Well, after some time, I have an assortment of drivers. From the left in the photo is a Stevenson Preservation Lines, O-scale, WC-53L 61"-63" (about 80" S-scale), a SSL&S 78", S-scale (not available anymore), an American Models 79" (closer to 76") S-scale, and an original American Flyer 64", S-scale.
The O-scale driver is not as heavy in detail as I was afraid in might be. Interestingly, the O-scale flanges are much bigger than the Flyer's. That's probably because Bob turned down his tire to a S-scale 80" for me. If I use the O-scale driver, I will have to turn down the flanges a bit. The SSL&S were available only with S-scale flanges, a bit smaller than I would prefer because I run S-scale, Hi-rail flanges typically.
I bought 19mm narrow (O-scale) gauge axles from Slater's and they perfect for S, standard gauge. I did a trial fitting with the O-scale drivers and rolled them down the track -- great, so far. (Does anyone know what size the Allen wrench is for the Slater's axles?) I have found with converting O-scale wheelsets to S, the familiar back to back measurement to be useless because of the difference it flange widths in O-scale in general and compared to S. It's the measurement of the B-B plus 2 flanges that really matters -- It's got to fit the track gauge first.
I'm still interested in 3-D print centers, but if the cost is about the same as making a lost wax master and having it cast, then I guess there really is no point... I have way too much invested in this project already to bother with being more accurate.
Comments are welcomed,
Tom Stoltz
in Maine
