16.5 bullhead or 18.2 EM tack

[Dave Dawes]

Morning all. Just thinking about building a new 1960s Irish layout but don't like the look of the standard Ho/OO track. The peco Bullhead looks a lot better but how about converting to EM 18.2. Are the Murphy's 121 and 141 easily converted without new axles ect and just moving the wheels slightly ?

[murrayec]

@Dave Dawes

You will have to replace the axles, the 141's axles are flush with the face of the wheels for 16mm track

You may be able to push the wheels out on the existing axles- they will be overhanging though!

Eoin

Edited November 16, 2022 by murrayec

[Dave Dawes]

Ok so a follow up for the 141s, where would I go for axles for these locos?

[Mayner]

2mm pin point wagon axles (with or without the points filed/ground off!) or 2mm bogie axle (EM) from Alan Gibson Works would be the simplest solutions.

Gibson Bogie wheels are supplied with plain ended OO and EM axles, wagon and coach wheels are available in OO, EM or S4 on 26mm pin point axles either direct (best phone and leave message for Colin Seymour) on 044 161 678 1607)or through suppliers such as Wizard Models in the UK

[murphaph]

2mm brass rod cut into lengths would probably work too? Doesn't have to be bang on lenngth wise and no pin points required.

[murrayec]

I would use 2mm piano wire, as the drive gears need to be glued onto the new axles with Locktite- Locktite works best on steel rather than on brass.

Eoin

[murphaph]

That's a good tip Eoin. I'll remember that one.