Source? Samhongsa steam bearing block springs

[u18b]

I've got a nice Samhongsa steamer.

Something looked wrong- one of the drivers looked a little twisted.

Turns out the little springs under the bearing blocks- one was missing (that's why the axle was slightly twisted.

Man, those springs are small!  And there are no more extras in the parts bag.
These things are so small, this must be a common problem for people losing them.

Anybody know a source for getting replacements?

[peteski]

Anybody know a source for getting replacements?

No I don't, but aren't you the "spring guy"? 

In my observation the springs used for this task are usually too stiff to softly suspend the drivers (they are more for show). Wouldn't it be nice if we could have some of those springs manufactured which would be soft enough to actually end up with truly soft-suspended drivers?

[rodsup9000]

Hey Ron,
 20+ years ago I got some very tiny springs from a clock repair guy.

Rodney

[mmagliaro]

Ron:

I know the springs of which you speak.  I've always wondered what I would do if I lost one!
Perhaps some Kadee HO coupler centering springs( #635, #636 )   or the knuckle springs (#622 or #625)
or truck springs (#637, 638)

I would plan on at least replacing the springs on both sides of the same axle and see how that goes.  Since these
are likely to be much softer than the over-rigid springs that Samhongsa puts in there, you might want to replace them all.


UPDATE:
Here's an idea.  You know those spring-loaded pins that hold watchbands on?
http://www.esslinger.com/springbars.aspx

The bars at this place go down to 1.2mm, so the spring inside must be considerably smaller.  You could tear the spring
bar apart, get the spring out, and clip it to whatever length you need.
They are stiffer than Kadee springs, but then, the Samhongsa springs are stiff too, so this might be a very good
match.

UPDATE:
I have found a few places that have springs this small that you can buy in small quantities, but the min order is
about 40 bucks from the UK.   Contact me off-line if you would consider us doing an order of these and going
halfies on them or something.   Small springs like this are darn handy, so I'd be up for some and would
gladly go in on it with you.

[rodsup9000]

 If you and Max do order any, I'll go in for some too.
Rodney

[u18b]

Peteski,
I was kind-of hoping I wouldn't be "the spring guy".
This is just a co-incidence.  I don't want it to be permanent!

Max,
I already thought of that.  It needs symmetry.  So until I replace the spring, now the rear block has zero springs.  It actually runs a little better (compared to one spring).  But I also know there will be a loss of traction.

About how many springs do you get for 40 bucks?

If the price is too high, we could always get the spring guys I'm already using to make us some.

While the EP-2 project is pretty narrow, I would think a LOT of Samhongsa steam folks would need these springs.  I'm surprised there were no extras in the parts bag.

[peteski]

Ron,
I was half-serious about you being the "spring guy".  Seriously, are any of the many springs you received in that sample pack usable for the spring you are looking for?  Even if one was too long and have to be trimmed.

[u18b]

Actually, I did check.

Unfortunately, the heart stents were just not fat enough.

There is a little pin on the frame that the spring sits on.  Then you slide the bearing block down.  Block has a recessed place spring fits into.
Those stents are just too small, though the biggest ones are about the right length.

[mmagliaro]

Peteski,
I was kind-of hoping I wouldn't be "the spring guy".
This is just a co-incidence.  I don't want it to be permanent!

Max,
I already thought of that.  It needs symmetry.  So until I replace the spring, now the rear block has zero springs.  It actually runs a little better (compared to one spring).  But I also know there will be a loss of traction.

About how many springs do you get for 40 bucks?

If the price is too high, we could always get the spring guys I'm already using to make us some.

While the EP-2 project is pretty narrow, I would think a LOT of Samhongsa steam folks would need these springs.  I'm surprised there were no extras in the parts bag.

Here's a place I found some:
http://www.leespring.co.uk

They have compression springs down to .025" diameter (that's mighty darn small).
Those are expensive, $4 - $5 each even if you order 20 and spend almost 90 bucks.

But by the time you get up to .040" diameter, the price drops to $3.25, and they get cheaper as you
go bigger.  Just what diameter are those springs?

[u18b]

I'll measure Saturday and report back.

[u18b]

Hi Max

Got my calliper out.

Sammy bearing block springs are:

.0435" diameter or about 1.1 mm

~ .0703" length or about 1.8 mm

Oh.  And Kadee HO scale knuckle coupler springs are way too big.  They are closer to Ripido coupler springs.

[Loren Perry]

Make your own spring. It's easy.

Get some fine brass wire like .006" or .008" stock from Detail Associates.

Next, wind the wire several times around a small drill bit (no. 76 or whatever is about right for your application.)

Now use some jeweler's or manicurist's scissors to cut it to length. Stretch the spring using tweezers to adjust the length.

These are the basics. You can adjust the steps to suite your needs.

And yes, I did this. I made all-new sets of replacement springs for a pair of brass USRA 2-10-2 locomotives many years ago because the stock springs were too stiff to allow the axles to adjust for track defects. The brass replacements were softer and ended up working flawlessly.

[peteski]

Thanks for posting this info Loren!