RMI Truck Construction

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   Hi everyone,

My name is Jerry Albers and I am new to this forum. Beginning in 1973, I have purchased and restored full size Colorado narrow gauge railroad cars.  8 years ago I "farmed" my cars out and moved to Arizona. I am now trainless and am looking in building a 7.5 gauge 3.75 scale railroad on my property. This is a new adventure for me and still a little confusing. I noticed Phils article on construction of the RMI 3.75 trucks. I am planning on purchasing one or two sets in kit form. My question is.....what equipment is needed to put these trucks together and how easy is it?  I have basic tools and really nothing more. I wouold rather have the kit form....but I'm thinking it might be easier to buy them RTR????

Thanks for your time and help.

Jerry

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jalbers Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: Sep 18 2009 Location: Arizona Status: Offline Points: 1	Post Options Post Reply Quote jalbers Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: RMI Truck Construction Posted: Sep 21 2009 at 12:35pm
	Hi everyone, My name is Jerry Albers and I am new to this forum. Beginning in 1973, I have purchased and restored full size Colorado narrow gauge railroad cars. 8 years ago I "farmed" my cars out and moved to Arizona. I am now trainless and am looking in building a 7.5 gauge 3.75 scale railroad on my property. This is a new adventure for me and still a little confusing. I noticed Phils article on construction of the RMI 3.75 trucks. I am planning on purchasing one or two sets in kit form. My question is.....what equipment is needed to put these trucks together and how easy is it? I have basic tools and really nothing more. I wouold rather have the kit form....but I'm thinking it might be easier to buy them RTR???? Thanks for your time and help. Jerry
	Jerry

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PhilC Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: Nov 03 2008 Location: Torrance Status: Offline Points: 129	Post Options Post Reply Quote PhilC Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep 22 2009 at 12:02pm
	Hi Jerry and welcome to the SCLS forum. To answer your question, the RMI trucks go together really fast, about 30 minutes each. The only tools you need are a 7/16 wrench and socket, and something to press the bearings on the end of the shaft. I used an old Harbor Freight hydraulic press that we had at the club. I used a drill press vise to press in the woodruff keys. I also had some snap ring pliers to put the snap ring on the shafts to hold things together. That is about it. RMI is a great company and I highly recommend their products. As you see I am putting together a complete Prairie 2-6-2 locomotive and it is going together really great. THey have thought of pretty much everything and are very helpful. I will probably be replacing the trucks I have with one that has air brakes, or adding air brakes to them if possible. Their stuff is built like a tank. I would have no hesitation in purchasing the kit instead of the pre-assembled but that is up to you. Either way they are good value. Do you plan on purchasing a locomotive kit from them as well or do you already have one? Phil
	I used to be a rocket scientist, now I am just a space cadet. ------------------------------ You only need three tools in life - WD-40, Duct Tape, and a Hammer. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.