681 loose wheels

Sounds like you found a solution. Pictures, screw sizes ?

Dave

Interesting - the turbines are generally pretty much "bulletproof" locos. Sometimes, the motors need shimming, but that is the only issue I am aware of on these usually reliable engines. Any chance your loco was dropped onto a hard surface and sustained wheel damage?

1 - replace the axle.
2 - remount the wheel with a little Loctite.

Funny that you would have the problem with two locomotives. I don't think loose drive wheels are a common problem on turbines.

Actually loose wheels on a turbine are common. This is prevalent on both die cast wheels used on the early 671 and 2020 models as well as the later powdered iron 681 and 682 models. It is because the engine is heavy and generally a good puller and the torque with the small wheels loosens them on the axle. I have found that even replacing them sometimes they come loose later. Generally if they are only a little loose I would leave them, as it won't affect pulling power. If you can slide the wheel back and forth on the axle, that's another story.

My best guess is the age and heavy use of these fine locos is the gremlin here! Are any of the modern iterations of the turbine known to have this issue?

I haven't had any issues with my PW turbines, but when I do have loose wheels similar to your situation and complete axle/wheel replacement isn't warranted, I use red loctite with great success.

pull the axle and crimp the end with a pair of side cut pliers making new grooves at

an angle to the axle for the wheel to "bite" when mounted

ANY wheel replacements should ideally be accomplished with an arbor press with the correct wheel cup size.

I've had loose wheels on them too.  I'm sure it won't hold long term, but last Christmas I super glued one on. Worked fine. I know not ideal, but it got it running.

Dtrainmaster posted:

Sounds like you found a solution. Pictures, screw sizes ?

Dave

My trains are all packed up in the attic until next Christmas season, so I can't get pics.  This is the smallest tap that the local Ace hardware sells so I used it.  A smaller diameter would have been better.  I ground the head of the screw down to create clearance for the side rod.  I drilled into the axle maybe 1/2 inch or so.  Not pretty, but I hope that it will hold.

I appreciate the replies.  I've used red loctite and then JB weld w/o success in the past.  I hope that the drill/tap/screw idea will hold.  Even if it does, I really don't like this much modification to the engine.  I'll replace more axles and wheels if that's what it takes to keep these beauties running :-)  Thanks again.