I was sorry to hear about Pete's trouble with the upper gear and have since updated the web site with the following note at the bottom of this page.
When I was first designing the kit I considered using the stock upper drive shaft from the original locomotive. My decision to replace the shaft was based on several factors.
- I could not source the 8 tooth upper sprocket with a 3/16" bore.
- I do not like C clips.
- The upper 8 tooth sprocket with a 3/16" bore is prone to splitting because the side wall material is so thin.
- C clips will not allow one to adjust the backlash.
It would have been a lot simpler to use the stock upper shaft but I wanted to provide you with a more elegant solution.
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A NOTE about Kits without Gears or Chain
This kit includes a new upper drive shaft that is 1/8" diameter. The upper drive shaft included in this kit is NOT the same size as the upper drive shaft that came with your locomotive.
The upper 8 tooth gear from your original locomotive will NOT fit the new upper drive shaft included in this kit. If you are ordering a kit without Gears or Chain you will need an upper gear that has a 1/8" bore. If you are unsure I encourage you to order a kit with Gears and Chain.
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Thank you everyone for the support and happy holidays!
