[KentS]

Hello all. I now have 7 new USA Train diesel locos (F7, GP9, GP30, GP38) and the fleet is still growing. I see that replacement parts like motor trucks, shoes, geared axles and traction tires are currently available to purchase, and my locos can generally use the same parts. Historically, have USA Trains replacement parts generally always been available, or would you recommend my picking up some while they are available, in case (i.e., when) things break in the future?

If advance purchase is recommended, what commonly breaks that you would you recommend I get?

Thank you.

Kent

 

[astack]

I don't know about the larger community, but I have mostly been able to get most spare parts for my USAT F-3AB with the older style smoke generators. I bought the engine in 2015 but it was new old stock, I guess they first made my model in 2003 but I have no idea when mine was built. What I seem to remember having to replace have been mostly detail parts after six years of a lot of running with kids: chimneys, traction tires, ladders, stirrups for side frames, maybe air hoses; I think they were out of the pilot insert when I asked about it. I guess if they weren't still making the F-7 I would get worried.

 

[toddalin]

Things only tend to get more expensive and harder to find. Maybe stock up on a few wheel-sets, and even get some metal tires to replace the traction tires. Not only will this improve power pick-up, but it will allow the wheels a bit more "slippage" before you crack an axle.

BTW, I find that the later the wheel-sets, the more prone they are to slip within their gears-sets (brand new from USA), even if the gear-sets are not cracked. I pull the offending axle and put a couple drops of CA in these and immediately set the gauge before it binds.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

They changed the knurling in the later wheelsets, and in my opinion, they did not help the issue at all.

 

[stevedenver]

Yes and no.
while i run lgb almost exclusively, and have about 100 locos,
i stock parts i ‘know’ will wear out. Given my hoard having a ‘few’ spares is a reasonable hedge. Skates, brushes smokers, couplers, screws springs, idlers, bulbs, handrails, tires (which deteriorate over time), steps, lenses , etc. its more for convenience, but, some parts are increasingly difficult to find. Especially cosmetic parts. Its mice when youre in the midst of repair to have spares, including pesky fly away screws, springs, etc.

i have a few bachman parts that I anticipated might break, ie pilots and steps, so far so good. Id be lucky if these were the issues, compared to , say, shay pistons, climax drive shafts, etc. frankly with bachmann stuff, i have an attitude its works until it doesnt, then im sol. No parts, no support. May or may not be able to find a fix.

while less so, marklin lgb has demonstrated that some parts are also unavailable, even on relatively new models. like my saxon ivk, ik, roof brake system parts, etc., So, one could have a $2k loco that needs a part. Certainly has cooled my willingness to buy certain models because of this.

but…..i am amazed how often something oddball needs replacement. You really cant predict it all.
so, you take your chance and create a stash.

i have a lot of stuff from circa 2000 i still havent needed. I now buy what i need when needed.

in your case, perhaps a couple of ‘universal’ motor blocks with wheels, couplers, smokers

 

[mickey]

I agree with the comment about Bachmann. That’s the only ones I have as I like the 1:20.3 stuff and steam. So a few years ago, I bought some things that I thought might break or be problematic. Some hatches, steps, rails, Shay wheel parts, hose holders, etc. I even broke down and paid the price for an extra Shay piston set since I have 2 Shay 2 truck and 1 of the 3 truck units. But when I did it, parts were few and even less now. But it is what it is with our throw away society.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

how about those Dodgers? (since the thread is specifically about USAT parts, just as relevant as bachmann, markin parts)