Damaged axle on HO GP9 Diesel DCC

[rbeaton]

Hi All,

I have a HP GP9 Diesel that appears to have a broken axle (it likely took a fall about 2 ft onto carpet, or at least that's my best guess).

I found the parts diagram at https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HO_GP9_DCC.pdf.  Is it likely that this is a repair that I can do myself, or would I most likely be better off sending it in for service?  I'm handy with electronics, but I don't have much experience in working on trains (gotten as far as removing the shell, but that's about it).

If it's worth trying, any thoughts on what parts I need here?  And could anyone post a link or any instructions to get me going in the right direction.  I'm getting errors trying to add an image here, so I posted them in Imgur.

https://imgur.com/a/fBjQ17V

Happy to add more pictures and details if that's helpful.

Thanks in advance.

[jonathan]

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HO_GP9_DCC.pdf

Rbeaton,

The link above is the diagram of your locomotive.

You may, or may not, be able to repair that wheel... not sure.  Anyway, to access the wheels, you gently pry open the two tabs that hold the bottom cover of the truck.  Then you will have access to the wheels. In any case, you can get a better look at the damage.  If there are no broken parts, it may be possible to straighten the axle, just enough to get the loco running.  Wouldn't hold my breath, though.

It is possible to remove the truck completely from the frame.  Study the diagram.  There are two screws at the top of the truck.  Go slowly. Parts can go flying if you get ham handed.  Best to take a photo so you know how the parts go together.

"During this unprecedented time" you may have trouble ordering a replacement truck, until business gets back to normal.

Good luck.

Regards,

Jonathan

[rbeaton]

Jonathan,

Thank you for the info, I appreciate it.

If I was to replace the truck, would this be the part that I'm looking for (Truck - Assorted Color (HO Universal - Diesel Locos) Model #BAC00075)?

https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=9815&zenid=j3vs3st86t939sjseg0abr8dd0

Thank you!

[jonathan]

Yes... Yes it is.

You're welcome.

Regards,

Jonathan

[jward]

Actually, there is no need to replace an entire power truck if only one wheelset is bad. The geared wheelsets are available as a seperate part.
https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68_91&products_id=1373&zenid=j3vs3st86t939sjseg0abr8dd0

[rbeaton]

Good to know, thank you!

[rbeaton]

Jonathan,

Can you be more specific on where the tabs are that hold the bottom cover in place?  I've tried to pry the trapezoid shaped areas on the sides of the middle, as well as the tapered part on the ends of the truck bottom cover, but both of them just seem like I'm damaging the plastic, and don't show any signs of moving. 

Many thanks!

[jonathan]

The tabs are on the front and rear of the truck. They are easier to see with the shell off and looking down from above. I find the easiest way is to pull the front tab forward and down with a small flat blade screwdriver. I have removed the "cover" when the truck is free of the frame AND when it is still attached. It's always toughest the first time you do it.

Regards,

Jonathan

[rbeaton]

Jonathan,

Thanks for the additional details, I'll remove the shell and give it a try.

Thanks!