009 Wheels

[Davethesteam]

I have a developing 009 layout as part of my permanent 4mm layout 'Shelfield North Western'

Could someone please advise on suitable wheels that are:
Gauged properly back to back
Do not slip on the axles
Treads do not come away from wheel centres.

All locos are fine, it's just the rolling stock!!

Many thanks
David

[Krizzy]

Dave

Unfortunately 009 has had a long time problem with wheels. To eliminate all those problems highlighted in one go is to replace with all plastic wheels and axles such as from Peco. Otherwise one has to spend a little time on what you have got. Firstly get hold of a 'N' scale back-to-back gauge to check all wheels and axles. Some of the specialist N scale traders stock them. The steel treads can easily be retained on the plastic centres with a smear of superglue. Apply to the centres before squeezing the rims back on with gentle pressure from a pair of pliers. If the wheels are moving on the axles either replace with another set or again retain with a smear of glue, you will definitely need a back-to-back gauge for that job.

That is how I overcome the problem over many years of 009 modelling.

Roger

[Graeme Dunbar]

Has anyone tried thread locking fluid (e.g. Loctite 425) in this situation?

I would be one to get his fingers stuck trying to fit the parts together whereas excess Locktite can be wiped away.

[JulienW]

I've used loctite 603 (retaining compound) for securing metal tyres to plastic wheel centres. I also have some 243 Threadlocker but as this says 'not recommended for use on plastic parts' I'd avoid it. The 425 might be OK but I'd check what it says on the bottle (or a data sheet on the Loctite website) before trying it.

[B.Meldon]

You will find that the problem with wheels and tyres slipping out of gauge goes in production batches. With Roco for example they went through a bad patch just after they changed from silver to blackened wheels in the early 1980

[Graeme Dunbar]

I believe Loctite 425 is specifically suitable for "metal and plastic fasteners", but that is no guarantee, as the plastic used in wheels may not behave in the same was as the plastic used for fasteners.
https://tds.us.henkel.com//NA/UT/HNAUTTDS.nsf/web/F3315286A80C8A55882571870000D782/$File/425-EN.pdf

Looking at the datasheet it appears to be a super-glue-like formulation. I see it mentions "post application" - i.e. very much like adding a dab of super-glue. I wonder if it has any advantage over ordinary super-glue - joint penetration perhaps?

[tedp]

Occasionally I have had the same problem with wheel rim slippage. It seems to be triggered by extreme temperature changes - a wagon fitted with old Parkside wheels proved to have 4 loose rims after setting up a layout in a freezing cold exhibition hall.

My experience is that any thin liquid superglue from the DIY trade will work to secure the rims on the wheel centres.

Back to back for 009 is 7.5mm. I use N gauge and 009/H0e wheels as they come, and occasionally I need to re-set them. If the back to back size is OK, you won't have any trouble.

[Davethesteam]

Thank you all for the advice - out with the superglue and b2b gauge then!!.

Best regards to all
davethesteam