I have a Lionel Cat 6-18205 UP -8-40C locomotive that is making intermittent driveline noise, and I believe that the "intermediate gears" on each truck have too much play, and do not mesh completely. Is this something that can be repaired and, if so, how? Is it easier to just buy new truck blocks. (What is the Lionel Cat number for the truck block and also a source.)
Engine will be given to a grandson, so I want to make sure it is in good condition.
Thanks in advance.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Pictures would help but if there is too much side play then you’ll need to make a spacer to install between the wheel and frame.
When working correctly, these locos are great runners, IMO it's worth fixing. Unless you can fit an E-clip or spacer to align the gears, as suggested by Mr. Miller in the post above, I believe you would have to remove the sideframes and pull the wheels to replace the intermediate gears. That's a lot of work best done with special-purpose tools. So YES, it would be easier to replace the whole motor truck.
The parts diagram on lionelsupport.com shows the motor truck as a unit. Lionel's price is $95, unfortunately it's unavailable. There are some modern era experts on this forum (@Chuck Sartor comes to mind) who might have the part on hand in their service station.
Honestly, these locos have become quite affordable; I would look at the For Sale board on this Forum, or a well-known auction site. Try to find one that's less than perfect, and cannibalize it for parts. If you want it to look original, you'll have to find a Dash-8 40C because these have a truck casting that's different from the much more common EMDs, and even from the last GEs that Lionel made before they switched to can motors.
I hope you can get it fixed because I'm sure your grandson would be thrilled! Good luck!!
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
