Large Scale Central

Springs for Bach. Connie and K-27

Problem Solving
#1

I have been searching for a source for springs to replace the suspension springs on the Connie and K - 27.

Called Kadee and was advised to check a table on their web site. Which I did and found a spring which will work.

Ordered a couple of packages of 12. Cost is about $3.75 plus shipping. They are not perfect, there are too many coils, but the diameter and length is good and they fit in the hole and engage the little pip on the pillow block, and there is enough play/movement to be functional.

Kadee phone is 541-826-3883

Nice people, they have been supplying me for over 20 years, mostly springs for my own electrical pickups.

Barry

#2

Hi Barry
do you have the Kadee part number?
thanks
Mick

#3

Yes, it is #875, it was in the first posting, which I had to re-do. Sorry.

Barry

#4

Hi Barry,

The first time I replaced the gear in my Connie (before you developed your drive which is now installed) I found several of the suspension springs had been misaligned and crushed on assembly at the factory so I replaced them with KD coupler springs and it has been running great for several years with these springs.

For what it’s worth.
Rick

#5

If you use track power there is a lot of current that goes through the springs in the 2-8-0 and over time they will break down. I replaced them with stainless steel springs which works rather well. You can get most any spring from Lee’s Spring. Only problem is that you have to order a large quantity of a spring to be cost effective.

http://www.leespring.com./

Stan

#6

Hi Stan
as far as I can see there should no current through the suspension springs. The axles are insulated from the chassis otherwise you would end up with a dead short.
Mick

#7

Mick,

You are right, But Stan was talking abut the pick up springs, which are inboard of the suspension springs.

In total there are 16 springs, all alike. All are needed to suspend the loco properly. Just because you are running on battery does not mean you can remove the pickup springs. Each axle needs the four springs to properly carry the loco.

Balance the loc to even out it’s attitude (it is tail heavy).

Barry