Hi,
I was wondering how to make wheels (drivers) from scratch.I have a lathe and have made wheels for 7.5" gauge Live Steam.
The HOn2 1/2 model I want to build does not have drivers of the correct size (24"). I was wondering about making my own and insulating them.
I am assuming I could make a driver center pattern and cast it in epoxy. Where can I find nickel silver to turn the tires?
Any help is appreciated.
Doug vV
I’m not sure epoxy driver centers would be a good idea. pressing the driver tires on would likely distort them, plus they won’t conduct electricity. There is quite a bit of info on scratchbuilding drivers out of brass here… http://groups.yahoo.com/group/brasslocobuilders/ There is a current discussion going on now on the subject, plus a search will bring up a buch of older threads.
I think you need to join in order to view the list, but it’s well worth it.
John.
You might have some luck here:
Several years back there was an article in Mainline Modeler magazine on scratch building a locomotive, including the drivers. The wheels were cast epoxy with machined tires.
Recently on the brassbuilder’s group, there has been a long discussion on machining drivers, so I 2nd the recommendation to join it.
Sources for nickel-silver:
http://www.onlinemetals.com/product_search.cfm?step=2
http://www.macmetals.com/html/alloys.htm
The group’s feelings seem to be that steel or stainless steel is preferred for driver tires.