Axle box material

Making axle boxes for a 3 1/2" gauge loco.

Brass or gun metal

if its an ornimental loco then brass is easy, if you intend running it then cast iron every time. I posted a similar question some time ago.

Hi Fizzy, I'm not wanting to hijack this thread but I have currently got the frames and axle boxes cut for a Martin Evans Buffalo the frames are 3/8" thick and the axle boxes are quoted on the drawings as mild steel with sintered bronze bushes which I already have. Would you recommend me ditching the mild steel axle boxes and use cast iron? There are no horns on this bar frame model the boxes run directly on the frame.

Regards Lee

ive just finished the axleboxes and horns for my invicta, i have used cast for the boxes and steel for the horns, and ensured a 'not tight fit'. Cast should be fine.

Eric

Brass is not a good bearing material, if you intend running the loco do not use it, gunmetal is a far better material and as Fizzy points out you can use cast iron.

Aeronut, If you have made the axle boxes stick with the bronze bearings, if not you can have the choice. I would say to both of you make sure you can get adequate lubrication into the axle boxes, over the years i have seen several loco drawings where the provision of oil was poor or even non existant, it is better to have slightly to much than not enough oil.