mwb posted:Bob Delbridge posted:I know this is an old topic, but the problem still exists.
If I was to make a Hi-rail wheel gauge, what would be the defining measurement to check? Would it be back-to-back width of the wheels? For some reason I keep plopping the NMRA 2-rail gauge onto a set of Hi-rail wheels expecting them to drop right in. I've noticed that almost every wheelset I try, the backs of the wheels are "just" too wide, about 1/16" from going in. But they're all consistent. If I took even a scrap piece of brass and made it to slip between the wheels (whatever that measurement should be) then I could check every wheelset against it and it would be easier than holding a ruler up to the wheels.
Another topic...I spent the last 2 days cleaning crud off the wheels of my rolling stock, didn't want to do it but I noticed several wheels had buildup that was 1/32" thick! While cleaning them I noticeda lot of variation between tread angles, a couple of cars had wheel tread where the angle was almost flat but with large flanges.
Bob, one of the problems you are going to have making a Hi-rail wheel gauge is that the contour of the wheels themselves is also not standard and that's going to make this very difficult unless you standardize your personal use/choice of wheels in use.
Agreed, the contour of the wheels is far from standardized but the flange back to back distance has to be the same or you will have derailments on switches. The gaurd rails pull the wheels the correct way so they do not jump the frog. If the back to back measurements are all over the place I don’t think see how anything stays on the track.
I like hand laying track and the lack of a gauge is a frustration. I am going to see how Gargraves track measures up with the nmra gauge. If it is in spec you could use that and a wheel set that is representative of your fleet and sort of be ok.
