08-14-2015, 01:51 AM
I'm not familiar with the locomotive: does it have a one-piece cast frame like the Mantua Mikes and Pacifics, or a built-up frame like a brass steamer?
Regardless, with the frame upside down, I'd place a piece of axle stock over the shimstock, then force it into the bearing slot and clamp it in place. Trim the excess material which protrudes above the bottom of the frame, then trim the excess from the vertical portions which stick out from the ends, but leaving it connected at the bottom of the slot. Remove the axle stock and partially-formed shim, then trim the excess shim material, leaving a tab protruding outwards at the bottom of the "U". Use pliers to bend it away from the axle slot, and repeat this process at the opposite end. Once the coverplate is in place, the tabs will keep the shim from moving laterally.
Wayne
Regardless, with the frame upside down, I'd place a piece of axle stock over the shimstock, then force it into the bearing slot and clamp it in place. Trim the excess material which protrudes above the bottom of the frame, then trim the excess from the vertical portions which stick out from the ends, but leaving it connected at the bottom of the slot. Remove the axle stock and partially-formed shim, then trim the excess shim material, leaving a tab protruding outwards at the bottom of the "U". Use pliers to bend it away from the axle slot, and repeat this process at the opposite end. Once the coverplate is in place, the tabs will keep the shim from moving laterally.
Wayne