Sn3 OMI Caboose Wheelset Change Question

[Kirk V]

Hi All - Has anyone ever changed out the wheelsets on an Sn3 OMI C&S caboose. My layout uses code 55 flex track, and the flanges on the wheelsets are hitting the spike heads.  So I’d like to change out the wheelsets to one with a lower-profile flange if possible.  However, is there anyway to take off the wheelsets from the pedestals?  I see no way to unscrew or gently bend the pedestals.

Thanks in advance for any replies and assistance.

Kirk

[Jim Courtney]

Hey Kirk,

You have to:

A. Remove couplers
B. Remove floor.
C. One pedestal side frame is secured with 2 screws on the top of the floor, the other is soldered to the bottom of the frame.
     If you unscrew the two screws on the top of the floor, that pedestal side frame will drop down, allowing the two axles to be removed.

I have used NWSL code 88 shoulder axle wheel sets on my OMI cars. You may have to ream out the axle holes with a drill just a wee bit larger than the axle end (sometimes there is casting wax or burrs from the casting process in there that interfere with the free rolling of the axle end).

Make sure the brake shoes clear the flanges of the new wheel sets.

Reassemble in reverse order. Test rolling of wheel sets prior to reattaching floor to body. There is a little play in the screws mounting the side frame to the floor, you may have to fiddle with the position of the side frame before tightening the screws for best rolling.

Hope this helps.

[Kirk V]

Thank you, Jim!  Much appreciated.

[Keith Hayes]

Kirk, see this very nice article by Derrell Poole:
http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/How-to-pick-up-power-for-DCC-in-OMI-Cabooses-Sn3-td919.html#a1217
(search for caboose markers and soundcar for other good posts)

[Kirk V]

Thanks, Keith!