- This topic has 4 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 10 months ago by
Paul Moss.
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Paul Moss
Advice from the collective please…
Whilst being a member for the last 3 years, I have only just switched from fine scale N gauge using code 40 track to EM Gauge and have started building a small micro layout which is intended to be my learning exercise in EM Gauge. No problems with converting or adapting RTR or kit build rolling stock, but I have just attempted my first loco conversion.
Stating with something that was deliberately chosen for its simplicity, I converted an 0-4-0 Hornby Sentinel shunter. It was straightforward and I used 3T0K DMU wheels and 3mm dia axles shouldered to 2mm dia, all purchased from the society. To finish the appearance, I scratch built a replacement set of brake rigging from brass.
I do however have an issue, that I’m struggling to resolve and it’s pretty fundamental. I manually pushed the wheels onto the shouldered axles and despite a lot of attempted tweaking using a back to back gauge, they are not straight. The loco runs, but not smoothly and does have a slight ‘wobble’.
A few questions then…
Any advice on how I can get these corrected and straight?
Is it likely that I have potentially mis-formed the bushes in the wheels rendering them scrap now? – fortunately I purchased extra wheels at the outset and have spare axles, so can start again if necessary.
Next time, whether it be correcting this loco, or doing something more ambitious, is there another way that I should be fitting wheels to axles such as this? – i.e. is there any tooling or otherwise that I should be using to ensure they go on straight?
Thanks in advance for any advice
Paul
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Trade Officer
Hi Paul
It is probable that the centre plastic bush is distorted from removal off the pinpoint and then onto the shouldered axle. I have a good supply of the centre bushes and I will pop some in the post tomorrow (Monday) They are a push fit into the centre of the wheel, the old one being hooked out from the back with a narrow pointed tool (small bradawl or dentist tool etc). They are tiny!
In terms of getting the wheels on straight, I must admit I use a wheel press as I could never get them on straight manually. It is certainly possible using the BtoB gauge you have provided the faces are parallel and you press them in with a vice to exert even pressure. The other thing to do is to take the edge off each end of the axle to ensure you get a smooth entry
John
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Paul Moss
Wow, that’s massively appreciated John,
And thank you for the advice sir.
I’ve just done a bit of a google – I see that GW Models can supply a wheel press and whilst they don’t appear to have a website, all of the contact details popped up on RMWeb, so I’ll contact them tomorrow.
Please let me know how much I owe you in respect of the centre bushes and postage and I’ll transfer the amount to you.
Thanks again John
Kind regards
Paul
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Trade Officer
When I first took over the stores I found that some of the NOS KM wheels were not running true. I found out at a show when a member was asking about them. The only way to correct them was to replace the plastic insert. The company still exists as a general engineering company and they were able to reproduce the item for me. The surplus I now use to help in situations that you find yourself in
I don’t have them on the inventory and I supply them FOC to members to refurbish their KM wheels should the need arise
I have the GW wheel press and find it very useful. He has a an advert in MRJ. They are £30 plus £2 postage
Let us know how you get on
John
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Paul Moss
Hi John,
A courtesy message to let you know that the plastic inserts were delivered on Saturday.
Thanks very much for sending these through, they are very much appreciated.
kind regards
Paul
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