What book or books would be recommended for ‘do it yourself’ HO engine repair.?
Not sure about any books - I’ve usually found the exploded diagrams inside the box good enough for repairs and servicing. Add a set of fine pliers, screwdrivers, and a decent set of tweezers and repairs should be easy enough. A cheap soldering iron is also handy for detached wires, etc. Also kitchen towels to wipe off excess oil.
If you do decide to haul the engine apart have segregated tray or containers to put differnet parts into them so they don’t get confused. First off dish one, second off di***wo and so forth.
Taking pictures and making diagrams will also help you and prevent the “oh, a spare part, I wonder what that’s from?” dilema.
Regards
Fergie
ok, sounds like most repairs are fairly simple. Without a book I will keep track of all parts as they come off. My reason for this inquirey is I would like to buy used engines and clean them and they mostly should run just fine. I have found that the recent ones I have purched just needed cleaning and a new brush or two.
Old engines are the best to learn on. If you can pick up a few from garage sales or the like and tear them apart. Once you’re comfortable, you can tackle more involved projects. The real challenge is getting an old Tyco or AHM that doesn’t work and get it running again! Even if it won’t go down the track, but see if you can the motor and lights to work. I cut me teeth on a Tyco. It had broken gears in the trucks but eventually I got the motor to turn. Mostly cleaning and one loose wire.
A book has been published on Athearn cars and locos. The title is Model Railroading with Athearn Locomotives & Cars. My copy was edited by Robert Schleicher, printed in 1989 and produced by Rocky Mountain Publishing. Chapters include: Improving Kadee Coupler Installations. Improving Athearn Locomotive Performance. Installing new gearing. Painting, decalling, Weathering and Super detailing. Upgrading Stock Athearn Car Kits and Basic Kit-Conversion Techniques. I think this is the best book on Athearn ever published. It was/is published by Maodel Railroading Magazine. ISBN number is ISBN: 0-9612692-3-5. My copy caost $9.50, when I bought it in the early 90s. Try Ebay or do a book search through Amazon. If you can find it, you will be very happy with this book.