removal procedures    
4. fastener identification ( including organizing and accounting for FOD )    
5. traction tire tips & tricks      
6. fastener inspection & checks.    
7. motor identification & inspection    
8. Harness & board inspection ( including cable management )  
9 cleaning of components ( wheels, rollers, etc. )      
10. pre-trip checks, tests, & inspections ( to prevent the dreaded blow up! )    
11. smoke unit maintenance.  
12. PM intervals ( including run times, shelf queens, etc. )

feel free to add by number in order anything else, and if it’s warranted, we’ll add it to the list, …..

if y’all want me to start the thread, it’ll be on a Tales From Harmon Shops header, but anyone with specifics to Preventive Maintenance practices can add,…….but we’re gonna weed out stupidity, …..not odd questions, as there’s no stupid question, but the whiners, & the criers need not apply,…..in other words, let’s make a thread that’s a tool, and not a nursery,…..

Pat

Pat you hit the nail on the head. Thank you Paul for bringing this up. I have all newer trains steam and diesel (MTH and Lionel) (Railking, Legacy, LC+ and LC+2.0)  from around 2017 to present and I am scared to death for the first time I have to open one for a smoke wick replacement or any repair. When I hear people talk through this stuff it makes no sense to me but a video would help me tremendously.

Brad

We can definitely add some videos….from my end, it’s difficult to add long videos, as the format only supports so much bandwidth, but I’ll enlist some help from some folks I know this is their specialty,……

Pat

Great idea Paul.  It's nice that the directions that come with our locomotives tell you to lube it and include a picture that shows us here, here, and here, but where are those arrows really pointing?

@harmonyards posted:

We can definitely add some videos….from my end, it’s difficult to add long videos, as the format only supports so much bandwidth, but I’ll enlist some help from some folks I know this is their specialty,……

Pat

What about a youtube channel Pat?

Then there's no limitation to content and uploads are much easier. The links can still be posted here on the forum.

It would be nice to have a "master repair tech channel" with the likes of yourself, John and Alex , and any others I have missed.

Of course, I know making videos is time consuming and harder than it looks, and you folks are likely buried in repairs and upgrades.

Many of the train repair and maintenance videos you want to see are already here! As a Digital Subscriber, you have access to Jim Barrett’s Backshop videos, right here on the forum. Several others will soon be on the OGR YouTube channel.

Good idea Paul......for a minute there I thought you were gonna start doing ERR and PS3 upgrades and leave your
techno-peasant days behind......

Pat's off to a good start. Sometimes just knowing what screws to remove to open up an engine and which to leave is a major help.

Then there's the hidden plastic tabs that release car shells, etc.

A lot of times the basics can save us from having to ship a piece of equipment back to the mfr or a service center.

@Alex M jumps to mind with some of the videos he does. Just collecting all of his on one thread would be a great start.

Good content for the OGR You-tube channel too.

Bob

I think this is a great idea.  The newer trains are the harder ones in my opinion with more crammed under the hood.  With all due respect to Jim, trains have been maturing at a much faster pace from where he left off and while he does some excellent videos, the changes since he's been no longer with us have been  4 fold.  A lot of the guys on here that rip these newer engines apart almost weekly could really help those of us that are occasional repair men.  In some cases they know more than the folks that are working on them at the manufacturers level. We could all benefit.

BTW I do take advantage of Jim's videos.  It is a great perk of being a Digital Subscriber.

@RickO posted:

What about a youtube channel Pat?

Then there's no limitation to content and uploads are much easier. The links can still be posted here on the forum.

It would be nice to have a "master repair tech channel" with the likes of yourself, John and Alex , and any others I have missed.

Of course, I know making videos is time consuming and harder than it looks, and you folks are likely buried in repairs and upgrades.

In retirement, and when I get all these custom jobs caught up, ( as always, y’all’s patience is appreciated and will be rewarded ) a YouTube channel is in the works for all this crazy custom O scale/gauge whatever you want to call it we do,…..that will be a good outlet, and really give you guys a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes when I fire up the mills & lathes for making parts and carving these locomotives up,….

Pat

@harmonyards posted:

In retirement, and when I get all these custom jobs caught up, ( as always, y’all’s patience is appreciated and will be rewarded ) a YouTube channel is in the works for all this crazy custom O scale/gauge whatever you want to call it we do,…..that will be a good outlet, and really give you guys a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes when I fire up the mills & lathes for making parts and carving these locomotives up,….

Pat

Ooh, that sounds nice and interesting.

