I am replacing the trucks on some older ahm, athearn and etc. freight cars. I need some replacement screws on these. How long do the 2-56 screws supposed to be? They are available in 1/4" and 1/8" although I think the athearn and roundhouse screws are longer?
Eh?
The LION has done that. Him uses a No. 8 sheet metal screw, small enough so that it will not damage the truck.
Do not tighten them all of the way. Both trucks must turn freely, and one truck on each car must have additional side to side and up and down play.
I generally use 3/16" or 1/4" 2-56 screws for most of my HO freight cars. Once they have the threads destroyed, they can be ‘plugged’ with styrene rod(Evergreen) and drill/tapped the next day, OR you can use a #2 self tapping screw(bigger courser threads) if you do not have a drill and tap set. I usually buy pan head screws from on-line places like Bolt Depot - Much less expensive than Walthers or Hob-Bits screws!
Jim
I tighten one truck so it can just swivel easily. I don’t tighten the other one so there is a little side to side play. This stops the car from wobbling but allows good tracking in basically a three point suspension.