Bad axel gear

[Super]

Hi Vikjohn, good to see you back

I have tried many methods for removing wheels because I am the type to swap out lots of them just to change the colors and of course replace split gears.

The problem with using tools such as pliers or prying is that a lot of the plastic on these wheels could be old and somewhat brittle. What then happens by using brute force is that the plastic breaks around the axle rendering the wheel useless. Believe me, when I say that it has happened to me many times and when that happens, for some reason, my mouth opens and some very choice words spew out. Early in my wheel replacing journey I had luck with using both hands, placing the middle and index fingers behind each wheel and with steady and strong pressure pulling with your muscles until one comes off. Some are much harder than others to get off...but....

Let me offer this trick that I use to this day. I made a simple jig and drift pin from spare junk I keep around in my work room. All I used is an old door latch plate with a simple slot cut into it and if you can find a heavy gauge wire coat hanger you are good to go. Placing the wheel and axle thought the slot in the Jig, I use a Tack Hammer to tap our the axle...easy as pie. Just make sure you are tapping out the axle and don't let the pin drift out on the plastic. Take a Look.

Note:
If you have a loose axle you could use that as your drive pin.
The plate nor the wheels are tightened on the vise. The plate is merely resting on the metal jaws.










If I remember correctly...Ferdinand uses the Thomas Type engine right? Anyway, I sometimes power jump slow of stuck motors with a 9 volts to jerk it back to life. Try jumping the motor with a 9 volt battery but just don't let it run a long time on the 9 volt. Worth a try just to see what happens.