Replacing a Battery Plate on a PW FM Trainamaster?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Hello:

I have acquired an FM Trainmaster that is missing the battery plate (2333-129) but the shoulder rivet(2333-115) is still in place. I am interested in placing a new plate on the unit. My question is how does one remove the underframe(2321-46) in order to remove and replace the rivet and the new plate? I assume the rivet needs to be peened to set it. The under frame appears connected to the frame by four rivets. Do these need to be ground down to remove and expose the underframe to work on the rivet replacement? If so, how does one replace the underframe without rivets. Am I making this more complicated than it should be? Correct me before I do something stupid. Is the underframe just held on by the battery bracket and horn relay mounting screws? Thank you for allowing me to tap into your experience.

2

Mickey, the battery swivel cover is held on by a rivet. It has to be drilled out. The under frame is held on by 2 screws and four posts which are peened over on the top side of the steel frame. The under frame can be held back on with just the two screws. One in front and one in back. The battery under frame is very hard to find NOS and VERY expensive if you do find one. I have one here that I am using just the 2 screws with no problems. You may be able to remove that under frame leaving enough metal at the posts to re-peen over. Especially if you have a rivet press.

Roger