Fixing what I broke while plowing

[@johnmorris679]

How I wish I lived nearby: I would offer my help whenever you needed it. The whole set-up looks like fun with nice people.

[@MillBrookRailroad]

If you're ever in Vermont. www.millbrookrailroad.com

[@StanFerris]

All's well that repairs well! Thanks, Aaron!

[@rhythmsoftherailroad6484]

Just because you were using it at the time of malfunction doesn't mean You broke it. Every time something is being used it is breaking, wearing. This is what Shakedown runs up for. Keep at it, you're doing great.

[@mischef18]

Sure easier to work on than my N scale stuff. Enjoyed the video bro. Safe travels

[@MillBrookRailroad]

I have had N scale since I was three years old. It was a lot of fun for a lot of years until I moved into a tiny house. That's when the N scale went into storage and I focused my time and effort on the big stuff. The N scale is still in storage. I can't say that I miss placing individual numbers on N scale number boards.

[@keithgutshall9559]

I used to file a small flat on the shaft where the set screw goes. It gives a better grip on the shaft and doesn't slip.

[@ronarant2897]

May I suggest using nylon lock nuts, I disagree with the one time use but it’s your project. Another option is a kept nut has a lock washer attached to the nut. Also on the axle set screw, now that you’ve marked the shaft, file a flat spot on the shaft for the set screw to bite into and also stope the shaft form slip.

[@dorsk84]

For the set screws. I'm taking a notes from my R/C hobby. Use set screw pins on your gear shaft and other locations. It's like across between a roll pin and set screw. And use some blue thread lock too.

[@lisapeters5554]

it is hard to say exactly from only looking at the video, but, those appear to be 1/2 inch diameter, 13 thread per inch fasteners. been a while since i looked up anything on a torque table, but depending on grade of bolt, plated or not etc, you need somewhere between 55 (grade 5 plated) to 105 (grade 8 NOT plated) foot pounds of torque. i'd be impressed as all get out if that battery gun could develop that kind of torque. i think i'd have to get a torque wrench on 'em before i put her back in service. glad to see no real harm was done in the snow plow shake down. a few loose bolts is a good day if you ask me. keep on keepin' on my friend.

[@MillBrookRailroad]

As sloppy as I can be, I tend not to let things go too far before I pull it into the shop.

[@MillBrookRailroad]

I do appreciate the torque specs. I'm sure I'm way below that with the 1/2-13 grade 5 bolts I have. Time to buy a torque wrench.

[@WhiskeyGulf71]

A nylock nut is fine, it has some grip after being taken off and back on & still better than just a normal nut with no locking washer as demonstrated by yours falling off, even a used nylock won’t rattle undone.

[@MillBrookRailroad]

I did have lock washers but in my haste to get it on the rails, I clearly didn't torque things down properly.

[@ed0c]

little bit of blue lock tight would be useful. wouldn’t be too much to not be able to take apart when needed. just need to re-apply. especially on set screws VERY needed. would be great on nuts too

[@ronhart4166]

That impact does not have enough torque to tighten anything over 1/4 inch bolts. It is not a true impact. FASTNAL has a great torque chart and many others online. I would also recommend red lock- tite on your set screws. If you ever have an issue loosening them. A small propane torch will melt the loc-tite if needed. I defiantly would not rely on that impact driver. They are great for screws, but not bolts.

[@mikeashely8198]

Pretty much always there is fine tuning to do when you build something

[@danielfantino1714]

Green bags, on green grass in Green Mount (Vermont), i´ll give you a green highball 😉👍

[@MillBrookRailroad]

How vert(y) nice of you.

[@LeeHagedorn]

As a Engineer myself, and a Reliability Engineer at my company, I would suggest with a new piece of Equipment Pre and After use inspections for a month till the inspections that you perform get more reliable, push them out to every 3 months, and depending how much you run it I would do a 6 month inspection with a 1 Year Maintenace inspection (Oil, Grease, Replace Parts ect.), if you need any help developing a inspection please let me know, one day i plan on visiting your RR. Thanks for the vids Good Luck.

[@MillBrookRailroad]

I do take the engines in for inspection and servicing in the fall and spring. They've become more reliable as a result. This year, however, I've basically rebuilt the entire fleet. What I've learned over the years has resulted in various modifications and simplifications to the point that the electronics are now standardized and many of the mechanical parts are interchangeable, despite having different original manufacturers. It would be interesting, however, to see what I could be missing.

[@gentile-for-Jesus_Messiah]

You can always tighten the nuts like I do some times?... You tighten it t'ill you snap the bolt,, then back it off 1/4 turn?? lol... Okay,, not that funny... Great work on The '71',,, looking good... It's awesome to have friends like Bill also...

[@kennethoblenesjr8493]

If you have the space double up on the set screws. 👍🎅🏻

[@MillBrookRailroad]

Good idea.

[@martynbuzzing3327]

I was going to ask about nyloc nuts, but your reasoning is understood. My only concern is how tight you pull up the nuts. Over tightening normal nuts is not a good idea and could cause nuts and bolts coming loose. Nyloc nuts are cheap if you buy a lot in one go. Failing that, use a skinny locking nut.

[@MillBrookRailroad]

The 70 is set up the same way and the bolts don't come loose there. I clearly didn't tighten them up enough before hastily putting it on the track. I figure, if I mess it up then it's my fault and if I don't mess it up then that's my fault, too. :-) Either way, I'm responsible for it.

[@Mikesmith-tm5sh]

Put your line on your bearing and put your dot on your frame. That way you know it moves and you’re lined up.

[@robertrabhudsonhornet5869]

It might be a good idea to use lock tight and use a torque wrench .

[@MillBrookRailroad]

I'll have it apart again soon.

[@caydenwalker2369]

What about using loctite with those bearing nuts? Don't know how many times you take it apart during the year

[@MillBrookRailroad]

I'll still take it apart at least once before it actually goes into service.

[@caydenwalker2369]

@@MillBrookRailroad oh ok makes since just didn’t know if you took it apart in transport or anything

[@Mikesmith-tm5sh]

Hey, do you like we do our airplane. drill a hole through the bolt put a piece of wire on it that way they don’t back out

[@kennethjobson7978]

when are you going to run the track to the house?

[@MillBrookRailroad]

Possibly in the spring.

[@malcolmone1]

the missing nuts ,will show up when the snow clears away

[@MillBrookRailroad]

I did find the nuts and lock washers on my track inspection. I must have been in such a hurry to get the engine going that I forgot to tighten them down.

[@pauleclemonsjr1457]

your not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to wrenching on things i see.Your trying to tighten bolts with a 1/4" impact that is about 65# max to tighten bolts that need at least 100# torque.

[@MillBrookRailroad]

I see you've sharpened your keyboard for the occasion. In the 40-odd years I've been wrenching on things, nobody ever mentioned how much torque each size drive can handle. I do appreciate the information, though.