I have two Imperial ES44ACs. The blind wheels are on the end axles , instead of the middle axles as on my Premier Dash8s. As a result, they stick out terribly on curves. I would like to put flanged wheels on. My minimum curve is O60, so I think they would work. Has anyone done this, and if so where would I start? It would be better to just get wheels and axles, as opposed to buying four Premier trucks, if that's possible. Any ideas? Norfolk Southern is the Premier.
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I would also like to know the answer to this.
The premier ES44 is simply too big for my layout, but the one main gripe I have with the Railking version is this silly looking inboard axle.
Don't know why they put the blind wheel inboard,looks silly.I have added a flanged replacement to my Lionel dash 9....but each one is different..it can be done....good luck...joe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9AUJVICYhE
John, Tommy Z Trains has good video on how he does it.
That design was done by Weaver, extended a standard (2) axle drive to (3) axles. Done with an asymmetrical truck. Alco C630. Truck pictured was done with metal blind drivers and later plastic, it flopped around and would short track circuits.
Weaver E8 trucks were similar, though symmetrical. Power was two axles, inside axle and a middle blind drive. The third outside axle was flanged, but not powered. Bigger curves for bigger units probably the best solution. IMO.
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