Is it possible to replace LGB driving wheel tyres? ( the metal bit -NOT traction tyres)

[The mechanic]

Hello everyone,

I have a couple of well-used LGB locomotives that have grooved wheel rims (tyres). The cost of replacement wheels is quite high especially when they are different types such as on the small Mallett (photo below) indeed some, such as the front driving axle, are not even listed!

So, given that these wheels appear to be pretty similar to those fitted to other LGB products, I would like to ask if anyone has had experience in replacing the wheel rims with those taken from (say) a Stainz wheel set?.... Is it possible and how difficult is the operation?... What sort of tools would be needed?.... I'm thinking large vice (or press) and a couple of steel tubes?

I would appreciate your views on this before tearing wheels apart

Cheers

Dave

 

[Gerard]

Yes it is! My friend Rainer repairs old badly made wheels by first remove the bad outer layer and exchange it with a outer stainless steel liner made of a small pipe part. Most important aspect is the the cutting of the shape of the wheel while fitted crntral on the axis, so the wheel wil run smooth without wobling. You can send your wheels to him. He described the whole procedure in our book.

 

[PhilP]

Whilst this is theoretically possible, unless you have a press, it will be very difficult, and you will probably break some of the inner sections of the wheels.

Are you *sure* that the Stainz wheels are the same size as those on your model?

If you have access to a lathe, and some experience using it, it might be possible to do this.

As for sending the wheels to Europe, paying for postage, materials and labour, I think would prove more expensive than buying new?

PhilP.