Modifying trucks to accept Kadee wheel sets

[tom mann]

Does anyone have ideas on how to do this?  This tool looks like it does the trick, but it is sold out at my usual shopping places:

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Reboxx-HO-T-100-Exxact-Socket-Tool-p/rbx-t100.htm

[Missaberoad]

http://www.micromark.com/ho-truck-tuner,8241.html

Perhaps...

As a side question does such a tool exist for N scale?

[ednadolski]

Looks like the same tool.

The trick in using them is to make sure that when you squeeze the side-frames together, you align the side-frame which is being cut so that it is perpendicular to the axis of the cutting tool.

That sounds like it could be rather touchy, but I've never done this myself so maybe it is simpler than it seems.

What trucks are you 'tuning'?   Would it be easier just to use the Kadee truck?

Ed

[tom mann]

What trucks are you 'tuning'?   Would it be easier just to use the Kadee truck?

Exactrail.  They look good, so I was just hoping to change the wheelset since I'm on a back profile kick lately.

[VonRyan]

http://www.micromark.com/ho-truck-tuner,8241.html

Perhaps...

As a side question does such a tool exist for N scale?

Technically, yes. But not in the sense of the HO one.

The N-scale one is a specially re-ground drill-bit in a pin-vice that tunes MT trucks with a couple light twists in each journal. It minimizes the contact surface between the axle points and the journals, improving rolling quality.

[Missaberoad]

Technically, yes. But not in the sense of the HO one.

The N-scale one is a specially re-ground drill-bit in a pin-vice that tunes MT trucks with a couple light twists in each journal. It minimizes the contact surface between the axle points and the journals, improving rolling quality.

Interesting... does the pin-vice handle make it difficult to stay perpendicular?

[peteski]

One of my many, many projects is to build a tool just like Reboxx H0 tool.  All it is is a custom made double-ended countersink bit with a plastic ring for a handle.

I already bought couple of 1/8" diameter 60 degree single-flute countersinks. All I need to do is to trim their shafts to length and join them, back to back, using some brass tubing.  Just like the Reboxx tool, except that since in mine both cutting edge are clockwise cutting, I will have to twirl it back and forth (to dress the axle cups on both sides).

[Spikre]

 
  just use a drill under 1/16" and wobble it around the journal.
  be carefull not to drill all the way thru the sideframe.
  its actually easier to file down the Axle ends slightly,but then
  those axles are only good for the trucks in question.
  the "TOOL" is easier to use,but still there isn't one here.
  the Drill with the Hopps Black Powder Nipple Pick is a good
  size for this sort of thing,start with it,then go up in size if
  needed.
   there are ways around not having the "TOOL".
     Spikre
     

[ednadolski]

Exactrail trucks can be disassembled.  I've (carefully) drilled them out with a regular drill bit to accept P:87 wheelsets.  (Be careful not to lose or damage the brake detail -- don't ask me how I know  )

Ed

[bbussey]

 

[Missaberoad]

One of my many, many projects is to build a tool just like Reboxx H0 tool.  All it is is a custom made double-ended countersink bit with a plastic ring for a handle.

I already bought couple of 1/8" diameter 60 degree single-flute countersinks. All I need to do is to trim their shafts to length and join them, back to back, using some brass tubing.  Just like the Reboxx tool, except that since in mine both cutting edge are clockwise cutting, I will have to twirl it back and forth (to dress the axle cups on both sides).

That's a great idea...
Thanks

[tom mann]

On a related note, does anyone know what happened with the new Exactrail wheels?  They made a big deal about them a few years ago, saying that they acquired expensive Swiss machining tools. The sold out wheels on their website have flat backs, though.

[VonRyan]

Interesting... does the pin-vice handle make it difficult to stay perpendicular?

Well as is, even the drill bit makes itself non-perpendicular to the journals, but it doesn't matter.
I suspect that was a factor in how it was designed.