I was wondering does anybody know what the material is that the roller pick up is mounted on.It seems like it is some type of fiberboard maybe.Thanks in advance for any help.
Jim
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Well, in most Lionel and MTH locomotives, the roller insulators are plastic. If you're talking about fiberboard, I'm guessing you're talking pre-war or post-war Lionel?
Yes i am talking about about prewar.So it is fiberboard correct?
The material is hard fiber or bone fiber. It is available from Mc Master Carr. It is an excellent insulator and is fire resistant. But it is hydroscopic, which can resulting it it warping. The material can be worked like wood or with machine shop tools, but must be kept free of oils. The natural color is gray, other colors, including red and black were also common, but are currently less available. Common shapes include sheets, rods and tubes.
Just looked on McMaster’s web site. They call it hard fiber or vulcanized fiber. Try this:
Great thank you
