Lionel 384E Prewar Locomotive

Ditch the LTI wheels and get a new set of MEW wheels and gears from Hennings. Everything will match up right.

CJ Meyers posted:

Ditch the LTI wheels and get a new set of MEW wheels and gears from Hennings. Everything will match up right.

Thanks for the reply and information. Yes, I have a set of MEW wheels. It appears that the backside center hub needs to be expanded/swedged out in order to permanently fix the gear in place. If so, what tooling do I need to use to do so. Again, thanks.

The studs are not used to secure the wheel, only locate them.  I use a press to firmly seat the gear on the wheel and then stake the center hub with a quarter inch flat punch in 4 places so it is peened over the gear. I've installed about 100 over the last 25 years.

Jon, thank you for the information to accomplish this installation. I'm sure your knowledge and 25 years of experience will prove to be successful for me. I appreciate your time and attention. 

I would add to Jon g's recommendation be sure to scrape/file away any casting "fins" that might prevent the gear from seating flat against the back of the wheel before starting the seating process he describes.

Jon G posted:

The studs are not used to secure the wheel, only locate them.  I use a press to firmly seat the gear on the wheel and then stake the center hub with a quarter inch flat punch in 4 places so it is peened over the gear. I've installed about 100 over the last 25 years.

Jon: When staking the center hub with a quarter inch flat punch in 4 places...what is the general centering point of the punch with regards to the distance from the axle hole and the edge of the gear. Also should one use a slight angle or 90 degrees straight to acquire the peen over the gear. Thanks, Bob 

I usually have the punch with it's center on the edge of the hub (1/2 on the hub, other half on the gear as the hub is slightly taller) with it perpendicular to the hub.  Place the wheel on a hard surface (anvil, steel plate, vise, etc.) with tape on it to protect the wheel. 

Many thanks to all you who have given me great advice, information and instruction. Regards, Bob H.