@MartyE posted:

I think this is a great idea.  The newer trains are the harder ones in my opinion with more crammed under the hood.  With all due respect to Jim, trains have been maturing at a much faster pace from where he left off and while he does some excellent videos, the changes since he's been no longer with us have been  4 fold.  A lot of the guys on here that rip these newer engines apart almost weekly could really help those of us that are occasional repair men.  In some cases they know more than the folks that are working on them at the manufacturers level. We could all benefit.

BTW I do take advantage of Jim's videos.  It is a great perk of being a Digital Subscriber.

Totally agree with this statement. The newer trains are the ones videos would help so much with. All the electronics stuffed in these newer models with no room to spare are more intimidating. Some more videos of more modern models from the last few years would be great tool to have.

Brad

While at York looked for books about maintaining and repairing modern trains and found none. A thread on this subject would be great especially with links to You Tube for longer videos would be great. One example is bought a Legacy Camleback at York and when I took it out and inspected it and ran it to make sure it worked noticed there was no screw hole for grease. How are we to grease these, do we need to remove the shell to grease them. Also does removing the shell void the warranty

@harmonyards posted:

Let’s set the criteria on this thread, what all exactly is wanted & needed. This way, we keep the thread clean & tidy, with useful information in every bite,….I think it should go into depth, but be restricted for DIY preventative maintenance procedures that anyone can do at home. Not getting into heavy repairs. Discussions to include ( feel free to add )

1. tools required ( with specifics on the proper tool for the task )    
2. lubricants ( NOT DOING THE GREAT OIL DEBATE!!!! but, the why & where )    
3. shell removal procedures    
4. fastener identification ( including organizing and accounting for FOD )    
5. traction tire tips & tricks      
6. fastener inspection & checks.    
7. motor identification & inspection    
8. Harness & board inspection ( including cable management )  
9 cleaning of components ( wheels, rollers, etc. )      
10. pre-trip checks, tests, & inspections ( to prevent the dreaded blow up! )    
11. smoke unit maintenance.  
12. PM intervals ( including run times, shelf queens, etc. )

feel free to add by number in order anything else, and if it’s warranted, we’ll add it to the list, …..

if y’all want me to start the thread, it’ll be on a Tales From Harmon Shops header, but anyone with specifics to Preventive Maintenance practices can add,…….but we’re gonna weed out stupidity, …..not odd questions, as there’s no stupid question, but the whiners, & the criers need not apply,…..in other words, let’s make a thread that’s a tool, and not a nursery,…..

Pat

I look at the posting above and see positive energy and initiative to invest in constructive collaboration among people sharing common interests. Outstanding post. Keeping things consistently positive can be challenging sometimes. Contrast the outlook of the post above with the one below. It seems like even the highest aspirations can be weighed down sometimes by frustrations that can come along with the environment.

harmonyardsOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

@Norman R posted:

As far as parts availability for Vision Line engines, what would be a good top-level summary? If the engine was manufactured more than ten years ago, one should not depend on Lionel carrying parts for it in stock?

You can’t summarize squat, ….Lionel parts is so hit or miss, it’s a pig in a poke ……the majority of the new stuff has no listings, no part numbers, and if it’s older, they dump the parts …..

Pat

The Water Level Route.......You Can Sleep

NE-NC

17 hours ago

@Norman R posted:

I look at the posting above and see positive energy and initiative to invest in constructive collaboration among people sharing common interests. Outstanding post. Keeping things consistently positive can be challenging sometimes. Contrast the outlook of the post above with the one below. It seems like even the highest aspirations can be weighed down sometimes by frustrations that can come along with the environment.

harmonyardsOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

@Norman R posted:

As far as parts availability for Vision Line engines, what would be a good top-level summary? If the engine was manufactured more than ten years ago, one should not depend on Lionel carrying parts for it in stock?

You can’t summarize squat, ….Lionel parts is so hit or miss, it’s a pig in a poke ……the majority of the new stuff has no listings, no part numbers, and if it’s older, they dump the parts …..

Pat

The Water Level Route.......You Can Sleep

NE-NC

17 hours ago

I can sugar coat it for you, and swear up & down everything is just lovely in Sun Valley, but we both know that’s not how this works,…..😉

Pat

WOW! GREAT IDEAS! Our best sharing with the rest.

One could do ZOOMs on topics and record the zoom - you get some interactive learning and a finished video for re-use. Attendees could do a follow up ZOOM withe their loco or car or accessory worked on in the zoom, proving they learned how, and again sharing.

@harmonyards posted:

I can sugar coat it for you, and swear up & down everything is just lovely in Sun Valley, but we both know that’s not how this works,…..😉

Pat

Hmmm. Is it better to be happy or to know the truth?

