Steam Valve Gear

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

The screw on a steam locomotive connecting the crosshead, the connecting rod and another rod of the valve gear keeps working loose. What suggestions can you provide to keep the screw fixed in place?

2

Try using Loctite, a material made to solve this problem. It’s a kind of glue that most hardware stores and some hobby shops stock in small tubes. Use a toothpick or a pin to apply just a small amount to the threads in the crosshead before you reassemble the rods and screw them in place. The Loctite will keep the screw from backing out on its own, but will allow you to remove the screw with a screwdriver should you ever need to. In that case apply more Loctite before replacing the screw. This stuff is also great for kingpin screws that fall out of car bolsters.

So long,

Andy

3

Thanks, Andy. I couldn’t find Loctite. Instead I bought Permatex Medium Strength Threadlocker which is recommended for fasteners 6 to 20 mm. It is removable. There is a Low Strength product available. Should I opt for it ,or use the tube of Medium Strength that I have, or should I look for Loctite?

4

I haven’t tried Permatex Threadlocker, but it sounds like a similar product and probably will work just as well. - Andy

5

The screw on a steam locomotive connecting the crosshead, the connecting rod and another rod of the valve gear keeps working loose. What suggestions can you provide to keep the screw fixed in place?

6

Try using Loctite, a material made to solve this problem. It’s a kind of glue that most hardware stores and some hobby shops stock in small tubes. Use a toothpick or a pin to apply just a small amount to the threads in the crosshead before you reassemble the rods and screw them in place. The Loctite will keep the screw from backing out on its own, but will allow you to remove the screw with a screwdriver should you ever need to. In that case apply more Loctite before replacing the screw. This stuff is also great for kingpin screws that fall out of car bolsters.

So long,

Andy

7

Thanks, Andy. I couldn’t find Loctite. Instead I bought Permatex Medium Strength Threadlocker which is recommended for fasteners 6 to 20 mm. It is removable. There is a Low Strength product available. Should I opt for it ,or use the tube of Medium Strength that I have, or should I look for Loctite?

8

I haven’t tried Permatex Threadlocker, but it sounds like a similar product and probably will work just as well. - Andy