I have a Lionel 318E Bild-A-Loco train set. The engine works I had it checked out at a local Hobbytown in a nearby city. Once I realized the engine had some life, I did some maintenance on the axle and wheels, cleaned the engine. Then I hooked it up to the transformer and rheostat that came with the train, directly to the train engine. And it worked the wheels spun and rheostat controlled the speed. So cleaned up the track and put the engine on the track and found out the wheels do not line up on the track correctly. One wheel fit fine the other wheel's rim is on the track. I've compressed one of the wheels and it fit the track but does not fit into the engine chassis. Is there a way to adjust the wheels on the axle to fit the track? Its a Standard gauge train, Any ideas???
aboard!
Do the wheels look like they're swollen? It's a very common issue with prewar castings.
Becky
Same me, different spelling!
Can't say they look swollen but found out that zinc rot is a common problem on prewar wheels. The zinc casting expands with age and the nickel rim on the wheel strangles? it so it bows in, increasing the space between the flanges. But there are replacement wheels so that should solve the problem. Yes you are right it is a common problem.
What part of the country do you live in Larry? We might be able to suggest Standard Gauge specialist who can look at it.
I'm no expert myself, but do you think it's maybe a bent axle?
Out of curiosity, was it just one section of track causing issues or is there a very consistent discrepancy in gauge between the track, and the wheels?Zink pest/zink rot is certainly a common issue with standard gauge equipment, but you'd know it if you saw it- the metal will have some level of cracks/fractures in it, and as has been mentioned, the metal will often have swelled/expanded out of shape. Since the standard gauge wheels with this problem have steel tires, the metal within the center of the wheel cannot expand so easily forward or out, so it compresses in towards the frame. Now, I don't know if that's relevent to your situation. I don't know a lot about collecting standard gauge, but I'm under the impression that no replacement wheels were ever made that say "The Lionel Corperation New York" on them. I have a No. 10 'Bi-Polar' loco with wheels that do, and I'm inclined to think mine are original. You should check to see if your wheels are original or replacement wheels.Here's a question- do different types of reproduction wheels have different widths? Is it possible someone replaced the original wheels with the wrong repro ones and that's why they won't fit the gauge and line up with the frame?Purely spitballing at this point.Good luck, the 318E is a nice looking loco- and it's extra neat yours is a Bild-A-Loco! -Ellie
"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"
My O gauge 259 wobbles off of tubular rail because it has bad axle bearings
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