Toy train operating and collecting

I have a Lionel 2-4-2, #1654,with rear drive wheel wobble.  I have not determined if the cause of the wobble is a bent axle or a mis-drilled hole in the wheel.  The wobble is cosmetic only and the engine runs fine.  Has anyone had any experience in correcting wheel wobble?  Thank You...

Earl

EIS2:

I have a Lionel 2-4-2, #1654,with rear drive wheel wobble.  I have not determined if the cause of the wobble is a bent axle or a mis-drilled hole in the wheel.  The wobble is cosmetic only and the engine runs fine.  Has anyone had any experience in correcting wheel wobble?  Thank You...

Earl

Earl.....I see a repairman in your future. Sorry I can't be of more help.

In my experience, wheel wobble is usually caused by a bent axle. Sometimes, but rarely, the wheel was put on crooked. If the wobble does not bother you, and the engine runs ok, forget about it. Otherwise, I'd replace the axle. I do that sort of work with a wheel puller, and an arbor press with the correct cups.

Hi Earl, wish I could help, I am actually looking info about the same type of problem.  I have an inexpensive 2-axle switcher from the late '90's (it was under fifty bucks) that definitley has a hole drilled out of position and wobbles badly.  It is enough to make the operation erratic at best.  I was hoping to find out if anyone had taken the time to figure out a repair for these little guys, Its one of my little boy's favorites!

 John Z

jhz563:

I was hoping to find out if anyone had taken the time to figure out a repair for these little guys, Its one of my little boy's favorites!

Wheels (and axles) are available for most Lionel trains. Your loco probably takes one of the several varieties of diesel wheels.

 I have a 0-4-0 switcher that had the same problem with the wheel wobbling.  I took a pair of channel locks and put them across from the bent wheel to the center of the wheel on the opposite side.  It was easy to bend the axle back straight.  The axels are quite soft and bend very easily.

 I would be real careful, using the wheel to straighten a bent axle. The wheels are either die-cast or sintered (made using powdered metal) and are a bit brittle. I'd even be cautious using a wheel-puller that pulled on the rim. A broken wheel is even worse than a wobbly one!

/Lone