Just seems the cracked gear syndrome has been discussed here for years. Shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.  I've got some old  Mantua engines around from back in the day with no hint of cracked gears. let's figure out how they did it. Until then" You have been warned".

According to the picture it is the axle that is split. It hasn't got to the gear yet!

 Could be anywhere in the power train. Sounds like the gear is slipping on the motor shaft...sounds like the old split gear syndrome.

  Where did you get the idea for the shade of blue to use?  I'm ready to paint my version that I made from a Mantua pacific.  The color I was thinking of using is pretty close to what you have. I know it was a lot darker than the Lionel ones & a little darker than the IHC version. Too bad there aren't any color pictures around.
  How did you get interested in the Comet, do you live in NJ?

May want to replace the horizontal pipe on top of the stack with thinwall tubing, much more realistic....otherwise, great Job!

They are in business, but are produced under the Athearn name.  Not everything is available, only what Athearn releases.  The Athearn American Loco was an upgraded Roundhouse.

yes , Horizon owns ROUNDHOUSE, They still produce the kits as RTR under the Athearn name@ a MUCH higher price. They are "upgraded" w/ metal wheels & knuckle couplers. Really liked the old kits & have many of them.  Pick them up whenever I see them....My grandchildren will enjoy them, I hope.

Quote from: jonathan on September 06, 2011, 06:22:01 PM
Jerrry,

You didn't say specifically which Spectrum Pass car it is.

I have a Spectrum Heavyweight Pullman diagram in front of  me.  I haven't tried to open mine up yet, but according to this, the roof is held on with a series of tabs.  I'm told you can squeeze in a thumbnail on one end of the roof and start to pry up (not too hard).

Are you thinking about lighting or detailing the interior?

Regards,

Jonathan

The interior already has seats & lighting, want to detail & repaint for the Blue comet. Thanks for your answer.   jerry

Digitrax has a kit, including a decoder to convert the older Athearn. Don't know the price, You'll have to check.

  Need help in disassembling the Spectrum passenger cars. There are tabs on the bottom that look as if they could be pushed in, but don't seem to want to move.
                                                                  Thanks

  I have heard more negative reports on the Bachmann that the Digitrax.

 You would REALLY have to force the wheels to damage anything.  My bet is that if anything is wrong, it's not your fault.  The store you bought it from should have a test track. take it back & see if it runs on his track. If not, he should take it back seeing that it never ran in the first place. 
   I can see his point if it stopped running after a while, but if it never ran he sold you a defective engine & he MAY have known it.

Woodland scenics snow has worked well for me. Has never turned clear or any other color. The only problem is that it, like anything else, gets dirty & because it is white it shows up more.  I use 50/50 white glue & water.   just put down a fairly heavy coat & sprinkle the snow on. DON'T add any glue mixture to the surface. Just brush the excess off after it dries.   jerry

Make sure you get the nickle silver track & not the steel track.  Tough to solder steel & the NS conducts better & won' rust.

  Has anyone tried rubber cement or silicone as a more affordable substitute?