Model Train Journal

I’m asking this question here for two reasons the first is that it’s two rail (On30) the second is I find this side of the forum to be pretty well mechanically inclined. Ultimately, I will post this over on the modelers thread on the three rail forum. My question is in the assembly of these trucks. I find you need a third or fourth hand to really make this happen. However, I’ve come up with a way that seems to work reasonably well, the pictures should explain below. I would like to know if somebody has a better method or a jig of some sort to hold the wheel sets and the truck side frames in place while you set the bolster from the top. I used a combination of set up blocks to hold things in place while I assembled the trucks.

What holds the bolster on the sideframe after you drop the bolster on pivots? Also, I hope that you have the insulated wheels on the same side.

It gets more fun when you have to put the springs into the side frames while holding everything together.

Been there, done that!