Re-using RTR wheelsets (steam)

[Buhar]

Does anyone supply bearings suitable for RTR dimensioned axles? With the price of wheels outrunning that of petrol, I was wondering if some rescued from RTR locos might be useable in a scrathbuilt chassis.

[craigwelsh]

MJT do 3mm bearings I think though not all axles might be 3mm..

[bertiedog]

As said they are a mixed bunch, within a make axles may be one size, and there is the question of durability, most modern FE made wheels are copper plated, with a nickel chrome surface, and although tough, is not as good as solid metal tyres.

 

This also stops any re-machining, as removing the hard surface exposes the Mazak core, which is very soft, and may corrode, leading to the rest of the plating coming away.

 

I have successfully added a nickel silver tyre to Bachmann wheel centres, after removing the old tyre, a push fit or insulated at the rim, works fine, but does need a lathe.

 

If the wheels are in good condition and the axles match or new sleeves added there is little against using them, but if worn, be aware the plating might not last long.

 

Also, if the wheels were from a split framed loco, the back is not designed to have a pickup running on it, there may be moulding marks.

 

Stephen.

[hayfield]

Does anyone supply bearings suitable for RTR dimensioned axles? With the price of wheels outrunning that of petrol, I was wondering if some rescued from RTR locos might be useable in a scrathbuilt chassis.

 

Even Ebay prices for Romfords are goung through the roof but some gems can still be found. The problem with Hornby wheels is the flange size, which I have found are too big for code 75