American Models Locomotive | 4-6-2 | Mechanical

American Models

Locomotive

4-6-2

Mechanical

Side Rods

Rich Gajnak noticed that the main rod is attached to the outside of the crosshead, rather than on the inside. He states that moving the main rod to its proper location isn't difficult, but can be a little tricky, punching out the rivet. He used a wire brad in his drill press to punch out the rivet. He supported the rod assembly with a piece of wood with a small hole drilled in it to capture the rivet. The rivet pops out rather quickly, so it is important to capture it. There is usually enough of the rivet left to be reused, although some of the distortion may need to be smoothed out. The rivet is placed in the crosshead and main rod placed on the back side of the crosshead. An NWSL Riveter or a center punch can be used to secure the rivet. A dab of superglue on the rivet end doesn't hurt, just in case.