Hi Guys. I have a Bud 8785 Mail Car with motor. One of the drive axles to wheel is stripped out and the wheel comes off of the axle. What is a good way to fix this problem.
I checked Lionel for parts and they are no longer available. I would appreciate it if someone has an idea as to how I can repair this problem. Thank You. Model A
I’m not really familar with your loco or problem. I’m guessing the wheel and axle are mated with a spline. If original parts or reproduction parts aren’t available and the wheel still fits somewhat snuggly on the axle. You might try a product made by Loc Tite. Its a Stud and Bearing mount and should be available at a local auto parts stores. It seems to do a good job bonding metal parts. Everything I’ve ever used it on has stayed attached permanently. Usually heat is needed to melt the bond as wrenches won’t break it free.
Clean out the axle/wheel area with pressurized contact cleaner - I use the CRC Contact Cleaner spray can with the littel red tube attached - and let it dry completely.
Making sure the wheel is in the desired position on the axle, drip a tiny amount of CA/Eastman 910/Super Glue onto the axle end and it will run by capillary action right in to the gap where the wheel is loose. Wait 10 minutes, lube the power truck(grease on gears, oil on bearings & axles) & go. If there is a lot of “slop”, use the gel type on the axle with the wheel removed, slide the wheel on, and let it set well before using.
The nice thing about CA is that it has weak shear strength, so the wheel can always be pulled easily later if needed.
Rob
Hello Model A!
Jeff Kane at the Train Tender Website should have the Wheel you’re looking for. Those wheels were made for many years & should be plentiful. Take Care.
I’ve also used super gkue with good results. and the wheel can be pulled.
Had the same problem with a 2018 prairie steam 12-15 years ago. Used super glue, and its run perfect since.
2018 with a loose driver sounds familiar… I while I was in the Hobby Hut in Moorhead, Mn yesterday, I got into a bull session with a fellow who had recently bought a Polar Express set… While it was running, a driver fell off… His four year old granddaughter replied “oh-oh”…
Well, that makes two more locomotives that have gotten the glue treatment, with success…
I’d be curious as to which one - the 4 center blind drivers trap the flanged drivers in, and the side rods trap them all in…
Rob
Good point… He said the locomotive stopped when the driver came off…The way he explained it, was the driver was off the axel , but was hanging by the side rod…
He said the wheel was a sloppy fit on the axel, and glued it to get it going…
There is a certain (limited) amount of side play in the side rods, but I also wonder if all four drivers on that side were pressed all the way onto their axels…or if it was merely a bad wheel to start.
After hearing about that fellows incident, I have two new berks that are going to be checked for cracked drivers and proper wheel gauge.