I have a 2033 Union Pacific that has what looks like a spacer riveted to the truck side by the geartrain. Looks like brown masonite.
My other Alcos do not have this. Any idea if this was a lionel add on or an owner that did it? looks like it was made to keep the gears in alignment but I wonder if it could be slowing down the locomotive.
Photo?
Sorry for the late answer. I thought your question would have been posted into my email.
Yes, I belive I have a photo. its not very good as the photo was showing a broken board for the coupler, but you can see the location of a brown line next to the spur gear in the background. however I tried to insert it with no luck.
But it is a mute point. I sent it back to the seller (Trainz) and they repaired it. Put it back to original. Just pulled 15 PW cars.