I demo a lot of this sort of thing on my channel with hints and suggestions on proper tools, etc. My favorite Youtubes are ones where it's just some dude on his workbench so I started making my own in the hopes of helping out a bit.

@Ken Gillig posted:

WOW! GREAT IDEAS! Our best sharing with the rest.

One could do ZOOMs on topics and record the zoom - you get some interactive learning and a finished video for re-use. Attendees could do a follow up ZOOM withe their loco or car or accessory worked on in the zoom, proving they learned how, and again sharing.

While we’ll never be able to touch upon every piece of equipment produced, we can certainly help everyone develop a skill set to tackle most PM needs,…..this wouldn’t be a repair thread, or how to fix your models, but rather more about routine maintenance, while touching upon theories of operations. Surely we’ll address common ailments ( at least the ones I know of ) that can be part of a PM regiment ….but as far as servicing every piece on the planet, we’d run out of forum……we’re just going touch upon later production equipment, kinda pick up where the great Jim Barret left off when he sadly left us…..suggestions on what era to begin?, ….my mind says 2000 ish??…...roll through TMCC stuff, then onto legacy, ….same with MTH??…..2000…ish??…then onto PS2 & 3?…….again, these ain’t gonna be repair threads & videos, but merely how to maintain an already properly running or operating appliance ….

Pat

@Norm Charbonneau posted:

I demo a lot of this sort of thing on my channel with hints and suggestions on proper tools, etc. My favorite Youtubes are ones where it's just some dude on his workbench so I started making my own in the hopes of helping out a bit.

So what is your channel?

Brad

It is here:

https://youtube.com/@normstrains?si=0jSDxuwOgyNjRN3I

Great “constructive collaboration” on this topic, but unless I misunderstood the post from Apples55 he’s looking for actual videos. On that note I totally support Rich Melvin’s suggestion to view Jim Barrett’s videos. They are an excellent visual step by step guide to each unit. Only issue may be the degree that they address modern engines. On the road now so don’t have easy access to the videos. Hope this helps

Michael

@B rad posted:

So what is your channel?

Brad

Hi Brad,

From your posting it sounds like you have never seen Norm Charbonneau’s YouTube channel before. Please don’t click the link he provided without taking your socks off first. What he has on his channel is just going to knock them off anyway.

@harmonyards thing is Pat, aren't some runs similar? That is I mean that sure steam and diesel engines will vary from model to model regardless if they are the same electrically(TMCC, Legacy, DCS, or else), but some of the maintenance would be just about the same with a few exceptions. I didn't include the Vision Line stuff because we know that they are in a class of their own because of what guts are in them. I think the VL stuff can't even be compared to other VL engines unless they're from the same production run. Even then, they may be different, but what do I know???

@Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:

@harmonyards thing is Pat, aren't some runs similar? That is I mean that sure steam and diesel engines will vary from model to model regardless if they are the same electrically(TMCC, Legacy, DCS, or else), but some of the maintenance would be just about the same with a few exceptions. I didn't include the Vision Line stuff because we know that they are in a class of their own because of what guts are in them. I think the VL stuff can't even be compared to other VL engines unless they're from the same production run. Even then, they may be different, but what do I know???

You know a lot! ….and yes, you’re correct!…I’m just spitballing the ideas to fine tune what we all want …..everyone can make suggestions, ….surely that’s a good point Dave!..

@Michael Pags posted:

"Only issue may be the degree that they address modern engines"

That is the issue. I assume that is the reason this post was created. The OP stated that his request was for modern engines.

Brad

@Norm Charbonneau posted:

It is here:

https://youtube.com/@normstrains?si=0jSDxuwOgyNjRN3I

Thanks Norm. I look forward to checking your channel out. I did see a few of the "Shorts" already and I love the weathering that I saw in them.

Brad

Wow!!! Just under 24 hours and this topic has taken off - love it!!! Looks like I ain’t the only one who could use some continuing education.

Thanks, Pat, for running with my request, but that is only fitting since you are (largely) responsible for my post - early in your recent dissertation on the L1 Mikado (I have a PRR version), you discussed the all too regular issue of new engines arriving with little or no grease on the gears.

And your list of proposed topics proves, once again, I don’t even know what I don’t know

A couple of observations…

As I mentioned, personally, I find a video much more instructive - showing me how to do something is better than telling me how to.

Before I started this thread, I did check the list of backshop videos, but did see any that addressed my concerns (and I still have eternal gratitude to Jim for his very clear video on building a circuit breaker box so I could use my PW ZW’s). If anyone can point to one that would address maintenance issues on modern engines, I would appreciate it. And I’ll check out Norm’s YouTube videos.

