LGB# 69002 |
The most commonly used screws on your loco or car can be bought from LGB-dealers in packs of hundred, LGB # 69002. As the photo shows they come in a variety of 4 different sized black screws and one silver metal screw, the pack contains approx 100 pieces.
The original (German) LGB screws are all self tapping - they cut themselves into the material while being screwed into it. They are made out of ferromagnetic material so they will cling to your screwdriver (right image)
Screws made in China do not necessarily have that characteristic so they may be hard to work with and may get lost easily. Note: the most common damage your Famous Klaus is seeing are screws that have been over-wound. Self tapping screws that are over-wound will damage the plastic they are screwed into. And once the damage is done it is difficult to repair the thread. (Your Famous Klaus does this kind of repair, though)
Then there are screws used to mount push rods to the wheels. They are not sold by LGB dealers. There are metal screws used in the body/ motor block, there are screws used to assemble the timing gear, there are screws to mount wheels on axles (old LGB motor blocks) and some screws require washers. The image below shows all types of screws used in LGB locos.
NOT FOR SALE screws for LGB locos - Repair and restoration only! |
Screws in very good condition |
Screws on left are in used condition, screw on right shows damage. |
Another value decreasing condition is the use of non-LGB screws in a loco or wrong size screws. The first impairs the looks as long as the size fits which is not very likely. Which brings us to the wrong-size-screws. Mostly Klaus sees non-LGB screws that are too big for the purpose. If they are self tapping they generate a thread that is too big for the correct sized screw and will only help as long as the wrong screw is not removed. Since the screw doesn't really fit in the first place ( note that US screws are based on inch base and the LGB German types are based on metric - you get the idea why other screws rarely fit) chances are they either come loose or the plastic piece holding the thread can crack. That's when the trouble will start for good. Klaus has gotten quite a few locos in for repair this spring with exactly that fault showing. His work scope spans from expanded repairs of the thread itself to complete restoration of specific plastic parts of the loco.
So be careful when working on your loco (screws) and make sure to always use the correct sized screws to preserve the value of your engine!!
LGB screws are shown on exploded diagrams with an indicated number against them, but I cannot relate this to find the screw size (length and diameter) or a part number. The pack, LGB number 69002, which I have, does not give any indication of individual screw size part numbers or applications for each size of screw contained in the set.
ReplyDeleteIs there any guide which can provide such information? Without it the faults described in Klaus's blog are all too likely to result.
John, screws are not numbered to help with indication of where they belong. Unless you have anywhere from 15 to 35 years of LGB experience it will be tough to place them accordingly. Sorry-- no better answer available.
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