Screw sizes for Trucks to Frames?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Does anyone know the sizes (not length particularly) that are typically used to hold trucks to the frames of rolling stock? I need to find some plastic or nylon non-conducting screws of the same size for a particular application. I have found a supplier of plastic screws, but I don’t know the sizes I need. I know they are not typically 2-56 because I have some nylon ones of that size from Kadee and they are too small and the thread is much too fine.

Thanks

2

Not sure what scale you model. I model HO and all of my rolling stock trucks are attached with 2-56 screws. The next standard size larger would be 3-48, the next standard size smaller would be 1-72. Hope this helps.

3

In HO, most people use #2-56. Some manufacturers use #2 wood type screws. When encountering larger holes, many modelers plug it with styrene (sprue material from the scrap box or new rod), then drill and tap for #2-56.

4

I have used 2-56 and 3-48. Might be 3-56 or metric.

Rich

5

USED TO BE a #2-56 for everything. Av. length wa 3/8.

Since manufacturing went overseas, Metrics have used. (Money)

Best to ask individual importer/manufacturers about individual products.

TIME for the NMRA to step up and be meaningful -Even if it’s just to put ‘METRIC’ or "NMRA APPROVED’’ on the box.

Either that or the ‘Good Houskeeping Seal Of Approval’.

6

Best to have an assortment of the sizes mentioned above. I worked on 5 cars last night and I don’t think any two had the same size screws. Remember, head sizes can vary too.

7

If you ever pick any brass stuff, be sure it will be metric. Right now I am constructing a HO steam powered crane that was imported back in the 1950s and everything is metric. It is all screw construction. I did not like to truck mounting arrangement so I soldered 3-48 brass nuts to the brass frame and used 3-48 flat head screws to mount the arch bar sprung trucks. The flat head was a perfect fit in the truck. No wobble. Sometimes you have to improvise but that is what model railroading is all about. Sometimes you can re-tap with SAE when it is metric. Right now I keep 00-90, 0-80, 1-72, 2-56, 3-48 taps with a numbered drill set. Kadee old time couplers use either 00-90 or 0-80 screws.

If you ever get to a model railroad show, no doubt there will be a hardware supplier present.

Cheers

Rich

8

[#ditto] To all the sizes you mention, keep those same sizes and taps as you do. I also purchased dies for those sizes as well , many years ago somewhere.