how to repair Kato gs-4 cracked axle centers

[peteski]

oh, breathe it will.

I've been looking at the photo on Kato's web site
(and the one here...)
there is little doubt the axles in the photo are more robust.

I just posted Kato's photo here. The axle ends are hexagonal (but most likely octagonal), similar to Mikado axles. That innovative design takes care of several problems.

[victor miranda]

I just posted Kato's photo here. The axle ends are hexagonal (but most likely octagonal), similar to Mikado axles. That innovative design takes care of several problems.

oh I recognized the photo, no worries.
The axle design does definitely take care of the cracking problem.
It also trades off some performance to solve that problem.
Frankly, I seriously doubt anyone will notice the performance difference.

any other problems, I can't tell because I have not any of the axles in my hand.

victor

[up1950s]

I just posted Kato's photo here. The axle ends are hexagonal (but most likely octagonal), similar to Mikado axles. That innovative design takes care of several problems.

Somewhere there must be a non-conductive connection , is that the spokey tasty driver center , I guess it must be . 

[victor miranda]

the most likely construction;
is axle (hexagon or octagon is ok) a plastic sleeve, and then the driver with bearing as one piece.
three parts are described there.

Some details from other Kato Steam engine drivers/axles imply... 
they may make the sleeve and the spokes of one piece design.
this is very much how they made the Mike drivers.

The other possibility is they may have the axle metal to metal on one side.
I doubt they will do this, however, the photo is not clear.
There is not a lot of spare space when you consider where the parts must fit.

victor

[carlso]

 I received my set of the new GS-4 drivers today. Since there is only one geared driver, how difficult would it be to replace the old ones? Would 1/4'tering be a factor?

Carl

[RWCJr]

Thanks for posting Carl, was going to ask the same thing. Superturbine built two ATSF 3765 class GS4 conversions for me. I ordered drivers sets for both before I need them. Robert

[peteski]

I received my set of the new GS-4 drivers today. Since there is only one geared driver, how difficult would it be to replace the old ones? Would 1/4'tering be a factor?

Carl

Time depends on how skilled you are in working on models of steam locos. GS4 can be a bit tricky (IIRC).  The person who works at Kato (and who has done many of such installations) told me he has the procedure down to about 15 minutes.    Quartering is not a problem.

[victor miranda]

quartering is done already.

I recall the problem is getting the bronze bearing blocks into the pockets properly.

the round 'ears' should be in the slot,
 the bearings stay in place on the frame,
 and the axles can move sideways quite a bit.

all of them look the same.
the last one can go up and down a good amount.

victor

[victor miranda]

here is a photo.  bearings in pockets.