Replacement fiber gears for lionel's 252.

My guess is that, regardless of who sells them, they are all made by the same person.

I have the same problem with reproduction/replacement knobs for 1940 Ford radios.

You might need a lathe to fix them.

RonH,

Sir, Did you try Hennings Trains? How about The Train Tender? George Tebolt? Kinda sounds like cheap repros. How about if you measure with a micrometer and hunt for a new piece to fit your shaft? Somewhere, somehow, someone could have switched motors years ago. Or maybe your little engine could be a transition piece? There's all sorts of possibilities.

Took some measurements of the idler gears:

Hole centers of idler gears:

Original Fiber of idler gear: 0.162

Metal Replacement of 4 idler gears: 0.159, 0.157, 0.157, 0.156.

Diameter of idler gear axle/stud on motor frame:  0.160.

As you can see, the holes on the replacement idler gears are too small and will not work.

I also took the dimensions of the outside dimensions of the gears, both large and small since they are stacked as one and also the inside dimensions of the teeth. The replacement gears are 1 or 2 thousands smaller than the fiber and should work.

I will try RoyBoy’s idea and chuck a gear up in a lathe and either drill (4.1 mm = 0.16142 dia.) or a metric reamer. I have 4 replacements and if I screw up I have another.

If this works I will post the results.

Received a ordered several 41mm drills from Mc. Master-Carr today.

Chucked up a gear in a lath and drilled /enlarged the hole in the gear.

Now the gear fits right on without any binding. Powered it up and all works.

Ron,

There are those who will disagree, however, one more time for all to see. Most if not all other individuals who enjoy our hobby have results that they can document. When results are documented it makes one want to dance a jig.

RonH, above all else, Thank you! I appreciate your sharing your experience with all of us who follow you and your experiences.