2026 wheel repair?

[hrin]

 Used the Locktite method, let it dry overnight and it seems to be just fine.

Did not notice any wheel diameter issues with the 2036 I repaired but the 2026 certainly has the problem. Have another 2026 that is a little different but missing some parts, so probably wont repair that one.

This is really the first time I have done any refurbing of post war stuff. An FM, 41 Army and now these . They are all amazing units, although mine started out pretty sad they are now running great. Learned a lot and kinda wish I had more to fix up.

Next victim an MPC era General.

[RockIsland52]

green97probe

hrin,

        I have used the method cwburfle posted on a 2020, and it worked great for me.

Same here.  Locktite is one of those fix it and forget it products.  A little goes a long way, and I never had a do over for the past 45 years, even with stressed areas of repair.

Jack.

[lionelsoni]

The size difference is pretty subtle; I didn't notice it in my 2026 until I read about it.  But, if yours sits stable on perfectly flat track, you don't have it; and I don't understand why.

[arkady]

That's interesting. I have a Korean War 2026 (I got it in 1951), and the blind center drivers definitely aren't larger than the outer flanged wheels. And I know that the center drivers have never been replaced.

Different production runs, perhaps?

[lionelsoni]

If your 2026 is the Korean War model 2-6-4, you may notice that the middle wheels are slightly larger (at the tread) than the outer wheels.  With all the wheels in place, this locomotive will rock fore and aft (pitch) slightly, pivoting on those outsized wheels.  Whether this had anything to do with your wheel's coming loose, I don't know; but you might consider taking the opportunity to correct things by replacing both middle wheels.  Here is what Lionel had to say about it:

"It should be noted that the center driving wheels of the 2036 locomotives were somewhat larger than the end wheels.  This feature was intended to improve the magnetic circuit of that locomotive and was retained in the subsequently produced 2026 locomotives as well.  However, the oversized center wheels resulted in derailments on 1122 switches and were machined down in the 2037 locomotives and 2026 locomotives produced in 1953.  Only the smaller wheels will be supplied by the Parts Division."

[hrin]

 Sounds like a plan. I will give it some thought.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

hrin,

        I have used the method cwburfle posted on a 2020, and it worked great for me.

 

[cwburfle]

The following never worked well for me:

Lionel recommended using a large pair of nippers to create new swedges in the splned ends of the axle to hold the wheel better.

Here is a solution that does work well for me when the wheel will slide on and off the axle, but isn't too loose (wiggly):

Carefully clean the axle end and the hole in the wheel. (I use mineral spiritis. )
Make certain everything is clean and dry.
Put a drop of locktite or flexible, gap filling CA glue in the wheel hole. (I have used both, based on what I had on hand when I needed to do the repair)
Assemble the wheel to the axle.

This has worked very well for me.
One just has to be careful not to use too much locktite / glue because it would be undesireable to get any onto the bearings.

As I already wrote, the parts must be clean.
 

[hrin]

I have a 2026 where the middle unflanged wheel has come apart from the axle. The ridges on the axle no longer hold the wheel tight. What can be done for this? Thanks.