Replacing skate pickup spring.

[Anglian]

I want to replace the spring in a pickup skate of a 2171D U-Class. How are the skates held in? I have looked at the exploded diagram and see no relevant screws.
Very old hat to some but a brand new beanie to me.
Thanks in advance.
Trevor

 

[PhilP]

I want to replace the spring in a pickup skate of a 2171D U-Class. How are the skates held in? I have looked at the exploded diagram and see no relevant screws.
Very old hat to some but a brand new beanie to me.
Thanks in advance.
Trevor

You will need the loco inverted, and to drop the bottom cover off the block..

Two small screwdrivers, and you can ease the bent wires (it forms the pin the connections press onto, so do not move it too much)..
Then you can ease the shim/metal-strip over, to release the spring.


Circled in green - You may need to enlarge the image, sorry!

Take digital photo's - note position of long strip, may have been moved for clarity..

PhilP.

 

[Dan]

I use a dental pick or the Exacto knife to move the plate.

 

[Anglian]

Thanks Phil and Dan. As there was a fair bit of wear on the skate, I had the whole thing out and replaced spring and skate. I used a very fine flat screwdriver. Very fiddly but done and tested.
Thanks again.
Trevor