LGB Skate (63218) springs.

[Neil Robinson]

According to the photos the LGB 63218 packs of replacement modern skates have no springs supplied.
Is this the case, or are they supplied in the packet but not shown in the illustration?
I ask for future reference as I have just used the last pair in my bits box replacing melted springs in skates with very little wear.
Even if the replacement skates come with springs I'd still be interested in knowing of a source of suitable replacement springs.

 

[LVT]

All of the plastic-bagged ones I have snagged off e-bay have included springs; these were obviously pre-Marklin production. I have looked extensively for an alternate supply of springs, including at vendors of all sorts of surplus hardware, with no luck.

 

[MR SPOCK]

According to the photos the LGB 63218 packs of replacement modern skates have no springs supplied.
Is this the case, or are they supplied in the packet but not shown in the illustration?
I ask for future reference as I have just used the last pair in my bits box replacing melted springs in skates with very little wear.
Even if the replacement skates come with springs I'd still be interested in knowing of a source of suitable replacement springs.

[align=center]I am curious to know why the springs have melted/failed are these just too soft for the job?
[/align]

 

[Madman]

Yes, inquiring minds, for those with one, want to know just why the springs are melting. I have never had that problem in all the years of running LGB locos.

 

[minimans]

It usually happens if the Loco shorts out when derailed across points, the current is actually transferred to the motor through the spring after if collects from the skate......................................

 

[Neil Robinson]

To be precise it not so much that the spring melts completely as it gets hot enough to melt the plastic surrounding it. The skate then sticks and the spring is damaged during forceful removal. The skate is usually undamaged and the plastic can be restored to working condition with the aid of needle files. Whilst looking for something else I discovered that Champex Linden list spare springs.

http://www.champex-linden.de/cl_pr_...ail, have any next time I see them at a show.

 

[philkelly]

I had a spring which leapt into oblivion when I dissassembled a motor block. I substituted a spring from a ballpoint pen. It was too strong, lifting the wheels off the track. About one-third of a ballpoint spring gives enough pressure to keep the skate on the track without lifting the loco.