I've discovered I have an old AZL SD70 that has the front truck wheels too narrow. Is there a way to widen the gap between the wheels? I am having trouble going through a Peter Wright turnout. The rear truck is just right, but the front is too narrow. I've used an MTL gauge and it confirms my suspicion.
Rather easy, Loren. Just take a small screwdriver and insert the tip flat between wheel and truck's central structure, each side. Twist the screwdriver in order to cautiously push the wheels outwards, until gauge matches with MTL gauge. I've done that on my old 1st generation SD70s, it takes about 3 minutes for every locomotive... Dom
Thank you Dom, I will do exactly that. I didn't run the loco for several years because it was such a slow runner and finally got up the nerve to take it apart and remove the parts that caused binding. Now it out perfoms the new generation SDs I own.
Loren, make sure you try to move them straight out. That means a screwdriver that *just* fits to provide just enough wedge. Best if you can take the axle out and pull the wheel with a puller tool. Even your fingers cannot really pull it straight out. You don't want them loose. The wheel has to pull against the gear trapped inside. If it doesn't, you're just trying to force the wheel into the truck frame. Since the wheel wipers are on the outer axel points, you can also laser some thin stock to have a slot that you can slip behind the wheel and gear box. If you get lucky, the material may be all you need to parallel wedge it in. Or, one on each side or, one side and screwdriver on the other.
Jeff, you always have a unique way of complicating my life. Gotta love you for that ) I'd rather not disassemble the loco because of the wipers, but will very gently 'attempt' a fix. Thank you for the good advice. BTW............27 days till NTS. Moving faster every day.
Another hint if you think the wheels are not adjusted and do not have a MT gauge then use a plastic MT wheel set and line up the flang until they are same. Works well in my experience.
