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.

 

[stevedenver]

Wow. Thats a lot of wear.
I understand the cost of parts.
They have become quite expensive.

It is beyond me, however, to think that machining parts would be cost effective. Not to mention, it really must be done correctly, perfectly, especially to avoid quartering and binding issues, potentially caused by slight size differences.

For a long lasting joy, and less brain damage, id suggest that you bite the bullet and get replacement wheel sets and skates. Cant help but think brushes and motors are next. Possibly too, drive rods.

Or if it is still running, run it until failure. I have 1-2 lgb locos down to the brass. Both are running fine.

Unfortunately, these used to be about $500, used. I could see a Full Monty purchase of parts coming close, with motors and rod assemblies, etc.

 

[dunnyrail]

Wow. Thats a lot of wear.
I understand the cost of parts.
They have become quite expensive.

It is beyond me, however, to think that machining parts would be cost effective. Not to mention, it really must be done correctly, perfectly, especially to avoid quartering and binding issues, potentially caused by slight size differences.

For a long lasting joy, and less brain damage, id suggest that you bite the bullet and get replacement wheel sets and skates. Cant help but think brushes and motors are next. Possibly too, drive rods.

Or if it is still running, run it until failure. I have 1-2 lgb locos down to the brass. Both are running fine.

Unfortunately, these used to be about $500, used. I could see a Full Monty purchase of parts coming close, with motors and rod assemblies, etc.

Good advice, LGB with reasonable replacement parts and spares can and will last a lifetime. Though there has been wear on the wheels, one has to wonder about it’s life. Was is bought used and what did it do before you got it? I have seen a Stainz with wheels worn down to the near plastic, it was at a Restaurant and going to and fro every day all day for possibly years.

 

[The mechanic]

Yes, it was bought very cheaply recently at Llangollen (very well) used!.... Christ knows what the previous owner had been doing with it??...
the drive gears in the rear chassis were just blobs of plastic so the loco had been operating with the front chassis alone taking the load, must have been slipping well as witnessed by the excessive grooving of the tyre treads??

The good point being that both motors amazingly still work!

Anyway, have bit the bullet and ordered a new set of drivers and chassis blocks (as the axle bearing points are well worn too) from model-land. ..... Bit of a Winter re-build project! ... If all goes to plan, I should end up with a decent loco for the garden at a bargain price even budgeting for the cost of spares (some of which I already have a stock of) which was the object of the exercise.

.... Does mean I can have a play with the old wheels now too without pressure of getting it wrong!


Dave

 

[PhilP]

... Does mean I can have a play with the old ones now without pressure of getting it wrong!

That sounds like a plan!

Good luck!
PhilP.