Working on a Lionel 50 with a Super Motor. The axles have much bigger retaining barbs on them than other motors I've worked on. Is this normal for this type? All four corners are the same so I assume it came like this. Sure made getting the drivers of a bummer.
Steve
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Never saw this before on my super motors, looks like the earlier super motor?
Can you pass the axle through the bearing?
Measure the diameter of the axle in the middle and see if the bearings were drilled out.
Are the wheels OK or are they from another train manufacture?
Do the wheels fit on the replacement axle, if not time to re-wheel
If the axle bearings are the same size as a standard super motor I would cut the axle in the middle and pull them out replacing the axles with new and if the bearings have a larger OD I would put new bearings in.
Have fun.
I usually do not add up the total cost of bring a locomotive back to life as I m not in the business of reselling that engine for profit. So when I done with a engine I want it the best as possible and it probably cost me more than it is worth. Adding my labor cost I would probably get less than 25 cents per hour. I just have fun in working on trains.
I have frequently encountered similar issues with the barbs/ridges on some axles. My solution is to carefully file down the offending ridges or barbs to allow safe removal. I then either replace the axles, or use a V block to support the axle end after it is back in the motor while I use a cold chisel to add new retention grooves.
Eric Hofberg
TCA, LCCA, LOTS
Yes, I've seen them on super motors as well. there is no need for them with a proper clearance fit.
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