Many years ago I purchased an A-B-A set of MTH Santa Fe Alco PA's. These units were Proto-1 and back then the lead axle on each truck was blind (plastic wheels w/o flanges). I assume this was so that this set could operate on O-31 curved track.
I recently saw a Proto-3 version (stock # 20-20311-1) of the same A-B-A set for sale. Can anybody tell me if this version also has the blind lead axle? If so, is it the lead axle or the center axle?
Thanks in advance.
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On the MTH Alco Pa diesels that I've seen (and own) its the axle nearest to the fuel tank that is blind.
Stuart
Stuart -
Thank you.
Do think it would be a big task to replace the blind wheel set with a normal flanged metal set?
I've looked into doing this several years ago. The biggest problems are getting suitable flanged wheels, and being able to pull the blind wheels off their axles and pressing the flanged ones on.
Stuart
Stuart -
Thank you.
Do think it would be a big task to replace the blind wheel set with a normal flanged metal set?
IIRC these are prior to the 3/2 truck design and require the wheels to be pulled off the axles while in the truck?
Stuart -
Thank you.
Do think it would be a big task to replace the blind wheel set with a normal flanged metal set?
IIRC these are prior to the 3/2 truck design and require the wheels to be pulled off the axles while in the truck?
That's the big problem! removing the blind wheels while mounted on the truck. There is very little room between the inner side of the wheels and the truck frame to get a decent gear puller in between.
Stuart
Also note the geometry of the truck relative to the pivot and wheel location.
I believe that the pivot is not actually in the truck center, and when you put flanges on everything will there be a problem because the truck can no longer swing (slip across the rails with a blind wheel) as designed?
Dunno, but I've run into should've-been-easier things before.
Also note the geometry of the truck relative to the pivot and wheel location.
I believe that the pivot is not actually in the truck center, and when you put flanges on everything will there be a problem because the truck can no longer swing (slip across the rails with a blind wheel) as designed?
Dunno, but I've run into should've-been-easier things before.
If i could just get the flanges wheel sets installed I don't think that would be an issue. The layout I run on has main-line radii of 88", 96" and 104".
Sadly I think I pitched all the tinplate Diesel wheels I had - they are easily pulled with a modified NWSL wheel puller.
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