I just bought one today for $45. There is definently a cracked main drive gear. I want to take it apart and check if there is a cracked idler gear.
How do you take it apart?
I don’t need exploded diagram, but instead step-by-step instructions…
I already removed the screw under the front truck-what else?
Thanks
Charles
Also Doctorwayne is very knowledgable on these. I have only taken 2 apart. Be careful when you get to the remove the boiler step.
Dont remember where I found this, but here you go:
I still see posts asking for help to repair this otherwise fine engine. Those thin motor wires are the culprit which is an easy fix but that boiler removal–hoo boy. So here is a reprint I posted from a few years back on a newsgroup. I incorporated several other good instructions from other posters into it, including Athearn’s. BTW when I found out about the cracked gear in this loco, almost ten years after I bought it, I emailed Athearn and they sent me a brand new gear axle with drivers attached, free of charge. They are great people! Anyway here’s the boiler removal instructions from rec.models.railroad, 2002:
Repairing and weighting Athearn Mikado–Update
For the past three years a number of us have experienced problems with the original issue Athearn Genesis Mikado: poor traction, the stiff umbilical, and engines suddenly gone dead. I finally got up the guts to take mine apart and solved all three issues. My thanks to all those before me who have posted their knowledge and know-how dissecting the Mike. I’m an electrician so I’m adding all electrical knowledge of this adventure that I’ve learned.
I recommend a mandatory
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BMMECNYC - Wow!!! Thanks for all the info!
Its no problem. Ive kept it because I have 3 of those, and at some point Im sure I will need to disassemble (adding weight, adjusting balance)… Note that if you do add weight, you need to keep it all balanced fwd/aft as best as you can. Also dont over tighten the pilot or trailing truck, as this screws up the balanced drive train. The main drive mechanism is from Shamagosa in Korea (of brass fame). In my opinion it is one of the best locomotive drives made.
think NWSL still makes replacment drivers , but think there in the 60$+ range the last i knew athearn wasn’t stocking them bought 6 of them from hobby shop going out of busness in vegas a while back (long while) three in time had the driver grears crack , called athearn parts woman said they would have replacments shortly for a year or so got tired of that didn’t want to spend $ on them finaly tossed them the other 3 are still going strong.
ebay
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/292005540695