I have a question concerning the Athearn P-42. I have one in Phase IV livery and it runs great for about four to five hours, and then, shazam, the rear drive shaft pops out of the U-joint. Has anyone else had this kind of a problem with this locomotive, and if so, is there a fix? Thanks for any help or advice on this.
Gerry S.
I have two of these units in the Phase V scheme and have never experienced this problem. You may want to make sure that the drive shaft that there isn’t anything broken on the drive shaft and at the u joint socket. Also make sure that nothing is binding. I haven’t run mine as long as you are saying. You may want to also make sure that the shaft is long enough. It should be. If you need replacement parts, Athearn is usually pretty quick at getting parts shipped to you.
Hope this helps.
Have you checked the clip on top of the truck’s gearbox to make sure it is firmly seated? If this clip is not properly seated, it could allow the worm gear to raise up and slip out of place, though it seems that this would occur more frequently than you describe.
Thanks cacole and wholeman for the replies. Cacole hit right on the nailhead! I ran the the engine without the body shell and voila, you could see the the gear working up and down. fixed the clip position and it runs like pee on a platter[:D] (well, maybe not that smooth, it’s an Athearn!). anywya, thanks again. Gerry S.