Anyone here have any experience fixxing worn-out side-rod bairings? I've got a brass SantaFe 2-10-4 with worn side-rods on the 4th coupled axle and I'd hate to have to leave it parked, it has been a sweet runner and puller. I been thinking of soldering the holes shut and redrilling but thought I'd check here first in case of a better idea.
First, I suggest, send the chassie to John Patton, he can fix it for you. If he is loaded too heavy with work, and you can't wait for perfection... Then, find out why only the 4th wheel set bearings got worn. Seames strange only one set would wear. Check the quartering too. If you are not familiar with piening a hole to shrink it in diameter, call a local clock repair company, and ask them if you could drop by and talk to their repair man. If you get an appointment, take both side rods, frame and wheels with you. He will have the punches necessary to do this and fit it up. Watch him, and try it your self on scrap, it is an invaluable skill to have. If you HAVE to solder it shut, then solder it with nickle-silver, NOT lead solder. Nickle-silver is a good bearing material. You will have to have perfect alignment, so use the frame for alignment. OK? Watash [ 30 June 2002, 19:19: Message edited by: watash ]
The forth axle has the traction tires. The holes have been too enlarged for piening to work. So I'll have to get ahold of some Nickle-Silver then. getting the measure of the centers was not a problem, a jeweler should be able to re-drill to the given measurement I hope? Thanks for the tips Watash
