I’m in the habit of leaving some pieces of rolling stock out over night, occasionally, when the weather is mild, no rain, wind, snow, etc predicted. Several nights ago, some critter knocked two hoppers, one LGB and one Aristo, completely off the bench, probably while attempting to avoid being eaten. No other cars were even derailed. The center pin on the LGB was sheared off. Marine Goo solved that problem. The Aristo was a bit more complicated. The truck disassembled itself. Serendipitously, I found the springs after a short search. I put all the parts into a small box, rather than try to tackle the job while “upset.”
Over the next few days, I was able to access that part of the biologic hard drive where the information is stored about wrapping red sewing thread around the spring before compressing it and attempting to install it. So I did. Of course, the spring went sproing, but instead of launching itself into the ether, it only traveled a few inches. All I had to do was follow the red thread, and there it was! I still had to futz with it to get the springs in, but losing springs was no longer an option.
I’d like to thank the person who came up with this idea, unfortunately, I don’t remember who it is. So, to my unknown benefactor, thanks!
