Keystone Customs announces Electrical Isoaltion Muffs for FVM Axles

[Lemosteam]

Just in case you wanted to electrically isolate any FVM axle for use in a tender or lighted passenger car with electrical pickups, this muff will do the trick.

Electrical isolation muff for Fox Vally Models TM, axle shafts of 1.48mm diameter Just snip or grind in half two axles, de-burr both non-insulated halves on each shaft, press both shafts into muff.  If the muff is too small drill out center with 1.48mm drill bit and glue in place.  Check for lack of electrical continuity before use.  Designed to create isolated axles similar to Kato and Bachmann tender axles.



https://www.shapeways.com/product/FWTVUSLA2/n-scale-axle-muff-20pk-for-fvm-axles

[Cajonpassfan]

John, what a great idea! I was looking for something like this to replace wheelsets with big ugly fat wheels and flanges.
What is the length of the tubes?
Thanks, Otto K.

[Lemosteam]

John, what a great idea! I was looking for something like this to replace wheelsets with big ugly fat wheels and flanges.
What is the length of the tubes?
Thanks, Otto K.

Thanks @Cajonpassfan .  I measured 36 FVM axle samples and arrived at a 7.61mm length to maintain whatever axle length you start from.  Keep in mind it takes 4 FVM axles to create two muffed axles.

I tried this using styrene and I could not keep the tubing lengths consistent, and drilling out the ID presented various fit issues and so it was off to CAD!

I was able to easily snip the axles in half using a pair of Xurons (clean off burrs).  If you snip each side to 3mm-3.5mm from the back of the wheel you will guarantee a gap inside the muff.

[peteski]

This is excellent idea John!  I just hope that these will be durable enough and not start cracking like the Bachmann white and black nylon axle tube/gear moldings they use in their models.

[Lemosteam]

Since there is no load to speak of or torque applied, I don't suspect any issues.

[Chris333]

I know someone who made is own Shapeways 3D axle top hats to replace the ones from NWSL. He machines them first, but say they are more stable than the soft plastic ones.
http://s276.photobucket.com/user/jnj1097/library/Wheel%20assembly?sort=3&page=2

[Lemosteam]

Finally got some axle muffs in and after a cleanup drilling with 1.5mm drill, snipping the the electrified enf from two axles and a verly light press, we have isolated axles!  the roll nice and true.  This example is a .540" axle.

[nkalanaga]

"Keep in mind it takes 4 FVM axles to create two muffed axles."

Can you still use the insulated wheels and the muffs to make usable wheelsets, as long as you don't need electrical pickup?  That way you at least won't be wasting the wheels.

[peteski]

Those muffs look chunky when the wheels are installed (they didn't look that fat in the digital rendering).  But I guess it is needed for strength.

[Lemosteam]

"Keep in mind it takes 4 FVM axles to create two muffed axles."

Can you still use the insulated wheels and the muffs to make usable wheelsets, as long as you don't need electrical pickup?  That way you at least won't be wasting the wheels.

Yes, of course.

[Lemosteam]

Those muffs look chunky when the wheels are installed (they didn't look that fat in the digital rendering).  But I guess it is needed for strength.

Yes, larger than Kato, same dia as Bachmann. Can't print any thinner wall than that.

[basementcalling]

Those muffs look chunky when the wheels are installed (they didn't look that fat in the digital rendering).  But I guess it is needed for strength.

Careful there Peteski.

[peteski]

Careful there Peteski.

That was a compliment!   Some like their muffs slender, some like them chunky!

[Lemosteam]

That was a compliment!   Some like their muffs slender, some like them chunky!

Definition: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muff

Usually most like them furry  :

[peteski]

Mmmmmmmm! Au-naturalle furry muff!