Hi all,

I have a loco that I got on ebay a while ago (3304) that after some time has developed a slippage in the axles. Both the first and third axles slip. That is, the wheels on each side of the loco are able to turn independently of each other, and thus the loco binds up and gets stuck. The wheels were so loose I was able to pop them off the axle with almost no effort.

I took the valve gear off the loco except for the rod that connects the wheels. I tried to align the wheels by hand and apply a bit of Loctite, but I am having a lot of trouble getting the alignment right. Is there any trick to it, or do I just need more patience/skill?

Thanks in advance.

-Brandon

Thanks Yum. I have seen this thread before, one of the most interesting and beneficial threads I have seen. Anyone reading who has any interest in this should read the whole thing through.

You're right the Loctite is not a great solution for these. I may try and knurl the end of the shaft, but I don't have the equipment. Now, getting a lathe, etc is very tempting...it's been a while since I was in a true machine shop. But, I think I'd better resist, or at least for one loco.

It sounds to me from the linked post that to align the wheels, you pretty much just turn everything by hand on the track with the motor removed to see if you have it right. However, since the wheel will need to be pressed on, how do you get the alignment right at the press? I think I may be looking for a trick that doesn't exist, there are no alignment marks that I can see.

I don't mind the involvement, it sounds fun. This cheaply acquired 3304 may be a good learning case. However, at the same time...one may ask, is it worth it for this one little loco? :)

-Brandon

Thanks Yum. This is all helpful.

I will have to decide what to do with the project. I am very interested in giving it a go. At the same time, I have a lot of other projects that probably should have priority (layout!!!), and a limited amount of to get them done. Luckily this is the only loco I have at the moment with this kind of problem.

As a curious side note, I have had a couple of 3318/3518 BR18.4 in the past that had this problem on the rear driving wheel. I don't know if it's more common with that model or if I am just lucky. I also have a 3604 with an earlier production date that got thrown in with a set of coaches, no problem with this one. The 3304 has the blackened wheels, 3604 with the silver.

In the end though, this 3304 is probably my fault. These are geared for low speed driving. One time a couple of years ago my son was driving it, and he cranked to the speed...it went fast for a moment, until the axle slipped and it bound up. I put it aside and never got back to it until recently. I hope I don't get in trouble with the Marklin police ;)

-Brandon