The steamer bushings from Doug are not the same as the early AF production replacement diesel bushings he sells which are not the same as most if not all of the Oilite bushings repair people otherwise use to bush latter production diesel trucks that never had bushings to begin with. And none of them are the same as replacement bushings for early production Lionel AF diesel trucks. Be sure you know which one you should be using, on which engine, and have the right drill bits on hand.
Steamer bushing large ID - 2643 - you'll find it slips on the large OD end of the drive gear knurled axle, but finish it with a #14 anyway.
Steamer bushing small ID - 2642 - you'll find it won't slip on the small OD end of that axle or the ends of a plain axle without getting drilled with a #19 (this was news to Doug after selling them for years, but he confirmed it with me one year ago, unless his manufacturer/machinist changed the design since then)
Replacement bushings for early production AF diesel trucks - 611- set of four, two large ID and two small ID for one truck; knock in (out) the old, press in the new, per the instructions Doug provides with them. If using them on later production diesel trucks, also follow the directions Doug provides with them, but you'll need to drill a 3/8" hole first. In either case, finish the small with a #19, and the large with a #14.
Oilite replacement bushings - available from different sources including Hobby Horse Products -- you'll need the correct drills - for example a D, #14, and #19. HHP sells an AF diesel truck re-bushing kit with jig, bits, bushings, etc. Google and contact them for more information.
Early Lionel AF diesel truck bushings - about as available as hen's teeth, but if you find them, while smaller in OD, the procedure is much like replacing early Gilbert diesel truck bushings, except they only go half way into the frame so you need to draw out the worn ones (can't knock them through). They work well on those specific chassis, just hard to find.
If you want to get into the re-bushing biz there are a few things you'll need, otherwise leave it to a pro. I haven't seen Ed's work first hand, but he is a great guy and I have every reason to believe that whatever work he does is top shelf, first rate, A-1, you get the picture. I know from firsthand experience that Neil Bishop re-bushes AF diesel trucks to perfection, although I don't think he does steamers.
Some of the key things to have if you go the DIY route:
- Low run-out multi-speed drill press
- A mill is even better
- Correct size drill bits -- sharp and high-quality
- Cutting oil
- Correct types and sizes of bushings for each job
- Jig for holding the truck/chassis in position
- High-quality, deep enough throat depth vise or x-y to position and hold jig(s) steady
- Arbor press
- LocTite (red)
- Practice before you work on something "real", patience and experience before it gets "easy"
Have fun with your trains.
Dave
