Removing a stripped screw from an Athearn Mikado driver

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello guys,

Athearn was kind enough to send me a free brass driver gear and axle to replace my plastic one on my Genesis Mikado that is supposed to crack someday. The screws holding the linkage are nearly microscopic and there was just barely enough depth in the phillips bolt head on one side to unscrew it. Then I go to the other side and the phillips cross was already stripped and worn from the factory. It will not budge.

I am planning to carefully dremel out the screw head enough to pop the outermost linkage and then back the bolt shaft out. Is this the only solution in your opinions? And does anyone know what size that eensy bolt is and where to get it? Maybe I should just leave the plastic gear in there, it may never crack.

Thanks to all,

Rob

2

You COULD try inserting the screwdriver into the screw, and while holding it still, apply a drop of CA (Super Glue). If that fails, then you’re probably going to have to take the steps you suggested.

3

I would send it back to the factory service department and tell them how it was stripped out at the factory instalation and could they kindly correct the mistake the factory made?

{at their cost}

4

I like Galaxy’s answer better.