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How to Repair a Geared Driver Athearn 0-6-0 Switcher

The Athearn 0-6-0 switcher is a model steam locomotive dating back to the 1960s. The engine was originally sold with a tender in either kit or pre-assembled form, bearing the markings of either the Pennsylvania Railroad or the Southern Pacific line. Athearn remains one of the major model railroad manufacturers today, a tribute to the quality of its products. However, it has been many years since the switcher made its debut, so owners may need to make some repairs to the gear-driven power setup.

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the locomotive's superstructure by removing the attaching screw and unclipping it from the locomotive frame. Remove the metal weight. This should expose the motor and other inside parts of the engine and drivetrain.
- 2
  Remove the bottom cover plate, then unscrew the center crankpins. This gives you access to the gearbox.
- 3
  Remove and replace the floating worm and spur gear, or ball-bearing universal joint, as needed to repair the engine.
- 4
  Pull the wheels apart with a twist to remove them for access to the coined valve gear. Remove and replace the gear if needed for the repair.
- 5
  Reassemble the wheels and replace the gearbox, then reattach the bottom plate.
- 6
  Test the 0-6-0 locomotive at low speed to ensure smooth running.
- 7
  Replace the superstructure of the locomotive.

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