Model Railroading > Athearn 2-8-2 light Mike

Have a friend who recently picked up a brand new in the box HO Genesis 2-8-2 light mike at the recent Santa Fe convention. After reading over what we believe are all the posts, has anybody had a problem with 1 set of drivers out of alignment with the others? Although we have not taken off the boiler shell yet, could it be a easy fix? While testing it on straight track, it runs very smooth and oddly from all the posts, is very heavy and a good puller. Just have this driver issue.

Thanks 
KR

I would warranty it, personally, bought mine 12 years ago or more, hasn't been around the track yet, At the time I bought it I did not have a layout, then when I did run it, the warranty was up , Luckily I don't do Steam but my I H C Mikado runs like a greyhound, not knocking Athearn, but internally the engine needs petite oriental fingers to work on it.






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Ed Stewart
Jacksonville, FL

I understand that as far as disassembling it, everything is very compact and a PITA. Yes, if it's still under warranty, send it back.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/26/15 09:21 by wabash2800.

I'm confused.  You say it ran fine and yet you want to tear it down or get Athearn to warrant it?

Tom:

From the OPs post I understand he said that one of the driver sets is out of line and wonders if disassembling it will be an easy fix.

My question is: Is it the one set of drivers out of gauge? if so, that might be an easy fix without disassembling it. Or does the drivers need requartered?



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/26/15 09:25 by wabash2800.

Vic.  It can't be out of quarter since it runs smooth.  From his description I took it that he was told that others had such driver problems and he was wondering if his would later on..

Yes, I think you are right Tom.

I had a problem with mine in that the front pony truck and front set of drivers would derail at odd times.

I finally figured out the engine was heavy in the rear, light in the front.  I added weight to the front end and it runs great now.

He was just curious if anyone else had experienced this. Hasn't tried to take it apart yet and don't know if its a guage problem or a axle/driver problem.

KR

was no need to warranty the locomotive or even try and contact Athearn. This was a brass bearing that popped out and cuased teh driver to shift to the side. All is good now and the driver is in alignment as is the wheel guage. Was a very easy fix.