I have a few MTH diesels and I would like to know if anyone knows of any replacement screw assortments that are available before I even attempt to open a loco up. I would hate to open a locomotive and then have to wait forever to put it back together for a small parts order to come in.
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MTH has an assortment of screws available at York in their well stocked parts booth. I have been able to stock replacements for several engines. Tread softly.
L & L Model Train Restoration acquired Ted Nyerges Bolt and Screw business. They offer a metric screw assortment. You can find it on the last page of their screw list.
Dr. Tinker used to offer several different screw assortments.
I don't know whether anything is available from MTH.
I once asked Ted why he didn't offer any premade assortments. He told me he felt that there were too many different screws, and that it would be impossible to come up with an assortment that people would appreciate.
I've been ordering screws a few times a year for a good number of years now. I'd order several new styles, and backfill the ones I used each time. Didn't cost much - most screws are only $1 per dozen. I don't think you can buy screws in a hardware store for that. Over time I've built up a nice assortment. It's great to have that odd ball screw on hand when it is needed.
I do a lot of upgrades, repairs, and even occasionally scrap something. There are always leftover screws from a job when you strip everything and install new stuff. I keep all these odd sized screws, usually I can find the proper sized screw for a replacement when I need one.