Changing wheel sets out on older HO scale Diesel locomotives to run good on Code 80 track

[outdoorsman58]

I have some older Diesel locomotives that belongs to my father I would like to run on code 80 track. I know they work on code 100 track and will run on code 80 sounding like a zipper, some issues on the switches. Suggestions.  Dave

[snjroy]

Can you provide more info about the locomotives? Can you post a picture? You might be able to change the wheels with NWSL wheel sets.

Simon

[mbinsewi]

It would be very helpful if we knew what locos you have, as in manufacturer.  I guess your wheel flanges are to big for code 83 track.

As Simon suggest, NWSL would be the best bet, at least until we know what locos you have.

NWSL I think is working it's way out of business, but their site is still active, with stock in hand.

http://www.nwsl.com/

Mike.

[outdoorsman58]

I will get some pictures shortly too post. Thanks Guys.

[BigDaddy]

outdoorsman58

I will get some pictures shortly too post.

You better read the sticky on how to do that, it is not like other forums.

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/249194.aspx

[Canalligators]

I took the cheap way out and filed down the flanges.  I applied track power to the loco with clip leads, to run the motor.  Then I stroked a single cut file diagonally across the flanges.  I kept going until the flanges fit the NMRA gauge.

For unpowered equipment, I made a little mandrel from a bolt and faucet washer and chucked it in an electric drill to spin the wheelset.  Then I used the same file on the flanges.  Plastic wheels don't take long at all, be careful that you don't take off too much material.

It is time-consuming to do this, but is very low cost.  And it works for equipment that you can't buy replacement wheels or wheelsets for.  And you can do it tonight, you don't have to wait for parts to arrive.