Flyer 634...

StrummerOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

First off, let me begin by apologizing for asking such a basic question.

I just got this in a box of American Models S scale items, and although it's not really my "thing", I thought I would get it cleaned up and working because...why not?

It's got the die cast metal body, with brass coupler weights, so I guess it's a 1947-'49 issue (?)

Anyway, the light is not working; how does one go about (safely) removing the ring that holds the lens in place...or removing the platform from the car itself? I obviously don't want to break anything...

Thank you.

Mark in Oregon

EDIT: Of course, as soon as I posted this, I was able to get that lens off; the bulb checks out good, so the issue must be within the platform itself...any suggestions?

2/8/2410:49 AM

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Rayin"S"OGR Forum Member

Hi Mark,

That ring and lens are not real fragile, I haven't don a 634 but I do have a number of spotlight cars that I have worked on. Just use a thin bladed screw driver to get between the ring and the case and put pressure towards the center of the light and it will come free. I have removed the socket from the housing and replaced mine with 10mm LEDs by adding a small rectifier, a resistor, and a capacitor to the car, you can have full brightness from the light even when running at slow speeds and never have to replace a bulb again.

Ray

2/8/2411:19 AM

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Rayin"S"OGR Forum Member

EDIT: Of course, as soon as I posted this, I was able to get that lens off; the bulb checks out good, so the issue must be within the platform itself...any suggestions?

Probably a broken wire, check continuity from the pickup on the insulated truck. If that is the case I have drilled out the rivet with a tap drill for a 4-40 tap, then remove any burr that remains, repair the wire or solder joint and tap the rivet for a short 4-40 screw. From the top of the car you only see the nice bright light.

Ray

2/8/2411:27 AM

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StrummerOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Well...it just goes to show you're never too old (or experienced) to be stupid.

I did figure out how to disassemble this; re-soldered one connection that might have been "bad", put it all back together then did what I should have done in the first place:

I cleaned the wheels really well and tested it; it works just fine.

So anyone who might still be reading this, do yourself a favor: never listen to any advise I might give, since I obviously don't know what the heck I'm doing after all these years....