[videobruce]

I need the worm gear assembly that sits on top of the truck that has a pin where (heat shrink) tubing is inserted off the motor shaft.
I had to replace both pieces of 'tubing' due to age. The tubing had no 'adhesion' anymore. Problem is, the pin that extends out of the shaft of the worm gear snapped off with no way to repair it.

I tried doing some searches, but no luck. I was going to contact some dealers if they could help. I realize it's a older loco and it's Life-Like, but there must be ones out there where the loco is in a parts bin due or other issues.

The pin I'm talking about you can see off the flywheel.

 

[CTValleyRR]

The old life-like locks had a problem with the gearing. Look for a replacement kit, or even an Athearn gear set.

Try these guys. They should have what you need: https://nwsl.com/

 

[traction fan]

Same worm on a new shaft?

I need the worm gear assembly that sits on top of the truck that has a pin where (heat shrink) tubing is inserted off the motor shaft.
I had to replace both pieces of 'tubing' due to age. The tubing had no 'adhesion' anymore. Problem is, the pin that extends out of the shaft of the worm gear snapped off with no way to repair it.

I tried doing some searches, but no luck. I was going to contact some dealers if they could help. I realize it's a older loco and it's Life-Like, but there must be ones out there where the loco is in a parts bin due or other issues.

The pin I'm talking about you can see off the flywheel.

videobruce;

You might try removing the broken shaft from the worm gear, and making a replacement shaft from either steel music wire, or brass rod or tubing.
First I would place the worm on a vise with the jaws just barely holding the shaft very loosely. Use a punch & hammer to get the shaft started moving. Put some light oil down the hole in the worm gear once you get the shaft started down. If your punch will reach all the way through the worm gear, you may be able to punch the shaft clear out of the worm.
If that won't work, then you can clamp the protruding end of the shaft very firmly in the jaws of the vise with a space between the top of the vise, and the lower end of the worm.
Then use a small claw hammer, or better yet, a tack puller tool to gently pry the worm gear off the broken shaft.
Work slowly and pry from several different angles. Try to get some more light oil down the worm at the broken end of the shaft. These parts are usually a very tight "press fit."

The right tool for this job would be a gear/wheel puller. Unfortunately, though there are several that are designed to work with HO-scale wheels & gears, nobody makes one small enough to fit N-scale wheels or gears.

I don't think the original tubing connecting the two shafts was shrink tube. More likely very small flexible plastic tubing. Shrink tube might work, but it won't have the flexibility that the original tubing did, and it may slip while being driven. You can try one drop of super glue on either end of the shrink tube, but be careful not to get it into the gears, or bearings. Or you could try a short piece of electrical wire insulation as a tube. You will need to find the right diameter and the insulation should be as flexible as possible.

good luck;

Traction Fan :smilie_daumenpos:

 

[videobruce]

The old life-like locks had a problem with the gearing. Look for a replacement kit, or even an Athearn gear set.
Try these guys. They should have what you need: https://nwsl.com/

Interesting source, too bad none have photos. No idea the size involved.
It's not the gears, it's the lame use of heat shrink tubing as the coupling. :smilie_daumenneg:

I have other LL units and they use a spring.

 

[videobruce]

I don't think the original tubing connecting the two shafts was shrink tube. More likely very small flexible plastic tubing. Shrink tube might work, but it won't have the flexibility that the original tubing did, and it may slip while being driven. You can try one drop of super glue on either end of the shrink tube, but be careful not to get it into the gears, or bearings.

Where the gear mounts to does not swivel, it's fixed to the chassis. Both ends are in-line with each other so flexibility should not be a issue.

I have the correct tubing (which I normally never use anything that small). HS tubing is a standard item I stock, as common as Scotch 33 electrical tape.
The only issue is using a heat gun to shrink the stuff enough. (the temp is adjustable thou)

 

[CTValleyRR]

Interesting source, too bad none have photos. No idea the size involved.
It's not the gears, it's the lame use of heat shrink tubing as the coupling. :smilie_daumenneg:

I have other LL units and they use a spring.

Probably someone's jury-rig job. I don't know of any place that's going to show you a picture of a worm gear assembly, since there isn't a lot to visually distinguish them. If you look around on NWSL, you will find how-to's and tutorials for replacing gear assemblies. A little more research, or the lock's exploded parts drawing, should give you the part description. You can always try e-mailing the manufacturer or NSWL to find the right one.

 

[videobruce]

Thew only "jury rig job' was Life-Likes. It was the way it was designed. Two plastic pins joined by a piece of tubing.
Which, I feel had to be heat shrink, or some type that could be force to expand around those pins.

I don't know why pics of the gearing would be out of the question. We aren't talking about pics of different nails.

 

[rrjim1]

If you want to send me the gear I can make you a new plastic part out of Delrin to fit on it. Delrin will be a lot stronger than the original. I will made it for free just pay for shipping both ways. PM me if your interested.

 

[videobruce]

Thanks for the offer, I did find a source that has the part (from his parts bin), if that doesn't work, I will PM you.