This potential project is a pretty big stretch, but I have to ask anyway. Does anyone know whether or not it's possible to remove the drivers from an MTH Premier Mohawk? They have produced a model of L-4b #3149 with the typical Boxpok style drivers, but it would be really neat to have a model of that locomotive with Scullin drivers as it appears below:
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
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Just going from memory, I don't think ever offered their Mohawk with the Scullin Disc drive wheels, with plain rod bearings. MTH obviously has produced their NYC Hudson models with the Scullin Disc drive wheels, but those should have been a larger diameter, i.e. 79" on a Hudson vs. 69" on a Mohwak. Yes, I am aware that the REAL L4b Mohawks had 72" diameter drive wheels, but MTH was unable to do that and still use the same frame for ALL their Premier Mohawk models.
Thus, I don't think that MTH has the drivers that you want. However, you just might as well contact Midge and ask.
Nice idea, but I agree that the appropriate smaller Scullins have not appeared in 3RO
from anyone that I can recall. There were freight and dual-purpose locos with not
only "small" Scullins, but Boxpoks as well. These have been seldom modeled, at
least in 3RO, in anything but modern articulateds. Too bad.
Forgot to mention, if removing the drivers is a possibility, I was going to have the Scullin drivers machined from scratch. One of our warehouse tenants is an aerospace parts machine shop and he's said he can fabricate these drivers using the originals as guides. Just for kicks, there is actually a 2-rail O brass model of this locomotive that exists, made by U.S. Hobbies in the 70s according to the article below:
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/.../articles/gwyer1.htm
What a neat project; custom drivers. Swanky.
OK, you need a wheel/gear puller. The drivers are pressed on, and can be pulled off.
Check out the Tinplate/Postwar guys - they'll pull a set of drivers before breakfast.
Such things are available with model RR's in mind.
Caution: I am told that the modern drivers are pressed on much more snugly and
precisely than in the old days, so the chances of wheel center breakage is greater.
This -should- not harm the axle, which is steel, but it might leave you with banged up
wheels in your hands. Not a problem if you are going to make new ones, but get
as many of your measurements as you can before you pull the wheels, just in case.
You may not have any problem at all, of course.
If it works you can sell driver sets.....
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