3mm diameter axles and 1/8 inch bearings

[chrisf]

Learned gentlemen, I need some advice and I apologise now if the question below appears a stupid one!

I have a wheel conversion pack for a Bachmann 45xx tank and was nearly all set to begin the conversion to P4 when Comet announced a kit for the 45xx chassis. I was able to inspect a sample of the Comet chassis at York yesterday and although it is clearly a distinct improvement on the Bachmann product [no offence meant, Bachmann] it is of course intended to take 1/8 inch diameter axles. I have more than an inkling that if I use 1/8 inch bearings to accommodate 3mm diameter axles I will be asking for trouble, for even I know that 3 mm is 0.175mm less than 1/8 inch and the smaller axle will hardly be a snug fit - in fact, sloppy would be an understatement.

It will come as no surprise that I have searched in vain in suppliers' catalogues for 3mm axle bearings or even conversion bushes which I acceot would have been rather a long shot. Before you ask, I possess neither a lathe nor the knowledge of how to use one. So: is there a simple solution that I have managed to overlook or is it off to the bring and buy with the wheels and axles that I bought before the world changed?

Chris

[Alan Turner]

Two solutions:

a) buy some 3mm bearings/hornblocks from Exactoscale and substitute for the Comet ones.

b) buy some 1/8th brass tube, solder into bearings and then ream out to 3mm. The 3mm reamer aint cheap but at least you will have it for next time!


Alan

[Tim V]

Or convert the Bachmann one with the wheels you have and get another set to use with the Comet chassis. Then you'll have two 45s

[Philip Hall]

The easiest solution is to return the driving wheels to the manufacturer and ask for the wheel centres to be remoulded with a 1/8" hole! Both Colin Seymour (Alan Gibson) and David Rogers (Ultrascale) have done this in the past and I'm sure could help.

Philip

[chrisf]

Gentlemen, thank you for the food for thought. I should have spotted that Exactoscale do 3mm bearings ...

I have decided to go with Tim's eminently sensible suggestion on the basis that running before you can walk has much to commend it.

Chris