Going forward, I would suggest/like to see videos on some simpler topics which will help the most people. So, as I just mentioned, maybe start with lubricating and greasing a new (or old) engine. While it is unreasonable to assume every model can be covered, maybe start with 1 or 2 Lionel/MTH diesels and 1 or 2 Lionel/MTH steamers (since VisionLine engines are a relatively small subset of all engines, maybe leave those for a masters class ). And maybe include a lesson on how to remove dry old grease!!!

@Apples55 posted:

Wow!!! Just under 24 hours and this topic has taken off - love it!!! Looks like I ain’t the only one who could use some continuing education.

Thanks, Pat, for running with my request, but that is only fitting since you are (largely) responsible for my post - early in your recent dissertation on the L1 Mikado (I have a PRR version), you discussed the all too regular issue of new engines arriving with little or no grease on the gears.

And your list of proposed topics proves, once again, I don’t even know what I don’t know

A couple of observations…

As I mentioned, personally, I find a video much more instructive - showing me how to do something is better than telling me how to.

Before I started this thread, I did check the list of backshop videos, but did see any that addressed my concerns (and I still have eternal gratitude to Jim for his very clear video on building a circuit breaker box so I could use my PW ZW’s). If anyone can point to one that would address maintenance issues on modern engines, I would appreciate it. And I’ll check out Norm’s YouTube videos.

Going forward, I would suggest/like to see videos on some simpler topics which will help the most people. So, as I just mentioned, maybe start with lubricating and greasing a new (or old) engine. While it is unreasonable to assume every model can be covered, maybe start with 1 or 2 Lionel/MTH diesels and 1 or 2 Lionel/MTH steamers (since VisionLine engines are a relatively small subset of all engines, maybe leave those for a masters class ). And maybe include a lesson on how to remove dry old grease!!!

Sounds like a plan Stan!….let’s see what else crops up that’s warranted, and then we’ll run with the ball,…..Do we know what subject matters Norm has already covered?…no need to duplicate if he’s already covered stuff??……no?…

Pat

Let's make sure we include at least one video of the cursing and swearing that occurs when the wayward screw, e-clip, or spring goes flying off the bench never to be seen again......

@RSJB18 posted:

Let's make sure we include at least one video of the cursing and swearing that occurs when the wayward screw, e-clip, or spring goes flying off the bench never to be seen again......

Oh no, it'll be seen again. 6 months after the fact it'll magically show up in the spot you swore it landed. Then the swearing restarts again. A vicious cycle. 😂

@$%& I'll never be able to post a repair video then.

@Donnie Kennedy posted:

Oh no, it'll be seen again. 6 months after the fact it'll magically show up in the spot you swore it landed. Then the swearing restarts again. A vicious cycle. 😂

AND after you purchased the replacement......

If possible, source information on tools and hardware (screws, fasteners, etc.) would be helpful. For example, suggested manufacturers for critical tools like Japanese Industry Standard (JIS) screwdrivers and which sizes are needed, and who offers the highest quality box assortments of metric screws, etc.

@RSJB18 posted:

Let's make sure we include at least one video of the cursing and swearing that occurs when the wayward screw, e-clip, or spring goes flying off the bench never to be seen again......

I’m having difficulty figuring out when I would need to use such a video. When I am at the workbench, I deliver a constant torrent of obscenities that would drown out the audio, anyway.  To paraphrase Jean Shepherd:  I work in profanity the way expert train technicians might work in electronics, or mechanical devices. It is my true medium; it is a field in which I am a master.

@SusieQ posted:

If possible, source information on tools and hardware (screws, fasteners, etc.) would be helpful. For example, suggested manufacturers for critical tools like Japanese Industry Standard (JIS) screwdrivers and which sizes are needed, and who offers the highest quality box assortments of metric screws, etc.

Excellent point!!…..hardware can be intimidating to a novice, or someone performing a Preventative Maintenance job, ……we’ll touch upon fastener identification, thread sizes, pitch, ( or TPI counts ) metric vs. standard, and the proper tool for the job,……I think I may have made that a bullet point on the opening salvos of this thread, but no harm reiterating this point so we know to make it a focus….

Pat

@Norman R posted:

I’m having difficulty figuring out when I would need to use such a video. When I am at the workbench, I deliver a constant torrent of obscenities that would drown out the audio, anyway.  To paraphrase Jean Shepherd:  I work in profanity the way expert train technicians might work in electronics, or mechanical devices. It is my true medium; it is a field in which I am a master.

Sailors on all seven seas call me regularly, crying, begging me to stop!…

Pat