Kato C62 2019-2 Wheel Replacement

[Desy]

Hello guys,

 

Just wanted to ask where I can buy a replacement wheel for this beaut? Any online store recommendation would be highly appreciated.

 

I just tested it and the motor works, but the wheels and rods are not working as expected. Thanks

 

I'm from the Philippines and there are no local hobby shops that sells train parts here

 

Kato C62 2019-2

 

 

[cteno4]

Do you have the instruction sheet that came in the box? Usually they call out the part numbers of bits that there may be spare parts for.

 

why do you think it needs new wheels? Have you disassembled it yet to see if all the gears are in place properly? What is not working properly when you put power to the engine?

 

jeff

[Desy]

hi Jeff @cteno4,

 

It does not come with a manual or an instruction sheet because I bought on a surplus shop.

 

It needs new wheels because upon disassembling it, I noticed that the gears connecting the wheels are already lose thats why when I power it through the track, it just slid and won't move. And also as you can notice, the side assembly are already lacking a rod connecting the three wheels I believe its a 4-6-4 setup.

[SwallowAngel]

Hey there!

Looks like you're in a bit of a tough spot with your loco I'm afraid...

The primary problem for your case is that the model you have is not a "current-gen" one. That basically means that most (if not all parts) aren't shared across any current models that KATO produces (though there are some exceptions).

 

(You can mostly skim this paragraph since it is mostly for context)

The ASSY part sheet isn't available online, but a complete list of the parts alongside their price, item number and description is available on Toyosawa-san's website.

KATO unfortunately has the tendency to not sell power-unit related parts for steam locos, so the part you'd need to replace the wheels (and with them the entire power block) is " 動力ユニット2019-1b".

However, as your model's last release was 15 years ago, it's somewhat impossible to get these parts, even in Japan. The only hope you have to find that specific part is Yahoo Japan Auctions (or some other online 2nd hand market) and import the parts via a proxy.

But there is still some hope!

Your model is a bit of a odd case in terms of KATO's model lineup, since the current C62 release (numbered 2017-x) are actually based off of the previous 2019-x release. So you could actually replace the entire power unit with the part "C62東海道形 動力ユニット 2017-7B". Assuming you are able to get that part the next paragraph's solution is a lot easier (and IMO better), but you can just replace the entire power unit with the new one by doing some tough metal cutting. A detailed guide is available here.

 

Now, personally, here's the sensible solution in my eyes (if you're unable to find a 2019-1b power unit):

The only two parts you're actually missing/that need replacing are the wheels and the connecting rods (+ crank pins). So it's much easier to just replace those in your case.

For this you still need either a replacement power unit (KATO 2017-7B) or a junk KATO 2019-x/2017-x with these parts intact.

From there you can open up the power units and swap the damaged/missing parts to your loco. This should only require you to open up the base plate and some rather finicky (but simple) work connecting the rods to the middle driver.

 

I hope this helps, if you need more info feel free to ask!

[Desy]

Holy, I never thought it was that old. And I'm surprised that the light and the motor are still working properly. I just started to get worried with my new Kato C11 2021-1 because of the replacement parts, but I have been relieved knowing they would last up to decades. 

 

Really appreciated your effort helping me out. I'm new to this hobby and I think I'll give up on this one, just gonna display it on my layout. 

 

I just have one question, I'm opt to buying a new steam locomotive but I'm really torn between Kato C56 2020-2 and Kato D51 Hokkaido. What would be the better choice? Or if you have any suggestion that will be great too! (But exclude the big boy because its too expensive LMAO)

 

Thank you @SwallowAngel!

[cteno4]

Yes with some care most japanese trains last a long time! Good value for the money.

 

maybe make the engine into a little engine in the park display or a display near a station. Salvage parts to make one side good visible and obscure the view of the rods on the bad side. Small, tall roof over it.

 

jeff

[SwallowAngel]

I'm glad I could provide some helpful info, even if you don't fix the model for now...

 

Ironically enough C62 17 was also statically displayed for a while until being moved to it's current home at Nagoya SC Maglev Park, so you could very well just do that. 

As Jeff already suggested, hiding the wheels from plain sight would be good. Some plinthed locomotives are actually displayed next to mock/disused platforms, so taking inspiration from that practice might prove useful.

 

As for your loco choice, I'd personally suggest asking yourself what "theme" you want your collection to have.

Perhaps you want your locos to be preserved or be connected to a specific region? Or maybe you want all the locos to belong to a specific time period?

I personally try to "justify" a model I want before taking the plunge. It basically just helps me avoid impulse spending on models and structure my collection. (My steam loco collection has still grown somewhat uncontrollably though 😅)

[Desy]

UPDATE

 

After modelling and 3D printing my own parts, I managed to make it work again. YAY! the parts are not that flawless but the locomotive moves perfectly. The gray parts are the printed ones. 

[SwallowAngel]

Damn,well done!
Didn't think you could salvage the wheels on this one, but guess I was proven wrong 😅

[cteno4]

Wow! Excellent work!

 

jeff

[Desy]

For the missing crank, I used an M1 screw for the rod assembly. it worked fine!