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Hello Hudson Variant gurus,

I’m wondering if there are open spoked drivers around for the late-nineties/early 00’s large Hudsons with screw-on axles, like the “763e” 6-18056 or the CCI “773” 6-18058. I have an extra set of Scullin drivers, but would really like to dress up my 18056 with open spokes. Even if I have to scavenge them off a dead chassis or something…

thanks!

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There are no bolt on drivers made by Lionel. There are some made by an aftermarket vendor. Jeff Kane at the Train Tender sells them. I’ve installed these sets a few times, however, there’s a couple caveats. The tires don’t come installed on the drivers. They have to be pressed on by the installer. The back part of the hub protrudes too much resulting in improper gauging, and requires some clean up to get it right. This is best done on a lathe so they spin 100% true.

Pat IMG_7349IMG_7163IMG_7164

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Another option is a complete chassis swap from either the 18005 700E from 1990, or the 18002 785 gray Hudson from a few years earlier. Both of those locomotives have see through spoke drivers. However, both of those locomotives have pressed on drivers, not bolt on. So swapping the entire chassis is the best route for this. Also, be advised, you will lose the magnetraction capability of any Scullin disc equipped locomotives. The see through spoke drivers are die cast. The Scullin discs & the solid spoke drivers such as found on the 18058 ( 773 ) are sintered steel. Adding some weight to the locomotive negates this issue however.

Pat

@christie posted:

Thanks Pat. No lathe so I’m afraid that option is out. I’ll think about a chassis swap, but I doubt I’ll pursue that. I’d be more likely to just let 18056 be what it is, and use an 18005 as base for something else, or finally upgrade my k-line 5270…

Thanks again

If you want it done, of course you can buy the drivers, and send everything along to me, & I’ll perform the swap,….

Pat

Last edited by harmonyards

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