Yes, and OK

I have a recent anniversary 4-6-0.  I noticed a tendency to derail at switches, and checked the front truck.  Two problems: the wheels on both axels are slightly under-gauge and the red wire for power has somehow split leaving a bare wire and the red insulation separate.  Wire is still connected. The truck appears to have free movement.

The only advice I have seen on correcting wheel gauge is to twist and pull to move wheels apart.  I can see myself doing that, followed by a snapping sound and then a broken part....is that the best way to do this?

I assume I can remove the truck from the bottom and re-do the wire.

Thoughts appreciated.

Thanks


Jerry

Hi JD:

I finally got the engine apart, and you were right, the bushing was on the axel, it had aparently not been properly placed over the plastic bottom box edge to hold it in place.  I did that and put it back together, and it runs properly now.  Thanks for your kind offer of a new bushing.  I appreciate it and the help with this problem.  Is has finally stopped raining here and I can get back to work on my first garden railroad effort in my yard.

Regards

Jerry

JD:

Thanks a lot for you lucid response- I had started taking screws out, but thought I would seek the wisdom on the forum prior to dis-assembly.  Hopefully the bushing will be in the block.  I'll check George's web site for dis assembly directions.

Thanks again

Jerry

I have a new Annie 4-6-0 unlettered locomotive, item 81099 that  I bought mail order.  I was running it on a test stand and noticed that the middle drive wheel on the right side was oscillating while turning.  A close examination  showed that 5 of the drive wheels have brass bushings where the axel passed through the block, but the oscillating wheel does not.  Is it possible it was left out during assembly?  Any ideas appreciated. Thanks

Jerry