Replacing pilot & trailing wheels on AF prewar O gauge typeViii Loco

[jcolonbc]

I need to replace the pilot and trailing wheels on my prewar O gauge AF Type VIII engine.  The wheels are falling apart, but I have'nt found a way to remove them so I can put on steel type wheels.  I need help, Thanks [e-mail]

[kaycee]

Hi jcolonbc,

What I did in my case was take a Dremel tool and grind down the OD of the peened end of the axle. Take off just enough to get the wheel to pull off. Replace the wheels, then re-peen the axle end with a pointed nail set or the like, allowing the axle end to flare just enough to hold the wheels on. You can smooth out or fill the peen mark if you wish. Take care not to hit the axle so hard it bends.

Another option other than re-peening is to tap and drill the axle end and screw in a hex bolt, such as one used for Lionel valve gear and rods, then round off the hex to a circle by filing or grinding. Make sure to use thread locker or epoxy on the threads to stay put.

Port Line Hobbies sells replacement axles for AF-O that have a head on one end and a pre-drilled hole on the other for peening/flaring out. 

 Hope I helped.

Kaycee

[jcolonbc]

Thanks for the help,  that is what I did.  I'am now waiting for new wheels and axles from Portlines.  Next trick will be to "Peen" the axles. Thanks again! Jim C. from Sealy,Texas