Large Scale Central

NEW side rods for LGB's small Diesels

Problem Solving
#1

The side rods for the small diesel switchers, LGB or Bachmann, are hard to replace with NOS parts. Frustrated with that effort, and motivated as a result, I went to Home Depot and bought some 3/8" wide flat aluminum stock. With the one remaining undamaged side rod, I closely duplicated new ones using a bench vise, course file, and 320 grit wet/dry sandpaper. A brief rub out with Blue Magic metal polish gave a classy sheen to the rods. I did accomodate the varied up/down wheel motion by drilling and filing a slightly oblong opening in the rods. For certain, the metal means there is little chance of breakage.

Wendell

#2

Sure seems like a good way to go, Wendell. Wouldn’t it work for any rods, not jut little Diesels? Thanks for sharing.

#3

You just need to make sure that it is properly deburred. The crank pins on many of these things are plastic. You don’t want the metal cutting into and wearing away the pins.

#4

David, when I give a caution like you just did, there’s a good chance I already messed something up. No accusation intended, just sayin’ …

#5

Good point, David,

I think as you did in using a small round file and rounded the edges of the holes drilled to prevent the outcome you caution. So far no noticeable wear. Besides, I like the look of the polished aluminum.

Side note: The Blue Magic works great as polish – we have used a quart in polishing the stainless steel in the Fullerton Train Museum restoration effort of our newly acquired 1940s Café and Dinning cars – that’s one-to-one scale.

#6

Bill Ness said:

David, when I give a caution like you just did, there’s a good chance I already messed something up. No accusation intended, just sayin’ …

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