Pair of Metal Rods for Early LGB Crocodile

James Day

James Day

Guano Corner Rly - Runs weekly - Guano permitting
Country flag
Dear All,

I have an early LGB Crocodile, but I have noticed that on two of the side rods have fractures appearing by the rivet on the link from what should be the motor on the real loco.

Does anybody have a spare pair that they can part with? Happy to pay of course.

Any alternative suggestions welcomed too.

James
 
James Day said:
Any alternative suggestions welcomed too.
Click to expand...

It's been a while since I've looked at one of these so this idea may be impractical.

Could you solder a reinforcing strip of, for example, brass to the unseen side of the rods in question prior to total failure?
 
Have loads of stainz metal rods, if they use
 
Thanks Guys,

I really appreciate the replies.

Just been tweaking the loco. Clearly part of the issue is the stiffness of the 'motor'. As part of the service I have just done, the dummy motors have been removed, cleaned to remove dust and grit and then lubricated to run as sweetly as they can.

I think that if rod replacement is not possible, reinforcing is probably the way to go. Probably not by soldering as my guess is that even high temperature solder unlikely to cope that well with the stress.

My ideas are either a patch to go behind the rivet, with two small screws on each side, or to insert a second strap, nearer the motor,between the motor rod and the coupling rod.

I have a chum who is a precision engineer who is thankfully excellent at this sort of thing, if a trifle slow on turn around!

Before I do anything else I am going to see how well it runs after the latest service. I do note the warning about potential total failure though!

James
 
A note of caution, if you go for the solder option.

They may be of the same material as in this problem....

https://www.gscalecentral.net/index.php?topic=301526.msg355262#msg355262
 
I was wondering if it was possible to fill these small cracks with an epoxy resin adhesive....
 
Epoxy Resin is certainly worth looking into.

The rods are the standard (for the period), plated brass like my late 70s Stainz and ZB 0-6-2

If LGB were still supplying a comprehenive range of parts (as they once did), I would consider replacing all the cranks etc and upgrading to the modern spec rods, but these days LGB just don't seem to be interested in supplying customers with anything beyond catalogue items.

This remains a work in progress at present, but the loco is still in good running order, so that is a bonus.

James
 
Matthew at GRS has a local (I believe) person who will copy, and 3d print, one-offs..

He (Matthew) thinks these might be useful for odd bits we can no longer obtain. Personally, I do not think rods would be robust enough, even if a washer was epoxied over the holes to strengthen that area. But for detail bits, the results are not too bad.
 
Have you tried asking Peter at Chalk garden rail, can be amazing what he's got squireled away in his parts bin
 
Correct, it is a very early 2040 Crocodile. Clamshell Motors, metal rods etc.

James
 
Well Guys,

Thank you all for your suggestions.

I am pleased to say that the loco is running very well, but as suggested the first pair of rods have today been removed and packaged up to be sent away for assessment and splinting.

When I get them back I will post a picture of the repair.

James
 
Well, my engineer chum did a soldered repair to my rods.

He made stepped brass fishplates to go over the rear of the join AND this was dished to clear the back of the rivet. He soldered it all together, (straight, as it should be)! It is very solid!

He finished it off by repainting the black bits on the rods, which were lost with all the heat needed!

Two done and extensively tested. The other two were sent off today.

My Croc looks like it will soon be a complete and fully functional Croc and no longer be a complete crock!

James
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom