Question: How to Replace Wheels on Lionel Post War Steam Engine?

You should use wheel cups - the HH1009 set has the cups you need for you locomotive, specifically the WC-2004-U and WC-2004-L.

Thanks BMORAN4. Then use a bench vice to push the wheels onto the axles? I checked Jeff Kane's Traintender page, and I don't see any wheel cups listed there. I give him an email. 

You will be in great hands with Jeff. You should use a press (not a bench vice!). The tool is discussed in detail here: https://ogrforum.com/t...r-not-help-me-decide

I have put drivers back on using scrap wood, and a small hammer, and slow tapping. and measuring the distance between the wheel flanges. 

Thanks for the advice Dave!

Both the front and rear drive wheels/axles wobble in the frame.

If the wheels wobble as you rotate them, then the problem is not likely to be worn bearings. It is more likely that either the axles are bent, or the wheels weren't pressed on straight to begin with.

I used a bench vise to press on wheels for a long time, with various types of pads to protect the wheels. I found it almost impossible to get the wheels straight. Finally I purchased an arbor press outfit. I think it was one of the best train related purchases I ever made.

Years back, someone did come out with some wheel cups to be used with a bench vise.

Before Lionel marketed their arbor press, they recommended that repair stations make their own cups, and use a metal working lathe to press the wheels.

I think that I've read that some folks have had success using a drill press.

I reviewed the thread that BMORAN4 linked. It goes back to 3/12. One positive change is that both Hobby Horse and TTRP (Hennings) both make some cups that fit more than one style wheel. 

Any suggestions on what to use or how to fabricate my own "pilot pins" for the ST-311 Wheel Puller. 

Any suggestions on what to use or how to fabricate my own "pilot pins" for the ST-311 Wheel Puller. 

The pullers came with two pins: one is straight, and one is stepped. Over the years, as they modified the jaws, they also varied the diameter of the pins.  

You can use a piece of drill rod for the straight one.

The pilot pins are still relatively easy to find, and last a long time. I just buy them.
Jeff Kane gets $2.00 each.

If the tips get mushroomed, I just clean them up with a grinder.

Hi C.W. Burfle. Thanks very much. I've sent Jeff an email. 

C W Burfle posted:

Both the front and rear drive wheels/axles wobble in the frame.

If the wheels wobble as you rotate them, then the problem is not likely to be worn bearings. It is more likely that either the axles are bent, or the wheels weren't pressed on straight to begin with.

I used a bench vise to press on wheels for a long time, with various types of pads to protect the wheels. I found it almost impossible to get the wheels straight. Finally I purchased an arbor press outfit. I think it was one of the best train related purchases I ever made.

Years back, someone did come out with some wheel cups to be used with a bench vise.

Before Lionel marketed their arbor press, they recommended that repair stations make their own cups, and use a metal working lathe to press the wheels.

I think that I've read that some folks have had success using a drill press.

I reviewed the thread that BMORAN4 linked. It goes back to 3/12. One positive change is that both Hobby Horse and TTRP (Hennings) both make some cups that fit more than one style wheel. 

A guy named Tim Halchuck made those wheel cups to press on wheels; the cups were machined on the outside of the cup so that the metal on the outer edge formed a 90 degree angle so they rested on the jaws of a machinists' vise.  I have a set and they work beautifully - I picked those up before I got a Lionel rivet press (which had no wheel cups, but did have the red wooden block with the punches).  I think Mr. Halchuck's cups were called Vise Cups - they were pricey, but far less expensive than a river press and cups.  Those would be nice to see made available again - they are simple to use and the wheels are pressed on perfectly.

 

 

What I mean when I say the wheels wobble is that there is a lot of "play" where the axles passes through the frame. The axles look straight, but I can move them easily in the frame. 

Dontano posted:

What I mean when I say the wheels wobble is that there is a lot of "play" where the axles passes through the frame. The axles look straight, but I can move them easily in the frame. 

Wobbling axles sound like the bushings didn't get lubricated properly and caused the bushings to become worn and misshapen.  I tried fixing an early 2025 with Baldwin drivers that had that problem well before I was versed in repair; no matter how I tried pressing on the wheels, the bearing slop made the engine waddle down the track.  Replacing the bushings would have been the way to go, but my skills weren't that far along to replace those.

Hi MTN. I'm not sure if my skill level is up to the task of removing the wheels from the axles, replacing the bushing and putting the wheels back onto the axles, but I will certainly give it a try. It sounds simple enough. Being a member of OGR is an awesome resource for ideas and knowledge. I know that if I run into any difficulty, I can come here and ask my question.  

A guy named Tim Halchuck made those wheel cups to press on wheels; the cups were machined on the outside of the cup so that the metal on the outer edge formed a 90 degree angle so they rested on the jaws of a machinists' vise.  I have a set and they work beautifully - I picked those up before I got a Lionel rivet press (which had no wheel cups, but did have the red wooden block with the punches).  I think Mr. Halchuck's cups were called Vise Cups - they were pricey, but far less expensive than a river press and cups.  Those would be nice to see made available again - they are simple to use and the wheels are pressed on perfectly.

Aren't they reliant on having a high quality vise with jaws that square, and not sloppy?

If it is something you elect not to do send me your motor and I will R&R your wheels, axles and bearing. I have the press and wheel cups. Cost will be shipping.

extremely bored here until boat season.

Hi STEW1957,

That sounds like a great idea. Perhaps we could talk on the phone so I know exactly what parts to order from Jeff for the repair. 

don.celentano@gmail.com    is my personal email address.

Sent you an email with my number 

C W Burfle posted:

A guy named Tim Halchuck made those wheel cups to press on wheels; the cups were machined on the outside of the cup so that the metal on the outer edge formed a 90 degree angle so they rested on the jaws of a machinists' vise.  I have a set and they work beautifully - I picked those up before I got a Lionel rivet press (which had no wheel cups, but did have the red wooden block with the punches).  I think Mr. Halchuck's cups were called Vise Cups - they were pricey, but far less expensive than a river press and cups.  Those would be nice to see made available again - they are simple to use and the wheels are pressed on perfectly.

Aren't they reliant on having a high quality vise with jaws that square, and not sloppy?

At the time, I got a nice machinist's vise at auction for $40 - the vise and wheel cups were a lot less expensive than the Lionel ST-350 press and tool block I purchased several years later.  The vise cup design was really clever, and filled a need rather nicely.

I want to say Thank You to everyone for all the good ideas.