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@feet posted:

I like you're roller stand. Did you build it ?

Yes, designed it so could test anything I own including AA units Centipede.

In the first pic the S1 is sitting on a length of RealTrax that includes an operating section.  That why can rolling stock couplers and any operating cars.  Also as pictured can set the engine(s) there and then space the rollers  and support track sections where would need them.  Then built the shorter (18-inch) test stand to make it easier to test single unit diesels and short steam engines. All in all think have 12 rollers.

Ron

For those who built stands with Micro-mark rollers on track, did you have issues with the pickup block "rocking" on the center rail due to the screw holding the pickup shoe being slightly too proud? This is the case with the set I just received (whether I mount it on O or O27 tubular, don't have nay other track to try it on).

Here's the version I built for my S-gauge locos.  Similar in concept to what others have shown, except that I don't need a center rail pick-up, so it was easier to remount the rollers on wooden stands, which makes for a much more solid operation.  Here's the link to my previous post about a year ago:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...c/131926382613123531

- Rich

@S Rice posted:

For those who built stands with Micro-mark rollers on track, did you have issues with the pickup block "rocking" on the center rail due to the screw holding the pickup shoe being slightly too proud? This is the case with the set I just received (whether I mount it on O or O27 tubular, don't have nay other track to try it on).

I've got that issue on tubular. Most stuff is heavy enough it doesn't matter but I'll eventually change that screw.

@Ahitpy posted:

Bachmann/Williams is listing a 3rail "Rolling Road" that includes wheel cleaners for $159.  Orders are being taken by Transworld for March 2021 delivery.  Here is the link

https://www.trainworld.com/man...ners-o-scale-3-rail/

Did I miss it or are these still on the way (going on two years late?)?

WILLIAMS #39031 ROLLERS AND DRIVE WHEEL CLEANERS (O SCALE 3-RAIL).   

Williams #39031 Rollers and Drive Wheel Cleaners [O Scale 3-Rail)

WILLIAMS #39030 ROLLING ROAD W/ROLLERS AND DRIVE WHEEL CLEANERS (O SCALE 3 RAIL)

Williams #39030 Rolling Road w/Rollers and Drive Wheel Cleaners [O Scale 3 Rail)

@S Rice posted:

For those who built stands with Micro-mark rollers on track, did you have issues with the pickup block "rocking" on the center rail due to the screw holding the pickup shoe being slightly too proud? This is the case with the set I just received (whether I mount it on O or O27 tubular, don't have nay other track to try it on).

I'm late to this topic.  If I need to start a new one, someone let me know and I will.  I have the same question as Rich posted because I just built a test track with a sliding pilot bed from MartyE's tips on You Tube.  Has anyone come up with any modifications to the Micro Mark rollers that allows them to position their engines more evenly by replacing the screws?  Also, has anyone tried the Proses rollers and how do they compare to Micro Mark's?  I've only tried one engine on my test track and it's a lighter Railking SD60 diesel engine.  I got it to work using the 4 roller set but it did not work  until I set the roller set with the center rail bar underneath the fake wheel pair where the pick-up roller was, and then was able to use an added pair working wheels on an additional set of rollers.  But the engine doesn't sit evenly.  Seems like there's got to be some easy modifications to make the rollers work better on tubular track.

Mike

Last edited by IRON HORSE
@IRON HORSE posted:

I'm late to this topic.  If I need to start a new one, someone let me know and I will.  I have the same question as Rich posted because I just build a test track with a sliding pilot bed from MartyE's tips on You Tube.  Has anyone come up with any modifications to the Micro Mark rollers that allows them to sit their engines more evenly by replacing the screws?  Also, has anyone tried the Proses rollers and how do they compare to Micro Mark's?  I've only tried one engine on my test track and it's a lighter Railking SD60 diesel engine.  I got it to work using the 4 roller set but it did not work I until set the roller set with the center rail bar underneath the fake wheel pair where the pick up roller was and another pair working wheels on a set of rollers.  But the engine then doesn't sit evenly.  Seems like there's got to be some easy modifications to make the rollers work better on tubular track.

Mike

I don't like their rollers. I added the nuts as recommended but the engine I test run wobbled to the point I was afraid it would fall off.

I had no issues with them not sitting on the track properly or powering the engine.

I think I figured this out, but welcome feedback/comments.  First, the brass contact sticks pretty far out, which will make the center contact roller set not seat flush with all 3 rails.   Second, the screw is too tall by almost 1/16 inch, which creates the same issue of not seating flush across the 3 rails.  You can see by the photo, the hotel room key card as a straight edge shows the screw head sticks up too far.  So, the solution is to bend the brass contact more even with the bottom of the roller housing and then to grind the screw head down using a dremel tool to eliminate the high spot, making the whole roller set seat flush across all 3 rails.

Mike

MM4

M2MM3

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Last edited by IRON HORSE
@IRON HORSE posted:

So, the solution is to bend the brass contact more even with the bottom of the roller housing and then to grind the screw head down using a dremel tool to eliminate the high spot, making the whole roller set seat flush across all 3 rails.

Actually, that's not an ideal solution.  The problem is that the brass contact needs to have some spring left so it makes good contact with the center rail.

Actually, that's not an ideal solution.  The problem is that the brass contact needs to have some spring left so it makes good contact with the center rail.

GRJ,

Yes, I misstated that.  By "more even" I meant to take some of the spring lift off, but not all of it, so that the brass still makes good contact.  So I did that and grounded the screw down and the center rail roller set is way more stable for setting engines in place.  And it works great, especially on lighter Rail King engines, as they now sit flush across the track.

Micromark sends these roller sets with the brass bent up too far, making the center rail roller set rock back and forth while the other roller sets sit nice and flush.  And the center screw holding the brass contact is too thick, but grinding it down solves the problem.

Mike

mm5

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