needle nose axle question

[FJ and G]

The axle ends I have are pointed and fit in a small hole in the plastic (delrin?) trucks. I don't have the metal trucks and don't want to take apart the metal locomotive, so the question I have is:

How do the needle-axles fit into metal truck bodies? The delrin is self-lubricating but it would seem like the axles would chaff against metal trucks and wear out.

Here's the reason for the question. I'd like to dismantle some plastic trucks and scratchbuild some 2-axle flatcars (shortys) using the wheels/axles from the plastic trucks, and was trying to settle upon a material to use for the axles housings or journals (copper, wood, casting resin, etc).

Much thanks (naturally will post photos when completed)

[ChiefEagles]

Dave, can't answer your question about wear.  I do put a drop of synthetic oil on each axle end on ALL of my rolling stock.  Makes them really zip.  Less resistance = longer trains.   

[ADCX Rob]

They just ride in a conical bore, some had/have Delrin inserts... many Lionel locos have inserts, Polar Express included.

Rob

[Roger Bielen]

Dave, the Delrin bearings are relatively hard and slick, as to the needle nose I'll SWAG one that by using the tapper the bearing surface per length of axel is increased thus reducing the load.  It may also reduce gouging of the bearing due to lateral movement.

OK experts, lets see the rebuttles.

[FJ and G]

Thanks, Rob,

Afraid of that. Looks like I'll slice the delrin boxes off and mount them with small screws in a brass journal holder attached to the rolling stock frame, since glue doesn't stick too well to delrin.

(I'm guessing pre and postwar stuff didn't have conical axles or delrin so they must have used a different technique, course that's neither here nor there since most of my stuff is delrin modern).

Roger, was typing as you posted; thanks.

[ADCX Rob]

...(I'm guessing pre and postwar stuff didn't have conical axles or delrin so they must have used a different technique, course that's neither here nor there since most of my stuff is delrin modern).

Prior to fast angle wheels, the wheels were not fixed to the axles.  Differential action and rolling friction was all done at the wheels rolling on the axles.

Rob

[Chris F]

Looks like I'll slice the delrin boxes off and mount them with small screws in a brass journal holder attached to the rolling stock frame, since glue doesn't stick too well to delrin.

Maybe this would help - http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=83424