Wondering how close do replacements for the conical springs in locomotive front trucks really need to be to the original? Are the replacement parts for sale today really exactly like the specifications for the original Lionel parts?
I have a 2020 locomotive that kept derailing even after cleaning and checking the track. Reading in a thread it could be due to a worn front truck spring, I tracked one down… a 671-151. It made a world of difference - no more derailments! You can actually see a slight bouncing in the front of the locomotive from the support the new spring provides. I was really surprised with what a difference it made.
So I also recently obtained a box of several 6110 locomotives that need attention. They are not giving me any real trouble, but the springs are completely flat, so I’d like to replace as part of the rebuild. Unfortunately, my usual suppliers don’t have the spring the 6110’s use (1120-11) and the suppliers that do have it either have a minimum order or flat shipping fee that makes it cost prohibitive. (Lionel has them for .24 but a $10 shipping fee.) I’m heading to a train show nearby in a couple weeks, so I’m hoping to track some down there.
However, if I find someone selling parts, do I need to get an exact replacment, or if I figure out the measurements, can I expect good results from something close? I have a spare 671-151 – could that be a suitable substitute for the 1120-11?
Also, is there a reference anywhere that lists the specifications for Lionel springs? It’s easy enough to figure out a 6-32x3/8 RH screw, or a substitute lightbulb, but measuring a conical spring accurately requires Small Outer Diameter, Large Outer Diameter, Free Length, Wire Diameter, and Total Coils. Maybe I’m overthinking this and just need something that hasn’t gone totally flat after 60 years?