PLEASE DO NOT DESTROY a nice original vintage 255E.
If its already messed up, restored, or an MTH, then fine, but please do not destroy a nice original by playing "mad scientist". If it comes down to it, sell off the 255 and buy a 263. An original 263E is much easier to find. One might even say they are "common".
In terms of your original question, a 263 has different rear wheels than the 255. The wheels have a squared off post that the eccentric rod sits on. The square post is what rotates the eccentric rod as the wheel turns. The piston rod sits on a rounded mount, thus allowing it to stay in the same plane as the wheel rotates. The eccentric rod mount needs to rotate WITH the wheel to keep from jamming. Yes the screws are different, but it's not the screw that rotates the ecc. rod, it is the wheel post.
I also don't think you'll be able to get the eccentric rod onto the wheel post on the 255.
If you do, and if you just screw eccentric rods onto the 255's piston rod screw, the ecc. rod will not actually rotate, but will just hang there as the wheel turns. It will most likely jam the motor on the first stroke and just sit there an hum. Or worse, break the mounting post on the wheel.
Also, the wheels are not interchangeable, because the motors are different.
The only way you can do this mod is to put the 255 body shell on a 263 frame, or buy a 263
255E/260E setup
263E setup
Originally Posted by David McC:
I have a 255E locomotive and would like to put the eccentric rods from a 263 locomotive onto it just to change the look. I have the rod assemblies, but need the screws for the rear driver that have the flat spots for the eccentric crank.
I think that the screws are all I will need to pull off the conversion, but I do not know for sure.
I have not found any exploded views for the early engines, nor can I find part numbers for the screws, etc.
Does anyone here know where I can find the information and order the parts?
Thanks!
