The Challenger today had one of its tubular side rods come out of the hole and was moving back and forth outside the hole. I had to remove the wheel pin from the wheel to get it back in the hole. I pushed the pin in the wheel again with it two wheel rods but Now the wheel pin rod that goes in the rear wheel keeps coming out this holds the two side rods. I can't get this rod to stay in the wheel. It keeps coming out. Is there a trick to keeping it in. Do they have to set up a certain way? Ron
You should post a picture of the problem or try looking up the the correct names of the rods to give usa better understanding of the problem. I and others would be glad to help. I personally might try a very small dot of supper glue if I understand what the problem is correctly?
Sorry hope this pic helps. It is under warrantee still. Pin keeps coming out of wheel and a washer I think is in the wheel section can't find it. Can this rear wheel unit be taken out to check? Is there a way to install this rods so they match the front rods? Ron
It appears that the hole in the wheel may be bored out a little causing the main rod to go out of quarter and come out. It also appears that the eccentric rod pin has come off if that is the case send in to athearn. If not, and If it were me, I would match the quartering of (the location of the eccentric crank) to the this driver to the same location of the same driver on the front engine (when it’s at the same degree) and put a dot of super glue on the end of the pin of the eccentric crank and secure it to the wheel and see if it corrects the problem. If you are not comfortable call Chuck at Athearn at 310-763-7140 ext 122. Athearn’s recommendation will be to send it back in (the glue may void the warranty)
If you haven't found the resolution to the problem be sure to send Mark Watson a PM. He is braver then I, when it comes to taking the big steamers apart and putting them back together. Gosh, he'd like to give me a heart attack. Still all in all, there are some fine folks here that can help you get this resolved. If not! Do send it back to Athearn. They've been known to be very helpful.
Darticus, since you say it is still within Warranty, I adivise that you call, e-mail, or write Athearn, describe the problem, and ask how to return the loco for repair. If you try to repair it yourself, you run the risk of damaging something else and voiding the Warranty.
Thanks all, The hole in the wheel is a square shape and the pin that goes in has a square end. This is a new loco so it shouldn't be a wearout problem. I might have a little washer thats missing up in this motor section causing me not to move things to set the levers up right. Anyone know how to look inside by that gear to see if that little washer is in there. What normally holds that pin in the wheel ??? Thanks Ron
Unless you are very comfortable and experienced working on Steamers. You could void the warranty if not careful. IMO I would follow HyTec's advice and call or send it into Ahearn for repair. It's a real nice locomotive and will look great pulling a train with all the drivers turning. See ya Ron
