I need to replace the driver springs in an old brass engine. Is there a trick to holding the springs in place on the brass tabs while the wheel sets are being lowered in place and then a trick to holding each wheel set in place while I lower each succeeding wheel set?
Would something like adjustable grip hemostats work? I can't really visualize what you're up against here, but I picture an inverted and cradled boiler and frame, upward facing slots where the axles go, and a bearing with coiled springs?
A clear and sharply focused photo would really help.
ARTHILL I need to replace the driver springs in an old brass engine. Is there a trick to holding the springs in place on the brass tabs while the wheel sets are being lowered in place and then a trick to holding each wheel set in place while I lower each succeeding wheel set?
To hold the springs on the pin before lowering the wheelset, the official solution is to use a bit of thick grease on the pin. That should hold the spring.
Once a wheelset is lowered down on its spring-pair, its own weight should keep things together while you do the other drivers.
And then the retaining plate should finish things up.
Ed