AndyGWR

Thanks, guys for great replies, these really help me. I will replace the retainer first, the original doesn't hold the motor firm enough. I'm very happy to work on this - thankfully my dad taught me good modelling skills with plenty of patience, 55+ years ago!!

Thanks Miko, Interesting thank you. Can I ask you the same question as Chris? To clarify, are you saying the crazing at the front of the chassis, even though none is visible elsewhere, is evidence of weakness in the frame around the driving wheels and gears causing the loose motor?

Hi, I recently purchased on eBay from a reputable supplier a second hand Patriot R2633 "Planet" with a late crest. It is a super loco and looks great on my layout that was built in the 1960's/1970's. However, there is just one problem, the brass worm drive on the motor occasionally totally disengages in forward gear, not in reverse. I've taken the loco apart and the motor flexes upwards slightly in the frame. I didn't want to glue the motor down so I've managed to pack it to keep the drive in place. This has resolved the problem unless the loco is under load with 7 modern coaches. It appears the issue comes up occasionally in blogs but I cannot find a precise solution. I see there is some crazing on the chassis front under the smokebox - I'm told this might be evidence of the chassis disintegrating and I might need to replace this! I've never heard of that in over 50 years of Hornby modeling. Can anyone help advise me? Many thanks, Andy PS. As I'm relatively new to this forum if this is in the wrong place please shout!

Hi Al Thanks very much for taking the time to reply, I've only just seen. This is very helpful. Andy

Hi, I've just purchased second hand R2904 Black 5 "45190" from the Pete Waterman Collection that is now running well. However, there are a couple of small parts missing - the front vacuum brake pipe and the rear coupling eye from the tender buffer beam. Can I still buy those parts? The detailing kit was open but there are brake rods, steps, and sanders but nothing else. Should there be a crew? In addition, there weren't any cylinder drain cocks can anyone recommend some that I could add to this model? I'm a newbie here really so if I should post somewhere else please shout. Many thanks, Andy