Life-Like ATSF #3500

[Cody J]

I have just recently pulled out a life-like ATSF HO scale warbonnet diesel loco from my grandma's closet. This train set is from about 1984. I tried to run it on it's original track but didn't run. I then took it home and ran it on my bachmann track but it had some problems. I then decided to make it a dummy since I model the ATSF. The back truck rolls freely but the front truck (with the motor) doesn't.  Does anyone know how to make the front truck move freely without tearing the whole loco apart.

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=940328&imageID=11162447          A picture of it

Thanks, Cody

[Guilford Guy]

1. People without Myspace can't view the picture.
2. The drive shaft probably turns a worm gear, which then turns the gears in the gearbox, which turns the wheels. You'll have to take the shell off, pull the top off the gear tower and remove the worm gear, then put the clip back onto the gear tower, and probably remove the motor, so that the lead locos aren't pullling too much dead weight.

[rustyrails]

Your other option is a good cleaning and lubrication.  I'd try that before destroying the engine.   Just my 10 cents worth.
Rusty

[jettrainfan]

Your other option is a good cleaning and lubrication.  I'd try that before destroying the engine.   Just my 10 cents worth.
Rusty

Yep, that is a perfect idea! My grandpa actually got my old hornby 0-6-0 i got off eBay to run with that method!

[Guilford Guy]

IMHO, an OLD life like unit is not worth the trouble.

[jettrainfan]

IMHO, an OLD life like unit is not worth the trouble.

... maybe not but it would be nice to have. it's up to trainsrock

[Guilford Guy]

I'm not saying he shouldn't keep it. I'm saying going to the trouble of oiling it and whatnot won't pay off. Life Like drives are horrible, and only one truck picks up power, it's best as a dummy.

[RAM]

My guess is that the wheels need a good cleaning too.  As Alex  remove the gears.  disconect the power going to the motor. 

[Cody J]

Thanks for your info. I have unhooked the power from the motor but can't figure out how to remove the gears.  I assume they're in the roung black plastic box above the front truck but I don't know how to open that box because there are no screws.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Cody

[Guilford Guy]

Often its a clip that you pop off. If there is none, see if there's something you can pry off on the bottom of the gearbox.