Shop model train side rods and valve gear parts for sale for repairing and restoring steam locomotives. Find side rods, drive and main rods, crossheads, eccentric rods and cranks, valve gear assemblies, screws, rivets, and other running-gear components for steam trains across different scales and eras.
Find more steam locomotive repair and restoration components under Model Train Parts.
The rods and valve gear along the driving wheels are some of the most recognizable mechanical details on a steam locomotive. On model trains, these parts can become bent, worn, loose, damaged, or lost, making replacement components important for both operation and appearance.
Trainz carries steam locomotive parts spanning many eras of model railroading, including vintage prewar and postwar trains as well as later and modern steam models. Inventory can include original and reproduction parts, new and pre-owned components, new old stock, discontinued pieces, and hard-to-find running gear for older locomotive restorations.
Side rods connect driving wheels together so the coupled drivers rotate together. Depending on the locomotive, separate side rods or complete side rod assemblies may be used on the left and right sides.
The drive or main rod connects the crosshead area to a driving wheel, reproducing one of the primary moving components of a steam locomotive's running gear. Manufacturers may use slightly different terminology for these parts.
The crosshead is connected with the main or drive rod and travels along a guide as the wheels turn. Replacement parts may be offered individually or as crosshead and drive-rod assemblies.
Eccentric rods and cranks are components of the locomotive's valve gear. Model-specific assemblies may include separate left- and right-hand parts along with screws, pins, rivets, spacers, and related hardware.
Valve gear can consist of several interconnected rods, levers, stems, cranks, and mounting pieces. Depending on the model, replacements may be available as individual components or as a more complete left- or right-hand assembly.
Side rods and valve gear are generally model-specific, so identify the locomotive manufacturer, model or catalog number, and original part number whenever possible. Also pay attention to whether a component is intended for the left or right side of the locomotive.
Compare mounting holes, length, wheel arrangement, attachment points, finish, and the surrounding running gear before installing a replacement. Even similar steam locomotives can use different rods or valve gear assemblies.
Service diagrams are particularly useful for these repairs because they show how individual rods, crossheads, cranks, screws, spacers, and valve gear components fit together. For vintage prewar and postwar locomotives, an original part number can also make locating the correct discontinued replacement much easier.
A side rod connects two or more driving wheels so the coupled drivers rotate together as the locomotive moves.
Side rods connect driving wheels to one another, while the main or drive rod connects the crosshead area to a driving wheel.
Depending on the locomotive, valve gear can include eccentric rods and cranks, combination levers, valve stems, links, pins, rivets, screws, and related assemblies.
Usually not. Length, mounting points, wheel arrangement, left- or right-hand orientation, and valve gear design can vary by locomotive.
Trainz offers side rods and valve gear parts for steam locomotive repairs, with changing inventory that can include vintage, prewar, postwar, new, pre-owned, new old stock, discontinued, and hard-to-find parts.
Browse Model Train Parts for additional steam locomotive repair components, or shop Model Trains across scales, manufacturers, and eras.
