Wheel pulling question

[FJ and G]

Hi,

I'd like to pull a wheel off a regular toy train wheelset and was wondering if these are made to pull off (couldn't do it by hand). I'm going to stick a gear thru the axle and make the wheelset a power axle.

Here's the type of wheel:

thanks

 

 

[Wes Whitmore]

I'm wondering the same thing, actually.  It's probably put on the shaft with a press, which means I'm probably not getting it off.  I have a Lionel trolley that doesn't make good ground contact because the wheels don't seem to be wide enough to keep both wheels touching the outside rail.

Sorry I didn't help.

Wes

[FJ and G]

That's what I'm thinking. I may need to cut the axle and then put it back together in a brass sleeve coated with epoxy. I'd rather pull the wheel, of course.

[Wes Whitmore]

Have you thought about drilling from the other side, driving it out with a punch, and then just epoxy it back solid when you are done?  I'm not an engineer, of course.

Wes

[FJ and G]

I thought about doing that. I'd have to cut and file the needlenose section flat of course. I'm not an expert in drilling techniques and was afraid the bit might slip around, esp. as this is hard scintered iron. Perhaps someone knows of a good way to start a drill hole.

[Boxcar Bill]

Talk to Jeff at traintender. He has a puller, part number ST311S. This should work for you

[lionelsoni]

David,

If this is a typical wheelset from a modern car, a wheel puller with a center smaller than the axle should be able to get it off easily.  If you don't have one, just support the wheel, as in an almost closed vise, and drive the axle through with a small punch.  (However, a larger punch would be easier to use until the end is almost flush with the wheel.)  This will mess up the pointed end; but I gather you don't plan to use it as a bearing anyway.

(The wheels are probably sintered iron; but the axle is steel.)

You will probably find it easier to stick the axle through the gear than the other way around...;-)

[FJ and G]

Appreciate the advice. Much thanks.

[wrmcclellan]

Dave,

I can't recall, but if you have a small drill press like I do, I chuck the punches as recommended by Bob into my drill press and use the feed lever. You will need a small piece of scrap metal with a slot in it for a backing plate. I have used old flat door hinge pieces for this.