Wheel back to back measurements

3140 Views 19 Replies 10 Participants Last post by Thunder, May 9, 2008

80class

Discussion Starter · Mar 30, 2008

When I completed the track laying on my fiddle yard, I noticed that two of the five locos I was using for testing where shorting my ECoS when travelling over points. Great I thought a problem with the wiring. Thankfully, the wiring appears to be ok. That leaves me to suspect the back to back wheel measurements as being a problem as the other three locos have no problems.

I then bought the C&L back to back gauge for 00:

However, I am not sure how best to use this gauge. I believe the measurement between the wheel backs should be 14mm, is this correct?

Also, is there an easy way to adjust this on locos or does it involve a complete dismantle to prise the wheels further apart?

Sadly I suspect this will be a problem with quite a few of my locos and I guess is an unfortunate side effect of DCC as it comes with the required better sensitivity of boosters that forces you to use best operating practises!

Rob

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Sol

· #11 · Mar 31, 2008 (Edited by Moderator)

Richard, DOGA now have 14.8mm for Finescale wheels

http://www.doubleogauge.com/standards/finescalewheels.htm

but I do agree that 14.5 would be better for Universal.

I modified that gauge from you at 14.75 back to around 14.6 - 14.65 & all is good.

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Sol

· #13 · Mar 31, 2008 (Edited by Moderator)

Richard, I have no problems with trackwork being to DOGA finescale but getting loco wheels out to 14.75 - 14.8 - I had great FUN with Hornby M7 wheels to match the gauge - collectors gave me problems.

I also have a couple of kit built locos made to run on Peco code 100 which I managed with difficulty to get them out to NMRA 14.5 & not sure on how much more I could move them out.
I also have just looked at a K's kit of a 44xx class 2-6-2 to build & the driving wheels are just 14.5 & the pony truck wheels well under.

I have also used Gibson wagon wheels & I must have had a couple under 14.5 coz they were a tight fit on NMRA gauge & when I twisted them out a bees' whisker, they came loose & even the rim's came off.

So I use your modifed B2B gauge which closely matches the NMRA coupled with the C&L type track gauges & all runs well - it is a matter of making sure hand made points are bang on - things do run better than thru Peco 75.
Before I started on Code 83 rail, I used 75 & the NMRA gauge used for wheels & track & in most cases RTR was not too bad - some Hornby wagon wheels were a bit tight for NMRA.

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