While trying to oil my Williams PA-1 powered engine, the needle from the oil bottle fell in to the body of the engine. I had to take the front truck off to get to it with a magnetic screwdriver. I have been trying to get that screw back in to the truck, but it will not go in, I line up the screw hole with a drill bit the same size, then put the screw in, but it will not screw in, I haven't slammed it against the wall yet, but I'm getting close, why am I having this problem?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
If I understand your issue: have you meshed the worm on the motor with the worm gear on the axle? You do this by turning the worm using the flywheel. The truck and motor mount frame will not get close enough for the screw if the worm and gear are not meshed.
@D500 posted:If I understand your issue: have you meshed the worm on the motor with the worm gear on the axle? You do this by turning the worm using the flywheel. The truck and motor mount frame will not get close enough for the screw if the worm and gear are not meshed.
Tis true tis true !
I tried but, still no go. I just don't know anything about the mechanical side of trains, think I know what you are saying, but most things don't work for me when it comes to repairs, I have to see if I can find someone from CTA around here. But thanks very much for trying to help a dummy!
You do have the body off of the frame, right? You hold the motor in one hand and push the truck onto the motor with the other hand, while turning the flywheel.
When turning the flywheel, Sometimes it helps if you kinda turn it back and forth a little bit, instead of just trying to crank it in. You at some point should just feel it slip together.
You have to take the body shell off. It should be four phillips screws on the bottom, two in the front and two in the rear holding it on. The truck did not have to come off if the needle fell into the body of the loco. When the shell comes off you will understand how it all goes together.
Thanks guys for your help, tried moving things around and probably tried putting that screw in 200 times. And Mike I don't have the confidence to try taking the body off, anyway that train has worn out it's welcome on my layout for now, I've replaced it with another one of my trains and will worry about that problem at another time, it's tough when you love trains but know nothing about them mechanics wise. I was shocked that I was able to run 4 bus lines around my 8x20 table with feeders and they actually worked! Thanks again!
Hello, Late to the Game,
Your post about success with the bus wire tells me that you can learn just as I am learning. You see, I am a old retired academic. Reading 2500 year old authors' works doesn't prepare one to fix things, and I had long been convinced that I could not do so. But trains helped me learn and, more importantly, helped me learn that I can learn and can succeed. Oh, yes, I still work slowly and patiently, and I take pictures as I go to help an old bean remember things. I have made mistakes (some quite hilarious), but the learning is the best part.
Don’t give up on it! Pulling the body off is only 4 screws! It’s really nothing to be scared of… at this point what do you have to lose?
If I was closer I would offer to put it back together for you…
On the other hand, this is just a hobby, don’t let it stress you out. Maybe put it on the shelf for a while and come back to it later…
Hold on a minute. There may actually be 6 screws to remove. Look for 2 more screws just forward of the fuel tank. If you see 4 screws look for the 2 that closer to the outside.
Chris
LVHR
Four screws, six screws, doesn't really matter in the long run. Once removed the shell lifts right off and should go right back on. FWIW, several of my williams now only have 2 screws. The shell stays on quite nicely and access is easier. One screw front right or left, one screw rear opposite corner.
Out of all the locos out there, Williams are the easiest to work on. Excluding steamers. You can do you this'.. Turn it upside down. Find the screws. Remove. The shell will lift right off. Just watch for wires. If you are going to continue model railroading... You need to learn this stuff. Now lets give it a try....