AN AMERICAN FLYER® REPAIR
CLINIC
From Port Lines Hobbies
We are often asked if there is a satisfactory way to repair a diecast
knuckle-coupler truck when the cast sideframe breaks loose from the sheet-metal
portion of the truck. Here's the method to do so, without having to remove
the truck from the chassis. It is really a simpler task than it sounds here!
The
top edge of the diecast sideframe has an indentation in it, into which fits a
projection of sheet-metal from the edge of the truck frame. It will frequently
break out.
Since
it is a tight fit, I find it easiest to do the following......
(a)
First, be sure that the indentation in the sideframe has two "lips"
that will be able to clasp the metal tab and hold it in place. Sometimes, when
the sideframe breaks off, it is because those "lips" have been
broken. If they're gone, you should use a new sideframe; otherwise it will not
hold.
(b)
Use needle-nose pliers to put a "curl" in the sheet-metal
tab,....high in the center, and lower on the ends.
(c) Place a tiny drop of
superglue, or epoxy, in the indentation on the top of the sideframe.
(d) With that tab curled, you can
easily get it underneath the two "lips" of the sideframe
indentation.
(e)
Insert both axles at this point, before securing the sideframe.
(f)
Now use the needle-nose pliers to squeeze the top and bottom of the diecast
sideframe. This will remove the curl which you previously created, and will
force the edges of the tab underneath the "lips".
(g)
Let it set, and it should hold fine.
PARTS AVAILABILITY:
- Replacement diecast sideframes: $2.00 each [NOTE: these sideframes
exist in several versions, but the most obvious difference is the the two
"ovals" on the face of the sideframe are either bowl-shaped
(concave), or they are flat. ]
- Knuckle coupler: $2 each
- Complete replacement knuckle-coupler truck: $6.50 each.
TWO RETAIL
LOCATIONS !
Our mail-order and retail location: 6 Storeybrooke Drive; Newburyport, MA
01950
Tuesdays through Thursdays, & Saturdays, 2-5 PM, EST.
Tuesday through Thursday evenings, 7-9 PM, are "by chance".
Our
full retail location: Bo-Mar Hall; Rte 1; Wells,
Maine
Open 10 AM - 5 PM, 7 days per week !
(Closed Wednesdays, November through March)
Call Toll Free: 888-708-0782 - Orders only, please!
Or 978-465-8798 for all other calls.
FAX: 978-465-8798
E-Mail: doug@portlines.com
Complete Set of Catalogs: $6.00
-
- For inquiries CLICK
HERE
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