--- In Z-Bend_Track@..., zbendtrack@a... wrote:
Rule 4:? Do NOT ever, ever assume that that brand new locos or a
piece of
rolling stock came to you with the wheels in gauge.? About 60% of
MTL F7's
arrive, brand new, with one or more axle out-of-gauge (almost
always too wide).?
About 20% of Marlin products are too narrow.?
A $10 MTL track gauge is the best $10 you will ever spend.? If an
axle is too
wide, it will get pinched in the expansion track, forcing the axle
up into
the air...creating a jolt to the entire train...and risking
derailment.? If an
axle is too narrow, it will love the expansion track...but derail
at the first
turnout, crossover or double slip.?
Yes, the track / coupler / wheel gauge is one of the most useful
tools for that critical wheel gauge setting.
As for MTL F7s, lately they have been much better. There may still
be older units in dealer stock, but in a recent purchase of many
replacement wheelsets all were bang-on. Newly purchased locos are
far less likely to have wheels out of gauge than they were a year
ago. And yes, usually they are (were) gauged too wide. Actually i
have never seen a MTL wheelset gauged too narrow.
If too wide, undo the two screws in the truck bottoms and lift the
plastic sideframe and wheels out, mark them for re-install in exactly
the same position. Place the offending wheelset in a pair of large
offset jaw pliers and squeeze gently. Offset jaw places the squeeze
force straight inline with the axle so you don't bend the axle and
cause wobble. A 'click' will be felt as the wheels slide into their
proper position. Do not overdo it past the click, its a lot easier
to squeeze into gauge than pull back out again if set too narrow.
