02-04-2009, 03:06 PM
Matt, I don't recall reading it in your posts, but did you do the "rolling on a sheet of glass" test after every step of the running gear assembly? The time to catch binds when assembling any steam loco is at the time of installation. Every time that you add a part, place the loco (obviously not with the worm and worm gear engaged) on a sheet of glass and see that it rolls freely, with only a slight push. If it doesn't roll easily after it's been pushed, or rolls, then stops abruptly, you have a bind that needs to be corrected before assembly continues. Testing this way ensures that any problems that do show up are as a result of the installation of the latest parts. Much easier than going back, trying to find the problem through dis-assembly. 
Wayne
Wayne