TS tram handle fixing

[Marcus]

Amongst a load of parts I recently acquired there is a tram handle, there were 2 things that I didnt realise before.
1. The handle is cast steel because the repro ones seem to be brass
2. It is secured to the shaft with a taper pin which I had never noticed before, is that correct ?


Many Thanks
Marcus

[Hutch]

Hi Marcus,

I don't have an original 2 speed tram handle, but I do have a 3 speed one and the end pieces between the flat spring appear to be cast steel and a taper pin is used to secure it to the shaft. 

Hope this helps,

Cheers

Hutch

[Marcus]

Thanks Hutch,

I presume that originally they were Nickel plated as well as the shaft that it is pinned to, is that correct ?

Thanks
Marcus

[EW-Ron]

If you wipe that over with a derusting agent - strong phosphoric acid or hydrochloric (pool) acid 
- I think you will see traces of the nickel plating still adhering there.

I think there are traces visible already, but they have somewhat lost their shiny metallic gleam.
Under that rusty patina !

[Hutch]

Hi Marcus,

I agree with EW-Ron that you can possibly just see the remnants of the Nickel plating on your 2 speed gear change lever.

Here is a picture of the 3 speed version I have and it still has some of the original Nickel plate left.

Cheers

Hutch

[Marcus]

Thanks Guys,

Once I drove the taper pin out and got the handle off the shaft, there is the remains of some Nickel plating so that answers my questions.



Cheers

Marcus

[Rob]

Marcus,

all my tram handles for TS style 2 speed duggies don't have the tapered pin securing the handle (but the 3 Speed CW, as Hutch said does). 

These tram handle operating rods have the tapered pin for the striking rod connection. 

Some of the less corroded ones are nickel plated on the handle and the operating rod.

Rob 

[Marcus]

Hi Rob,
Thanks very much for that information. I had originally assumed that the handles were brass and brazed to the operating shaft, but when I got the one in the pile of parts with the taper pin I wasn't sure. I had actually made a wooden pattern to get one cast but don't need to now.

I had already made a new operating shaft although I got that wrong by the looks by tapping the end 3/8 for the nut but yours is a smaller diameter thread, presumably 5/16 with a Thackeray washer, so I will change that on mine. The original shaft had been cut off on the bottom so that is no good.

Cheers

Marcus