I've also had issues with clearances and shorts; and I've been into mine
a couple of times. I have removed some material from the cylinders too
and it does okay now. I did a search for plastic or at least double
insulated wheel sets without success, but I think all pilot wheels
should be insulated on both sides--if they're need for pickup, you have
additional major problems.
Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx
Bill,
Thanks, for your thought. I thought about extending the wheel base but
there is very little space between the rear wheel of the pony truck
and the front driver that I might solve one problem and create
another. I think filing the inside of the cylinder is the way I'll
proceed...I rather have a good running loco than one that looks good
but doesn't run well!! I doubt that anyone will notice where I
removed the metal anyway once it painted.
Thanks
Ed Sauers
*From:* scale S only <[email protected]>
*To:* [email protected]
*Sent:* Wednesday, July 3, 2013 5:17 PM
*Subject:* Re: {S-Scale List} Help needed with OMI USRA 462 electrical
shorting problem
Hi Ed --
I have one of these engines (doesn’t pull well, but it runs nicely, as
you
say). I don’t have curves this sharp so I don’t have this problem, but
here are a couple of possible solutions:
A bit of Scotch magic tape on the cylinder where the rubbing occurs. This
is easily replaceable, and will probably last quite a while. (Only works
if everything stays on the track in its present form.)
Remake the truck extending the wheel base just a bit. This would require
sectioning the truck frame and adding a “doubler” over the joint where
the
two pieces were spaced apart. I went just the other way with a lead truck
on a 4-6-0 when I was a kid, taking a piece out of the frame to
shorten the
truck.
This last fix is kind of being in the same ball park as cutting a
clearance
notch in the cylinders – it does nothing to improve the engine or the
value
of it except to make it useable for you. To me, that is an acceptable
trade.
Have fun!
Bill Winans
Prescott Valley, AZ (where it is raining again, thank you VERY much!)
-----------------------------
I am having a problem with the rear pony truck wheel shorting out against
the inside of the steam cylinders (front inside edge of the cylinders)
on my
42" curves. If anyone has run into this problem and has come up with a
solution, please share with me what it takes to eliminate this problem. I
could remove a small amount of brass on the inside of the cylinder but
would
like this to be a last resort solution only. This engine really runs very
well otherwise!.
Thanks
Ed Sauers
