Sprung wagons and cast axleboxes - 4mm

[Mad McCann]

Having built a handful of wagons with Bill Bedford sprung axleguards now, I find the trickiest part of the process i trying to get a channel into the back of a cast axlebox to permit free vertical movement for the axle bearing - obviously critical to the entire process - and would be interested if anyone has developed an easier method of creating the channel, rather than the frankly barking method I have to use of trapping the casting in a blob of Blu Tac and going for it with a power tool!   

[Spitfire2865]

Ive just cut the axlebox off the springs and glued it directly to the bearing. Yes you get a gap, but how much travel do you actually need per wheel? When its all in black, its damn near impossible to see a gap anyway. 

[Scottish Modeller]

Ive just cut the axlebox off the springs and glued it directly to the bearing. Yes you get a gap, but how much travel do you actually need per wheel? When its all in black, its damn near impossible to see a gap anyway. 

Hi Dave,

 

I use this same method..

 

You can deepen the hole in the axlebox to reduce the gap - just have to be carefull and do it manually - not with a power tool!

 

Thanks

[Mad McCann]

Longest part of the entire building process!    

[ROSSPOP]

Get yourself some dental drills and then make sure you use shouldered bearings..............

[The Fatadder]

I tend to drill a large diameter hole in the back of the axle box that gives a waisted bearing enough room to move up and down when the axlebox is glued to the spring.

 

I've also found gently removing the end of the point on the bearing assists in giving a little more movement

[Mad McCann]

That's good, folks. It appears I'm going along the right lines. Finding some method of keeping the casting secure during the process is proving to be quite the challenge though; too little grip and your wee bit of white metal becomes a projectile, too much and you risk damaging the casting.

 

Hmmm.