I would welcome advice on the above. My lionel and MTH Steam Locomotives were no problem for changing traction tyres as the Eccentric Cranks are held in place with a screw. My Williams Brass Big Boy was no problem as the Eccentric Cranks are not attached to the rear drivers. I have partly dismantled the rear Engine but don't see a way to fit the tyres reasonably easily without a lot of dismantling. Hence seeking advice from someone who has done this task before.
Thanks in advance.
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Soldering is common on brass engines. You need a good iron, at least 50 watts or a soldering gun. Touch the crank while pulling with some pliers. Note its location and make sure is pointed just off the center of the axle. On center you get no valve motion. Way off center and you bend the eccentric rod. Its not that difficult.
Pete
Thankyou Pete, I did hold my 80 Watt Iron against the crank/axle end, probably not for long enough, unlike soldering electrical wiring connections, in this scenario there is a lot of metal to absorb heat. Thanks again.
You likely need more heat, I break out the Weller soldering gun for jobs like this.
Thanks , I did break out my Weller gun, applied it to the Eccentric Crank and removed a lot of the solder with the aid of solder wick. The crank wouldn't budge while heat was applied so I am wondering if the crank straps (as per photo) need to be prised open a little. I'm being cautious in my approach to avoid any damage.
@Alford1 posted:Thanks , I did break out my Weller gun, applied it to the Eccentric Crank and removed a lot of the solder with the aid of solder wick. The crank wouldn't budge while heat was applied so I am wondering if the crank straps (as per photo) need to be prised open a little. I'm being cautious in my approach to avoid any damage.
It has to be gently wiggled while applying heat from the iron. In addition to being soldered, it is also a snug slip fit.
Pat
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