Í just had to post this because I’m so damn frustrated!!! I was running my GE Amtrak AMD 103 by Athearn on my layout when it derailed and fell off the table. I could only watch in slow motion as it happened. My layout sits about 5 ft off the ground so when it fell it fell hard of course and onto my basement floor which is made of ceramic tile. I literally wanted to just die as I just got this loco detailed by a good friend of mine and when I went over to inspect the damage I knew that it was probably not good. Sure enough all the clips that held the frame on to the metal chassis were broken, the coupler pocket included coupler was severely bent and the rear wheel set was hanging out of its housing. I guess I have to look for another loco huh? I have got to put guard pieces or railings on my outer edge because the outer tracks are literally on the edge of the layout table. [:(!][8o|]
I’ve used strips of cardboard with the flutes running length wise, stapled to the edge of the plywood track bed as guard rails in locations where the scenery is not yet installed; or there never will be scenery. Even still, there are places where even with the scenery, there will be a long drop, should the train derail!
Sorry to hear of your damaged loco.
I had almost the same thing happen to me a few years ago, I did not have the room on the edge to install some sort of guard rail, so I used the cargo net from my car that I never used. I hung it a few feet below the layout and it has saved me on a few occasions
I feel your pain[sigh]. I did something similar to a brand new 8-40CW on Christmas morning!![:O] Luckily the way it landed it totaled the rear truck, but nothing else. Got a new rear truck, it was good as new. Maybe it can be salvaged, Talk to your buddy that detailed it!
Yea I took a second look at it this morning and I think it’s a wrap. The only thing I could possibly due is look on Ebay for a shell by Athearn or someone looking to sell theirs for parts. It is cracked all up and their are broken pieces on it everywhere. The plastic frame doesn’t even stay on the steel frame anymore. I’m still quite upset and in denial that this even happen. Especially when you are strapped for cash and saved up to get that loco. I was looking forward to running it on my local club layout.
I have successfully welded plastic with a soldering iron, glued first. It’s more brittle but might salvage it. Yea a fast running loco like that needs guards.
We have some areas like that but only run less than 20 smph with our ears open wide.
Richard
I feel your pain my friend. Been there- done that. On the bright side! putting this loco back together is not out of the question. Athearns are easy to work on, and parts are everywhere. After you collect all the stray parts, put everything in a box, and take an assessment of what you need. I guess it all depends on how far you are willing to stretch your modeling skills. I’m not the “throw-away” type. I’d work on rebuilding it. Even if it turns out being “not quite as prototypical as it started, or as wished”… you’ll still have a lot of satisfaction bringing it back to life.
For what it’s worth, I had two of these that were “blue box” models, and I had issues with the front trucks hanging up on the body shell, on curves, which caused occasional derailing problems. I had to do a little tweaking to get the trucks to swivel freely. The later “RTR, DCC Ready” model worked great right from the box.
Good luck !
Mike.
Think of it as a challenge…
First, completely separate the shell from the frame, and see how much damage there is. If you can re-attach the truck, try to run the frame by itself. If nothing else, just hold the frame like a wheelbarrow and see if you can run the motor and spin the wheels.
Take it back to your friend who did the detail work. He’ll probably have a better idea of whether the shell can be fixed up.
There are a lot of craftsmen modelers out there who routinely take razor saws and Dremels to their engines, and cut out more of the shell than any fall to the floor could ever remove. They methodically build up the shell to match a different prototype, using styrene and brass, and finally repaint the shell. Don’t despair. Making repairs is part of the hobby, too.
I can feel your pain. A while back, I belonged to a club, had a brand new BB GP38-2 & was running it on the club layout, someone accidently backed into the bench work sending my new loco to the floor. OUCH!
Not too much damage, I still have it & run it occasionally.
My current home layout, I have track on the edge, one in a yard & one that is part of the mainline over the duckunder access the room by the entrance, which you can see in the accompanying photos.
I’ve run trains fast & slow through here & thankfully…knock on wood…nothing has fallen off here.
I’ve had a few derailments due to a switch that wasn’t thrown, but everything has stayed up right.
I have also had a lot of kids see this & fortunately nothing has hit the floor…yet!
I hope you can fix the injured loco.
Gordon
How is it going. The LION feels for you and your “baby”.
Hope you can fix your engine.
ROAR
Hey Lion,
Sorry for the late response. Just getting back online as I been working and going to school but yea it’s unrepairable as far as the shell is concerned. However someone on here did tell me about a person selling a shell in perfect condition in the Phase IV NE corridor scheme for only $5.00 so I probably go ahead and get that one.