Back to Back Gauges: The Secret to Silky Smooth Running
The Secret to Silky Smooth Running: A Modeller's Story
Back to Back Gauges: The Secret to Silky Smooth Running
Hi *|FNAME|*,
Before we explain the process of using our gauges, we want to share a little story with you...
Apart from the fact that they simply looked too rough, one was a full 15 thousandths of an inch out—totally inaccurate. Others were around 8 thou out. That is totally unacceptable. So, we reached out to contacts who work in metals to specs for the highest manufacturers on the planet. We asked: can you design us a gauge that’s easy to use, super accurate, and made of high-quality brass so it will last a lifetime?
At one point, we even asked if the back-to-back gauge could be polished to give it a really premium finish. The answer came back, firmly: no. Even polishing these devices, he explained, can be enough to take them out of tolerance and compromise their accuracy. And anyway, he said, the precision of his lathe work is so high that it would appear polished, even though it isn’t.
This wasn’t just any machinist either, but a one-man-band expert who produces components for some of the finest watches in the world—where tolerances are everything.
The result? A super-accurate, high-quality gauge, engineered with absolute precision and built to last a lifetime."
Why does this matter?
It can be perplexing when a brand new loco derails on its "victory lap." 99.9% of the time, the wheels are simply placed on the axles too far apart or too close together. This causes the rolling stock to "hunt," creating pressure that makes wheels catch on every tiny track imperfection or hit the tips of turnout frogs.
Do It Yourself: A Simple Guide
A good quality “Back-to-Back” gauge takes away all the need to worry about measuring. Here is how to fix it in minutes:
1. The CheckUse the gauge to check every wheelset. It should slide smoothly between the backs of the wheels with NO end play. If it doesn't fit, or there is a gap, it needs adjusting.
2. Identify the InsulationRemove the wheelset. One end of the axle is usually "metal-to-metal," while the other has an insulation collar. It is this insulated end we adjust.
3. Adjusting: The Push/Pull & Twist- Too Close? Grip the metal-to-metal side firmly and gently "PULL and Twist" the insulated wheel.
- Too Far? Grip the metal-to-metal side and gently "PUSH and Twist" the insulated wheel.
Do it a bit at a time and test with your gauge until the fit is perfect.
