Some new locomotive has a little over 5/8" side play at the pilot beam. This is to allow all 4 drivers to move 1/4" on their inner axles.
It was a little too much for my tighter clearances, as load could cause it to not make the clearance.
So…I ripped #1 axle out, removed the cranks and springs, and made some nylon washers to test.
Less than 1/4" play, yet still traverses 1600 curves with no problem.
Screwdriver mod, so I can put it back if I want.
Gonna try #4 axle tomorrow. Still runs smooth.
EDIT: As long as you understand this is just a consumer modification. Like slapping duals on my Flattie.
Did #4 axle today, still runs smoothly through LGB 1600 curves and switches (OLD ones, too). For my particular needs, it’s just what I need.
(http://lscdata.com/users/curmudgeon/resizeddrivers.jpg)
Finished product. Three .040" nylon washers per side. TOC
Dave, Keep up the good work. I’m not in the market for a K, but hopefully, lessons learned here will be applied to new efforts. I’d be a sucker for an EBT Mike from the makers of that “some new locomotive”.
Yeah, we have to start an acronym contest. Some New Locomotive = SNL. So what’s an SNL? How about a Senile?
OK, Dave’s invented the Senile. From now on, when anyone posts talking about a Senile, we know it’s some new locomotive that has an unmentionable name that should not be mentioned lest the unmentionable become mentionable.
My fingers are killing me after typing that!