I'm hoping to get some help identifying the size of a screw missing from the bottom a brass freight car. I believe the car is from Nickel Plate Products (HO). I've tried 2-56 but that doesn't fit. No other screws I have fit either.
The the missing screw can be seen in this photo on the far left side of the base, outlined in red.
Just a wild guess, what about a metric size screw? Most brass is imported, so, like I say, just a quess. I don't have much for brass.
There are quite a few on here that do have brass, maybe with this "bump" to your thread, someone will see it.
Mike.
My You Tube
Yes, they are metric.
.
I always drill my brass cars out with a #50 drill, and tap the hole for 2-56. That way I can use a Kadee truck and throw away those silly springs brass manufacturers like to include on the truck screws.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
This isn't a quick or an inexpensive fix; but I have screw checkers that i bought from MicroMark. i am assuming the other end of the car has the same screws; I would back one of those out, and check it in the screw checker.
I would tend to agree with Mike above that this is a metric screw.
Shoelesstried 2-56 but that doesn't fit
If it's too big the next smaller size is 2mm, you aren't going to find those at Home Depot or Ace Hardware
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
BigDaddyIf it's too big the next smaller size is 2mm, you aren't going to find those at Home Depot or Ace Hardware
Right. Especially Home Depot, but, Ace stores always have a huge selection of those Hilmann Fastener cabinets and drawers. You might get lucky, worth a try.
I like Kevin's method. Retapp it for a 2-56. Of course, than there's my method, find one as close as you can get make it work.
Of course, if it's a nice piece, you wouldn't want to do that.
Thanks Mike. Good point - I had not thought about metric.
Tapping for a 2-56 seems like a really simple approach. No guesswork there.
Thanks for the tip.
Be careful, though, if you ever have to tap the coupler mounting pad on some brass equipment.
One very common mistake I encounter is that someone has used a screw to mount the coupler that is too long and this pushes the pad away from the floor. Conversely, if you try to tap this pad, unless you use a bottom tap, the same thing will happen.
Resoldering the coupler mounting pad is one of the most common repairs I've had to make on brass rolling stock.
Good Luck, Ed
Anything from the other side of the Pond is going to be Metric.
Laptops have tiny Metric screws. They can share one or two.
Modelers need proper set of taps, fasteners when working on models.
I have re-tapped with 2-56 to mount a motor with nylon screws. I just had to file the tapped hole smooth so the Kapton tpe was not puntured.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Shoeless,
I think I have what you need.
Send me a private message with your address, and I will drop the screws in the mail this weekend.