Changing wheels on LGB Toy Train tender

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playmofire

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I've just bought an LGB Toy Train tender (non-sound version) to run with a Playmobil 0-4-0 tank engine. The tender is fitted with the smaller size wheels (29mm?) and this means that it sits slightly too low compared with the loco. I swapped a set of the larger wheeks from a Playmobil truck for the originals, but although they fitted OK they didn't run smoothly, although I couldn't see anything touching anywhere. Fitting a set of wheels from an LGB flat truck didn't help as they were binding still more.

Does anyone have any ideas what might be the problem? Maybe slightly thicker axles on the Playmobil and larger size LGB wheels?
 
Just an observation, wonder if its wheel flange bind, with a larger wheel on a short wheelbase.

Is it ok on a straight?
 
"Slightly too low" in what respect - coupling height or overall appearance?
 
ntpntpntp said:
"Slightly too low" in what respect - coupling height or overall appearance?
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As regards coupling height, the coupling hook is OK (although it might be a bit iffy on an uneven track), but the real issue is overall appearance as the footplate on the tender is below the top of the buffers on the loco.
 
Gordon,

Just a thought - Something to try

If there is no obvious binding of the larger wheel backs or flanges on the LGB tender body or chassis then my guess is that either:

The diameter of the axle on the smaller wheel is larger. (I think this is unlikely).

OR

The overall width of the LGB or PM larger wheelsets is in some way wider than the small ones. This could be the total width from the outer tip of the axles, or from the bushes on the insides of the wheels themselves. (More likely!)

So to identify this we need to establish how well the smaller LGB wheels fit in the LGB or PM wheel cradles, this will help you contrast and compare the slop on the axle, or the slop of the assembly between the bearing faces.

My guess is that there will be more slack between the bushes on the small wheels and the wheel cradle.

This could be most easily fixed by filing away some of the inside of each axle box on the tender, but that would probably mean there will be no going back to smaller wheels in the future!

A better way would be to carefully remove a small amount of the collar that extends outward from the wheelsets. This is best done with a sharp knife, as the soft plastic is probably not suitable for filing. I imagine that the sleeve can be removed from the axle, so this would make the task easier!

James
 
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I've just tried the LGB wheels in a Playmobil coach and there is about twice the side to side movement compared with the Playmobil wheels. Conversely, with the Playmobi,wheels in the tender, there is little or no side to side movement.

Rather then filing away some of the back of the axle holder, I could file off some of the face of the wheel hub.
 
playmofire said:
I've just tried the LGB wheels in a Playmobil coach and there is about twice the side to side movement compared with the Playmobil wheels. Conversely, with the Playmobi,wheels in the tender, there is little or no side to side movement.

Rather then filing away some of the back of the axle holder, I could file off some of the face of the wheel hub.
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Yes, that is the best way, but I would try drawing the wheel sleeves off the axle then cutting the required excess hub off with a sharp knife, rather than filing, as think that will make the plastic go 'furry'.

Try one before doing both and please report back. If you need extra wheels, I have plenty, although I imagne you do too!

James
 
I've just tried cutting the excess hub off a pair of wheels and just fitted them to the tender. Run very freely and have an adequate side play, but a test will test that.

I kept them on the axle as it was easier to hold them that way.
 
playmofire said:
I've just tried cutting the excess hub off a pair of wheels and just fitted them to the tender. Run very freely and have an adequate side play, but a test will test that.

I kept them on the axle as it was easier to hold them that way.
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Well done!

If you need to drop the coupling loops to keep them at correct LGB height, I have some spare Bachmann Thomas coupling mounts that may help and I can send you way. They come in shallow or deep sizes and are moulded to snugly take a Bachmann or LGB type coupling.

Not sure how much height you will have gained from your mods, but my guess is that a pair of the shallow ones would be best. Let me know if you need them.

James
 
Just done the other pair of wheels and all seems good., although a test tomorrow if time permits will tell.

There is still a slight height difference between the rear of the loco chassis and the tender footplate, but a piece of Wills' chequer plate will disguise that after I've cut the plastic between the two windows on the rear of the cab out,
 
What you have purchased is based around the lgb Feldbahn(check spelling) range.

I believe that the correct Lgb metal wheels are product code 67343, how ever, as you've found the wheels are a smaller diameter, compared to the normal 31mm wheels by lgb

Have you considered separating the body and chassis and adding in some extra height that way?

Dan
 
I hadn't thought of that but the larger wheels serve the turn pretty well and go quite nicely with the Playmobil steam loco.
 
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