Loco building & testing

AXLE ALIGNMENT TOOL

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Used to set the spacing and alignment of loco axles, prior to fixing the bearings or axle-boxes into position. The tapered ends accept coupling rod crankpin holes of any diameter.

In use, the axle-boxes or bearings are assembled on the dummy axles, with a spring between. The axle-boxes are inserted into the hornguides, which are a loose fit in the loco frames. The ends of the dummy axles are inserted into the crankpin holes of the coupling rods. This ensures that the spacing of the axles and hence hornguides, exactly matches the pitch of the coupling rod centres. Now, the hornguides may be soldered into position.

The purpose of the springs is to exert slight pressure against the inside faces of the axle-boxes to hold them in place during soldering.

Available in packs of 3 (for a six-coupled loco), plus additional units for eight & ten-coupled locos.

AAT0/3  Set of 3 dummy axles, springs & washers.  £10.80

AAT0      Additional axle set                                              £3.60                                    

A handy device for quickly and accurately setting loco driving wheels at 90 degrees to each other, where the axles   do not have squared ends, but are tapered for press-fit wheels.

NOTE  The axles must have centred ends, and wheels must have identical crankpins fitted.

It is suitable for wheels of any diameter, having cranks of any throw. Can also be used with extended axles having outside cranks.

In use, one wheel is pressed onto the axle securely, the other is fitted loosely and the axle suspended between centres. The "fixed" wheel is rotated until its crankpin rests against the machined face of the jig side plate. Whist holding firmly in this position, the other wheel is rotated until its crankpin meets the 90 degree face of the other side frame. The whole wheelset is then carefully removed and the second wheel pressed home.

WQJ32  Wheel Quartering Jig      (32mm gauge)                              £25.00

MODULAR ROLLING ROAD

The Rolling Road provides a convenient means of running-in, fault-finding or dynamic testing of locomotives.

The unit consists of a number of modular components, which are placed on a length of straight track and positioned beneath the locomotive axles. The modules are split centrally, each half being isolated from the other to enable electric locomotives to be powered from the track. The unit is suitable for locomotives of steam, diesel or electric outline.

The modular system means that individual modules may be purchased separately, to suit the wheel arrangement of any particular loco. They can be added to as and when larger locos are acquired, having a greater number of driving axles.

The modules are priced individually, or as a set (typically a 4-6-2 tender loco).

The Modules are desribed as follows:

Type D , for driving wheels. Each block has 4 ball races to support the driving axle.

Type B (medium) - supports a 4-wheel bogie.

Type P (short) - supports a single-axle pony truck

Type T (long) - for tenders. This will accommodate the longest (British) tender.