Coined wheels

[TVRR]

Just a general question, I have seen references made to coined drivers and I wonder if someone could explain their significance. Method  of manufacture or? any advantages or drawback?

[peteski]

I never heard that.  Sounds like the wheels are manufactured like coin (forged in a press) instead of being machines on a lathe-type of a machine.

Where did you encounter this info and to what model does it apply>

[nickelplate759]

I never heard that.  Sounds like the wheels are manufactured like coin (forged in a press) instead of being machines on a lathe-type of a machine.

Where did you encounter this info and to what model does it apply>

Yep, exactly like a coin.  This was a common way of making drivers, sideframes and other components of brass model locomotives back in the 60s and 70s.
<edit>
Clarification - this was used for the driver centers. I'm not aware of it being used for the tires, but I suppose it's possible.

[TVRR]

Peteki, post # 48 on the Smoking N scale Steamer.
Nickelplate thanks for the info. Sounds like it should produce a high quality product.

[Big Train]

IIRC, when ConCor released the original S2 GN Northern by Kato in the mid 80's, one of the selling points was that it had "coined drivers". Just has quick look at mine and it seems the tires are machined on the driver after "coining". There is no visible driver rim where the tire is machined: it's machined right up to the spokes.

[peteski]

IIRC, when ConCor released the original S2 GN Northern by Kato in the mid 80's, one of the selling points was that it had "coined drivers". Just has quick look at mine and it seems the tires are machined on the driver after "coining". There is no visible driver rim where the tire is machined: it's machined right up to the spokes.

I thought those were cast and machined metal.

[rschaffter]

The drivers on the original Con-Cor/Kato Hudsons appear to be coined...

[ncbqguy]

As luck would have it while I was looking for an example of the Con-Cor GN S-2 Driver pairs I happened to grab a J3a Driver pair which is from the original production.
My memory was not firm on the construction of either but they both are indeed coined.   I know that the Main Frame of the Kato-built S-2 was also coined.   
The later improved Kato and Chinese J3a had solid driver tire/disc parts made on a screw machine with the Box Pox Driver Center / Axle Stub molded in plastic.  I don't have any China-Built S-2 or Daylights on hand to comment on the construction of those wheels.
Charlie Vlk

[eja]

Speaking of coins,

I can't believe some haven't begun their addition to this thread with "my two cents worth, but...."

 

[wm-webb]

But I sure getting my nickel's worth.

[Doug G.]

Drivers are a dime a dozen.

Doug

[Doug G.]

But they HAVE to be quartered.



Doug

[Doug G.]

Weren't the drivers on the very first version of the J3a made of Zamac and that's why they didn't work very well for electrical pickup?

Doug

[Lemosteam]

But they HAVE to be quartered.



Doug

That's my two bits, too! ($0.50).

[mmagliaro]

Weren't the drivers on the very first version of the J3a made of Zamac and that's why they didn't work very well for electrical pickup?

Doug

I have some of those.  I don't think it's Zamac.  I think it's just some cheesy plating.
The main reason the first run J3a's had major pickup problems is that they had no pickup at all in the tender.
They relied entirely on the drivers.

But true, the drivers were much improved in the later runs.