Joe, which USA Trains motor block were you repairing?
I have found that I had to twist the collars on the drive axle sleeves to get them started, and then use the vice shown to push them flush. When the axles are installed everything became very tight. So much so I broke a sleeve off a gear attempting to widen the back-to-back setting.
It was on the USA GP38.
I recall having the same problem with a 44 Tonner using the sleeves Tony used to provide. I ended up using the fishing line & CA fix. I still have the sleeves waiting for my GP-9 to need them.
Using the 3/8 tube i have not found any lose yet but like Paul i did brake a sleeve off a gear attempting to widen the back-to-back.
Richard
hmm I wonder if a dremel ‘motortool’ drill press would have enough ‘hummpf’ to it or do I have to chk the neighbours workshop for a full size drill press !?
doug c
Not strong enough usually.
http://www.elmassian.com/trains/motive-power-mods-aamp-tips/usat-motive-power/split-axles
Greg