I have several accurail (and others) boxcars that the 2-56 screw hole has enlarged and the screw is no longer tight allowing the truck to fall off. It makes for a spectacular train wreck but not good on the equipment. I read online here or possibly in a previous issue of MRR about a fix for this. All I remember was they drilled the hole out to 1/8 in and put in a piece of 1/8 in hollow plastic rod, glued it and cut it flush. They then drilled (I think 1/16 in) hole in the center of 1/8 in rod and cut it flush. Tapped the hole 2-56 and walla job done. DOn’t remember exact details but was wondering if anyone else had run across this fix or have a perm type fix for this problem. Tks for your time and help.
Terry BLOCKED SCRIPTinsertsmilie(‘[:D]’)
The simple fix is to use a larger screw, say a 3-48 or 3mm. McMaster-Carr has just about any screw you can think of.
I’ve heard of the article you’re mentioning, and it’s a pretty standard way to fix a hole that needs to be tapped. A faster way for modelling purposes would be to fill the hole with solid plastic dowel and lots of solvent, let dry thoroughly, and redrill the hole (plastic’s soft enough that any screw is self-tapping; there’s really no need to tap a hole in plastic)
Ray - thanks for the info. Solid plastic rod seems a quicker way to go with the same results. Appreciate your thoughts and idea.
Terry
Hi Terry,
If you drill out the kingpin screw holes and glue in 1/8"-diameter Evergreen styrene tubing, the hole in the tubing is already just about the perfect size for tapping (cutting threads) for a 2-56 screw. Or you can use a 2-56 self-tapping screw. The trouble with subsituting a larger screw is that the screwhead may be too large to fit the truck’s kingpin opening.
So long,
Andy
I agree tube the whole and TAP IT. Though plastic is soft, not tapping it will often expand the post or push it off center which most definitely will contribute to tracking problems. Many of the " Athearn cars always derail" are just this problem Tightening the screw too much can cause the same problem.
Super Glue!
Take your favorite brand of CA adhesive, and put a blob on a piece of paper, or a paper plate. Take a toothpick, and dip the end into your blob of CA. Insert the toothpick into the stripped screw hole, and swirl around. Let dry, then install the screw. If it’s still too loose, repeat the process untill you have enough build up of CA to catch the screw threads. Quick, simple, and way easier than plugging the hole a remachining it!
Rotor