Thank you!!! With several good ideas, detailed descriptions and encouragement (importantly also luck), a few minutes ago I was able to fix my "U-Joint" problem on my Lionel American Flyer U33C Diesel. It was as suggested a dislocated "U-Joint", likely from the swivel of the truck just enough to do so, and I am pretty sure that is what it was. Access to the "U-Joint" was particaurly difficult, and I could with some maneuvering get very close to reengaging, but after multiple tries decided for me this was not going to work. Plan B was to remove the fuel tank, which was only four accessible screws. Once removed it was quit easy to reengage, and fortunately all the screws went back on quickly, with the help of a magnetized appropriately sized screwdriver.
I am so.... excited to have this nice engine running again, and I feel like a little kid. There for me is great satisfaction to fixing things. Thanks to all your help. I am truly appreciative. With gratitude. Mike
