12V train wheels

[Janco147]

Hello! 

Has anyone ever tried to open up the 4180 brick with train wheels for the old 12V system? I would like to get inside without doing a lot of damage. 

Regards 

Janco

https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=4180c01#T=P&C=11

[JopieK]

Janco I think you should be able to remove the pins to the sides. The wagon of the freight overhauling set 7823 has red axle pins (at least mine has).

[Stereo]

I didn't take it apart myself, just got it this way (without the brick) but it should just pull out.  I don't know how much force it takes.  I guess the ridge clips into something.

(modern wheel/tire for scale - it sticks nearly 2 studs into the brick)

It slides freely through the wheel, I just put it in to show size.

Edited November 2 by Stereo

[zephyr1934]

If you are not in a rush, you could pick up a few of the freestyle wheel sets to experiment on. The train wheels are part 4180c01, c04, c05, c06 while the normal wheels are 4180c02 and c03

I THINK they use the same method to attach the wheels but are a lot cheaper. Several lots for $0.00 on bricklink, but you'd still have to pay shipping

[Janco147]

6 hours ago, zephyr1934 said:

If you are not in a rush, you could pick up a few of the freestyle wheel sets to experiment on. The train wheels are part 4180c01, c04, c05, c06 while the normal wheels are 4180c02 and c03

I THINK they use the same method to attach the wheels but are a lot cheaper. Several lots for $0.00 on bricklink, but you'd still have to pay shipping

 

Good tip, I will get some!

[Janco147]

Update:

So far I have not found a way without violence.  One of the wheels usually pulls off easily. One time I wriggled a screwdriver in the hole and it just popped open.

One time! It never happened again since.

These things seem to be glued along the edge. The residue looks the same as when you open up a 12V motor. I think they use a solvent to do it. MEK or something similar.

I will try cutting the seam with an Xacto knife next. 

To be continued...

Here's a picture of one I opened

 

Edited December 3 by Janco147