Ives wheels source?

I don't think Lionel will fit, and FYI , Trickel wheels are not suitable for operation.  They are too soft.

MEW was making them again.

Did you try calling Hennings?  They don't always post their entire inventory online.  They are supposedly an official MEW distributor....might at least know where to find some.

Another method is to steal them off a junk locomotive.  Any drive wheels from any loco after about 1924 will work.  You want the red spoked with nickel rims.

The Ives wheels don't normally go bad.  Furthermore, they did not press the non gear side on very tight to begin with.  I commonly hand twist them off to remove them.  That is somewhat unusual that yours crumbled and probably related to how the train was stored.

Does your 3257 have the long axles that extend into the frame?

Yes, it certainly does.  I'm kinda having fun with it, it's different enough from what I'm used to. The reversing unit is so worn and flops around helplessly, I've been tinkering with it and I don't think it's going to come together.  I'm going to just wire it in forward, or maybe find a manual reverse drum which is my preferred reversing mechanism in any case.

Thank you for the tips.  I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.  I'll keep an eye out for the MEW wheels at York (Hennings is usually in the Orange Hall, yes?), or as you say a junker with good wheels.  Surprised the heck out of me when that wheel just went like crumbling a cookie in your hand.  Otherwise, the new wiring and lube seems to have done the trick, it's going to be a decent little runner.  Just got the matching Greyhound cars from forum member nighthawk and they match well, same general condition.

Not bad for what started as a mistake.  I thought it was a 3237, and got all excited and bid on it before I came to my senses and then was stuck with it, but still it was a deal.  Like I say, it's a neat, different engine. Ingenious.

Hojack, you might try contacting this fellow.  He restores Ives locos and may be able to put you on to a source.

Dennis Strickland

PO Box 5

Claremont, VA 23899

(757) 866-0556

TrRMe, a good Ives repair man is valuable information, thank you!

   HoJack, I have lots of spare parts! I should be able to round up a wheel. Shoot me an email! 

Dave, thanks, I ended up getting a set from George Tebolt; he didn't have them listed as such, but he had a set of drive wheels made by McCoy that fit perfectly - the square boss was exactly right for the Ives brass drive gears.  

Got them on and the loco is running nicely.  Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!

Congratulations on getting the old veteran going again.  That's satisfaction.

and now we want pictures!

Hojack, when did you join the Ives society?

Did you get a chance to see the article and photo spread on the 3257 in "Ties" last fall?

well, here's my scrounged and pieced-together "Greyhound" set, a little rough around the edges but running enthusiastically.  I notice she has quite a little head wobble, and one of my older Ives 3235 Standard Gauge engines has this as well.  Does anyone know what causes this? Did I not get a drive wheel on straight?

   Looks good! I would guess its a wheel. One might also have a slight warp which causes a wobble. Adds to the charm

I'm thinking a slightly bent axle - anything less than dead perfect straight - would also cause this.  Charm and character, for sure.  On the 3235, it's accentuated a lot when pulling a string of cars up a grade.  Like a horse tossing her head.  It also makes the headlight dance around like a MARS light.  Kinda cool.  Gotta love tinplate.

Does your 3235 have the Iron wheels or diecast?

The iron wheels are far from perfect, but they rarely go bad.

I noticed the iron wheeled electrics do bob around a bit more.

It's called the "Ives waltz"

This is what I love about the forum community.  I notice and ask a question about some quirky little thing hardly worth mentioning but which I find interesting, and somebody with more experience and knowledge verifies that it's a known feature that collectors have been tracking for years.  Can't wait til the Ives Society meeting at York next month, I want to corner some of the venerable ancient gentlemen there and ask them about the "Ives Waltz".  I love it.

I do remember the article last year about the 3257, but at the time I had little interest since it wasn't wide gauge.  I can't seem to find my copy now, I'll pick up another one at the Society meeting, they usually have back issues on the table in back.

How can I tell if the wheels on the 3235 are die-cast or cast-iron? I'll look this afternoon, maybe it's obvious.  Makes sense from what I know about sand-casting, the cast iron wheel would come out a bit more lumpy?

I actually just made that up.  If you walk around talking about the "Ives Waltz" at York, you will probably get some strange looks.  On the other hand, I'll know who you are at the meeting... .

You can scroll through the links below and see pics of both types of wheels.

Iron is typically found on the Rubber stamped lettering locos.  They are usually painted red out to the very edges and do not have a separate rim or tyre.

Die cast is typically found on brass plate locos.  Die cast wheels have the bright nickel rims or tyres around the edge of the wheel, which is a separate piece.

 http://www.ivestrains.org/CD/w...mlfiles/No3235_1.htm

http://cs.trains.com/ctt/f/95/t/158915.aspx?pi350=2

I don't see how that invalidates it.  Somebody had to think it up sometime.  I'll ask Clem Clement what he knows about the Ives Waltz, he'll have a great comeback regardless.

My 3235 has the nickel rimmed wheels.