Are there part numbers for Flyer sliding shoe pickups and springs? These are the pickup shoes that fit inside the little boxes on some diesel and tender side frames? Availability?
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Mark, thanks.
Hi John. Port line hobbies is a very good source for any AF parts you might need.
Technically the box is part of the frame assembly PA12A586. Some dealers do carry it separately under their item number. The Shoe is PA11677A and the Spring is PA11533.
Port Lines is good, but Doug gets very busy at away functions. Jeff Kane does carry more common AF parts,and I have used him many times. We need more ON-Line AF Parts dealers.
Gandy
I realize this thread is several years old, but came across it, today, when searching for information pertaining to installation of the sliding shoe on the tender of a AF325. I started a thread at MTF and received some good information, but not all that I need. Hopefully Johnsgg1 or another member can assist me.
The tender and parts in the enclosed photo belong to another gentleman. I know the shoe box and shoe are correct for the application and know how the assembly is secured to the truck frame but, for the life of me, cannot figure out how or where to position the spring. I would have assumed the proper spring to be a common compression spring, not one with "ears" like a torsion spring.
Can you please offer your advice?
Thank you very much, swede
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That's the wrong spring. It's a coil spring similar to, but not as long as a shoulder brush spring and without the sprigs at both ends. It resides inside the shoe inside the box. You can insert it while installing the assembly or after by feeding it in from the side of the shoe when fully extended. Try to peen the stubs in the sideframe over the box tabs as much as you can and/or a smear of JB Weld over them while held in position until cured helps. Don't get any inside the box or on the shoe. Some repro springs need a slight tug to be the right length and not flop about inside the shoe, but some don't. Original shoes are better than Lionel AF or repro shoes. Originals have more curve at the bottom and are less prone to catch on rail joints, turnout features, etc. They're also less brittle and subject to cracking when adjusted.
Thank you for the response, David. I'm happy to learn I was given the wrong springs.
My junk spring drawer had several springs that were springier enough, long enough and of decent spiral diameter and I inserted them in the shoes, placed a spot of solder at the tabs and I'm finished.
Have attached a photo of the finished product. You can see the spot of solder at the shoe box tab.
Thanks again, swede
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