Proto Heritage USRA 0-8-0 question

[Sharky_McSharknose]

I recently purchased a 2nd-run Proto Heritage USRA 0-8-0 switcher, B&M #620. It was sold as not running. I suspected I could fix it myself. When I removed the tender shell I saw was fitted with a Digitrax DZ125 decoder that likely gave up the magic smoke inside. I desoldered it from the NMRA socket and borrowed an 8-pin blanking plug from another loco, and after putting it on my DC figure-8 the little switcher ran just fine. I plan to follow John Colombo's instructions to fit LokSound to it (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=39821.msg488166#msg488166).

However, before I do, I noticed there's no fasteners for the drawbar. Does the 0-8-0 use push pins like the Heritage Berkshire, or does it use something else like screws?

[spookshow]

It has screws and washers on both sides.

-Mark

[Sharky_McSharknose]

Thanks. I'll need to find some replacements then.

[TVRR]

Replacement is easy with a small strip of thin plastic and two tiny plastic washers (mine are square).

[Sharky_McSharknose]

I tried 00-90 screws and they work perfectly. I'll cut them to size, make some washers out of strip styrene, mount up the drawbar, and #620 will be ready for (DC, for now) duty!

[mmagliaro]

I tried 00-90 screws and they work perfectly. I'll cut them to size, make some washers out of strip styrene, mount up the drawbar, and #620 will be ready for (DC, for now) duty!

Yup.  That'll work.  The original screws are not 00-90.  And on top of that, one is a metric machine thread, and the other is a tapping screw thread!  But you can pretty easily force something else in there and it will cut its own way through, and then work fine after that.  The material is soft.