I would prefer a keyed shaft, but next would be flats cut on shaft for the set screws to land on to prevent rotating parts moving.

You can save money by just replacing the bearing in the pillow block. Remove the pillow block from the assembly then use something to pivot the bearing inside the pillow block. Align the breathing pivot point with the slots in the casting and it will POP out easily.

My husband really been enjoying your train building. Keep up the great work in making trains.

I put grease in that zerk fitting and I think it has a positive impact on the noise level from the bearings. I’m not sure that those are really sealed bearings.

Loctite is a very good product for retaining things

Nice ! Looking good.

Those look like SKF copies. The insert cartridge should have holes in the outer race to allow grease to get into the bearing when you pump grease in the Zerk. That said if you don't run in a wet or cold environment they'll come with enough grease to last for a fairly long time. The problem with the cold is they warm up during use, then when the cool off again they pull moisture into them. I've seen your videos.... Grease your bearings ;-)

Aaron how did you make out with your wedged tree? nice next step in assembly of the engine. it is nice to see the progress of the project. do you test them on the rails before they are delivered? great job, liked the final part of the video, dumping the springs! just like a derailment! OOPs

Hi Aaron, great video on assembly of your locomotive trucks! Hope you get your customer's locos done soon & you get some spare time to work on your Millbrook R.R. projects! Take care!

Loctite brand Retaining Compound (609, 680, 690... Anything "Green") works great!! You're hard pressed (pun intended) to get something to break loose so long as you prep the surfaces per instructions and don't violate any of the "rules of use". One question... Why 7 1/2" gauge? Most of the track/rolling stock in the Northeast (New England, NY and PA) is 7.25" gauge...

Just curious where do you get your parts the sprockets axle and wheels from ?