I need to replace the broken plastic plate that keeps the gears in alignment. Lionel has a replacement metal plate # 6102859065 but it is unavailable. Is there a suitable substitute? What are my options?
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@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:
I'm guessing you didn't actually read that page. That "fix" apparently requires the metal mounting bracket that is unobtainum.
Here's a paragraph from that page...
The pot brackets are designed to mount the pots as low as they can go to the engage the gears as much as possible. If this is too much shim up with small pieces of paper. They are also stiffer than the originals. I have only tested these with a ZW that has the new metal clamp plate. If you have the plastic one I am not sure it will work. You can get the metal part from Lionel here. Lionel ZW parts page Item 17 6102859065 BRKT-ZW POT.ASSY MTNG L&RH
Trainz used to have a few for sale online but that was at least a couple of years ago, and when I searched just now they did not seem to have any more.
I think that this part would be an ideal candidate for 3D printing...it would solve so many availability problems. I have 3 ZW-C's that I did the metal plate replacement and they have been trouble free for years. I'm not sure why the original plastic ones degraded so fast, but yet here we are...
Perhaps a request over on the 3D printing forum would bring a happy solution? Worth a try...
John
Here you go.
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@choochoopaul posted:Here you go.
Where do you go? 
A picture is not that useful, is it actually available?
I think it needs a half circle cutout at each end to accommodate the bell button. Mine had that design and it fit perfectly. If needed, I'll either find the picture of the actual part or open my ZW-C up and post a pic...
John
@gunrunnerjohn I agree a picture won't get it built. I'm thinking it might be useful to see if it would narrow down the actual part needed. That was my thinking at least...lol 
John
@gunrunnerjohn posted:I'm guessing you didn't actually read that page. That "fix" apparently requires the metal mounting bracket that is unobtainum.
Here's a paragraph from that page...
The pot brackets are designed to mount the pots as low as they can go to the engage the gears as much as possible. If this is too much shim up with small pieces of paper. They are also stiffer than the originals. I have only tested these with a ZW that has the new metal clamp plate. If you have the plastic one I am not sure it will work. You can get the metal part from Lionel here. Lionel ZW parts page Item 17 6102859065 BRKT-ZW POT.ASSY MTNG L&RH
John,
I haven't got a ZW-C yet, although I'm interested in one assuming this mechanical problem has a fix, as well as the software issue (new ROM) to fix its Legacy problem.
Having said that I went purely off the OP's title, which says "bracket". It is definitely clear now from reading deeper that this not about the bracket, which Jimmy has, but about the clamp plate, which Jimmy doesn't supply, whether metal ot plastic.
My extreme apologies for compounding the issue, which started off the tracks with that little misdirection in the title.
Mike
@Mellow Hudson Mike...no need for apologies sir! You'll like the ZW-C if you ever get one, and assuming the parts can be printed (entirely possible).
I haven't experienced any chip or programming issues. That area doesn't seem to be to open to an easy fix.
I've always enjoyed your posts and responses, so all good here! 
John
@Mellow Hudson Mike...Well, apparently I co-opted an apology intended for GRJ! Lol! My apologies
John
