Kato Mikado disassembly & part??

[Lemosteam]

@Albert in N , I disagree. this chassis will run without anything on it, including the tender. 



https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOb6_f8hzGpkqGFWvJIUqH1jUvFtObnLU_eflAU


2 things that may be culprits:

1- Since the only torque being applied is from the motor, I suspect that the coupler on the motor shaft is allowing the shaft to spin freely. maybe cracked or the shaft goot too hot once and opened up the press fit- solution, red or green loctite drop into the coupler end.

2- the clip holding the worm and bearings into their respective pocket is not installed completely allowing the worm to rise out of its mesh with the idler.

[peteski]

1- Since the only torque being applied is from the motor, I suspect that the coupler on the motor shaft is allowing the shaft to spin freely. maybe cracked or the shaft goot too hot once and opened up the press fit- solution, red or green loctite drop into the coupler end.

2- the clip holding the worm and bearings into their respective pocket is not installed completely allowing the worm to rise out of its mesh with the idler.

Looks like we are unanimous on what the possible culprit is. 

However if Albert doesn't want to try a simple fix, there are lots of modelers who will gladly take that loco off his hands (for a fair price). Kato Mikado is regarded as one of the best-designed N scale steam locos.  Just list it in the Trading Post section and it will be scooped up in no time.

[Albert in N]

One thing is for certain, Kato won't make another run of mikados.  They are too labor intensive.  I agree that a drive shaft coupling is the likely culprit, and glue possibly will work to bond it to the shaft.  I did this fix on an early MiniTrix F unit and it worked.  Also, I own two Atlas diesels that had the same problem (a SD-24 and a FM H16-44).  It has been years since I have seen a used Kato mikado at any of our local train shows, and I may never see another.  Knowing the seller, this one probably came from an estate.  I am sure that I can fix it.  The couplings and gears showed no sign of cracks and all the retainers are in proper places.  Worse case scenario would be replacing the drive shaft with neoprene tubing (like early Hobbytown of Boston HO diesels).  Detail parts can be improvised, too, since this is N Scale.  Give me a little more time and I will update the result.