delicate subject

chilli_mp138 · #1 03-30-2005, 09:44 PM

I'm not sure how to say this without being risque, but I'll give it a try . . . . Has your MT lost its nuts? Its wheel nuts? Those little buggers are currently irreplacable. I've asked RS to market small parts packages which include the lug nuts, but have had no response.

In lieu of that, let me recommend that you contact your local Fastenal Company (or try them on-line) and ask them for 2-mm hex nuts. You'll have to buy them in quantities of 100, but be kind and share with your friends and your favorite RS store (the managers there can't be responsible for what the company won't do). The hex nuts are not as classy as the chrome ones, but they do work.

Steve · #2 03-31-2005, 07:05 AM

thank goodness somebody has started to address this. I spent an hour the other day searching for one. Would it kill RS to include an extra one in the package, I mean, damn, thouse things are hard to find once you lose them.

chilli_mp138 · #3 03-31-2005, 09:04 AM

Steve--

The 2-mm hex nuts are just a bit loose but seem to tighten adequately on my two MTs, especially with the stock compression washers in place. I'm wondering what a small dot of Locktite might do to secure the connection. Do you know if Locktite is a breakable bond, so the nut can be removed if necessary? I think I'll make that today's exploratory task, as well as look for no. 2 compression washers.

About your wheel weights: Long ago when I was doing N-scale model railroading, we used to pack engines full of lead to give them traction weight. The lead looked like gray angel-hair spaghetti. If that is still available, maybe it could be stuffed in the back side of the MT wheels to give some additional weight. Check at a hobby shop. I'll check mine here in Terre Haute.

Another weighty idea: Move the battery or batteries to the top of the PCB cover and put lead weight in the battery well. Electrical tape should preserve the electrical integrity of the battery well.

Are you thinking about doing the gear changes I mentioned in another response to you? If you do, let us know how it goes. Maybe Rich Nagel could jump in here and provide us with a quick formula for computing ground speed using rpm, gear ratios, and tire sizes? He's computed it elsewhere for stock RS ZZ parts.

Steve · #4 03-31-2005, 08:07 PM

I've used loctite in 1/12 scale racing for years, and wouldn't race without it. The bond is breakable without much effort, though I believe there are different kinds of loctite, for various types of bonds.

Use this with caution, but a bit of superglue on the threads should make for a tighter fit, just wait till it dries before putting the nut on.

Steve · #5 04-02-2005, 06:23 PM

I got my nuts at a local train hobby store, but I've seen them online too. Perfect fit.

Link to online store

HOB-BITS MACHINE SCREWS - 1-72 HEX NUT - WSD883
1-72 HEX NUT
Item #: WDS883 Next Day $1.28

and I highly recommend the wrench!

HOB-BITS MACHINE SCREWS - 1-72 WRENCH - WDS887
1-72 WRENCH
Item #: WDS887 Next Day $4.21

chilli_mp138 · #6 04-04-2005, 06:48 PM

RS Ft. Worth informs me of their Hardware Kit 12414199, which contains, among the multitude of tiny machine screws, four lug nuts for ZZ MTs. The cost is around $2.50 with a comparable amount for shipping via USPS.

They have recorded my recommendation that the kit, now available only through special order at 800 843-7742, be made available as a kit in your local RS store. Maybe you'd like them to record your recommendation for the same, too?