A couple of years ago I purchased a converted Hamo 8328. The digital conversion was beautiful and it ran perfectly on the roller stand. One problem with the conversion is that the original DC wheels are on the loco. Can't be helped as it is not easy to remove these from the loco. However, my layout is computer controlled and has many contact tracks. So when then the loco goes over a contact section with the break on the left side it stops because there is no earth contact through the wheel to the decoder.

When you check the wheels there is current flow from one flange to the axle on one side only.. So what seems to be needed is a way to make contact between the axle on the other side and the flange.

Nev, the master procurer of odd things in Australia, managed to score me a small bottle of contact paint. So this afternoon I proceeded to paint the wheels. Unfortunately, it does not work.. I suspect the reason why it does not work is that the paint does not like the plastic hub on these wheels or the paint is too thin to provide enough of a circuit to provide enough current for it to run properly.



I don't want to sell the loco as it looks fantastic, so the only way out of this is to find a front bogie off a 3028.. Does anyone know where I can find one of these? Alternatively, does anyone have any ideas on how to solve this problem.

I thought of this, but the problem is that the wheels are pressed onto the axle.. I don't have a suitable tool (mini puller I guess) to remove the wheel from the axle.. Further complicating the problem is that the plastic side pieces have been "welded" to the metal bogie so I have to break them off to remove the axle from the bogie.. If I have no other choice and I can find a suitable tool I will do this, but I don't really want to irreparably damage this loco..

Hello Adrian
If only you lived nearby..your problem would be solved in 5 minutes, and the time to have a beer together!!
I have done this many times, with proper tools it is really easy!
Yes the answer is pulling the insulated wheels off and replacing them with "regular" ones.
If "regular" wheels are not available, I usually simply machine little brass bushings that I press into the wheels, and reassemble the lot.
Same result.
If you have no one nearby that has these capabilities...and feel adventurous ...you could send me the whole bogie...it will come back as "regular" instead of "insulated", and it will not wobble!
Just a thought..
Cheers

I'm not familiar with the construction of these railcars, but could you just make a pick up to connect both left and righthand wheelsets? A bit of phosphor bronze wire would be the best, bearing on the backs of both wheels.

Hello Brian.. Thanks for the part number.. The local dealer doesn't have one and there's nothing on eBay at present - I have even been looking for 3028 "blaster" without much luck.. Marklin shows the part as unknown or no longer available..

The tool looks good too... More options anyway..

Good idea!
In fact I am always looking for opportunities to play with my lathe... and we'll have a second beer to your health Adrian!
Not to worry, I guarantee the work: we'll fix the bogie *before* we drink the beers!
Cheers