Why is my 4-6-6T jumping the track.......New update with a happy ending!

@Norton posted:

I don't have the Lionel version. Only the K-Line engine where they do have a washer between the truck frame and the coupler arm. Maybe the screw Lionel used is a different design that is able to hold the coupler arm in place without the washer.

Since you have a Lionel model maybe you could verify the screw dimentions in case Peter has to fabricate one??

Pete

Pete, are we talking about two different things?  The screw that Peter is missing is the screw that holds/mounts the rear truck assembly (that includes the coupler) to the engine frame.  Not just a screw that holds the coupler on.

Ron

I should have used the term drawbar I guess. Move the coupler back and forth and see that it pivots on the post the the truck screw goes into.

Order of assembly on the K-Line engine is drawbar, washer, truck, shoulder screw.

Pete

Yesterday, was going to be my day for calling Lionel. About noon, I received a call from Tom (Gilly@N&W) that we needed to re-shoot some pics for our photoshoot (a possible future OGR Mag article). I grabbed another O Scale Hauler filled with different trains and headed over to the layout.......

As I was unboxing the trains, look at what I discovered......

....and, back where it belongs......

Now mind you, I had taken the O Scale Hauler where the 4-6-6-T was living completely apart......and nothing was there.....I guess it fell off when it was "living" somewhere else........and, it had run fine previously....

Thank you to all that contributed to this thread......I have learned an immense amount from it and am very appreciative!

Peter

Fantastic!

Ron

Loctite makes thread locker. You put a little on the thread of the screw when you assemble them. there are two common types, red and blue. Red will hold about anything in place and it takes heat to break the screw loose. blue is low torque screw removal and the screw can be removed with hand tools and no heat. I use the blue loctite on any screw that falls out or comes loose.

Loctite can be found at most auto parts stores. Harbor Freight has their own brand of thread locker.

And what did we learn?  Sadly everyone should inspect their new 1000 buck plus engines for loose or missing hardware.

Figured that screw was somewhere.  Glad you found it and everything is ok

Peter, that's the best possible outcome.  Enjoy that very different steam loco.

Congrats on finding the loose screw, Peter   You should ask the screw if it saw that long lost missing sock

@Norton posted:

I don't have the Lionel version. Only the K-Line engine where they do have a washer between the truck frame and the coupler arm. Maybe the screw Lionel used is a different design that is able to hold the coupler arm in place without the washer.

Since you have a Lionel model maybe you could verify the screw dimentions in case Peter has to fabricate one??

Pete

Pete now I understand why you were calling this piece the coupler arm or coupler bar.  After playing with my engine turned it upside down in a foam cradle to remove the assembly.  I quickly saw the design,  Yes the piece that is connected to the frame with that shouldered screw is connected back to the couple.  And the truck is connected to that bar.  A kind of articulate designs.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

Ron

Success!!!!!!!

.....with a sneak peak at Tom's bridge module extension......

Peter

Great to see the issue resolved Peter.

Great looking steamer. 👍

@Putnam Division posted:

Success!!!!!!!

.....with a sneak peak at Tom's bridge module extension......

Peter

Glad you found the screw Peter. Can't wait to see more of the new module. Looks great already!

What's up with the new train room? Haven't seen any updates in a while.

Bob

Crisis averted!