I recently regeared my old Rivarossi Dockside switcher, and I thought I’d show you all the results![:D]
Nice runner!
If my Dockside hadn’t developed zinc-rot in the cylinders, I’d… Well, maybe.
Being a video, it really demonstrates the running qualities.
Good work,
Ed
I guess you have one of the earliest post-bakelite Docksides if there’s zinc rot in the cylinders. My dad got one of those back in '62, and although the cylinders haven’t degraded, the linkage and bell are long gone, the paint is flaking off, the motor’s ball bearing races are worn, the plastic wheel centers have degraded, and the nickel plating on the rims is all gone. Looking at the plastic frame design, fitting the 40:1 gearing in would be quite a bit more difficult.
It didn’t take long for Rivarossi to switch to the steel plate frame and plastic cylinders from their 0-4-0 Shifter (basically, a Dockside with a tender instead of a saddle-tank). These have a much sturdier construction, and don’t break down with age. They’re also heavier, and the open design of the frame makes regearing a lot easier.