Lionel Prewar 248 Electric Engine Question

[csxt30]

The Train Tender also has several styles of wheel pullers I noticed.

http://www.ttender.com/partphotos/

Just click onto tools !

[mitchelr]

On my 248 the wheels were so rotten, I was able to use a pair of vise grip pliers to crumble the metal. I used a vise on my workbench to press the new wheels on.

Mitch 

[envfocus]

I was told by someone that an automotive battery terminal puller can be used.  Has anyone tried this?

[lionelsoni]

It is sometimes possible to get wheels off cleanly by wedging a flat screwdriver between the hub and the bearing, then twisting it.  The proper technique with a puller is to tighten it a little, then tap on it to drive the axle out of the wheel a little, retighten, tap, etc.  If you use a screwdriver, you should follow the same procedure using a punch (or its equivalent) to drive the axle out.  Unfortunately, this requires three hands.

[envfocus]

I have a Lionel Prewar 248 box-cab engine and I need to replace the wheels.  I have never pulled wheels off before, so any advice would be much appreciated.  I do not own any specialized tools (like a wheel puller).  Do I need to buy tools or are there alternative methods.