Hello, I am looking for 3 axles off a standard gauge railcar, I am in the process of converting a 30" gauge locomotive to a 36" gauge locomotive. They need to be around 5" diameter and minimum 48" long so that I can machine them to fit m application. Anywhere in southern California would be a great help. Any leads would be appreciated.

You could use 4140 for this. It is the correct material for axles, available from almost every steel supplier.

Yes, I'm just trying to avoid the 1400.00 bill for the material

Two choices that I have considered;

Go to a rail car journal bearing and axle refurbished and offer to buy some of their axles before they are refurbished, or;

You could try a freight car recycler/salvager, and pay them what the axle and journal refurbisher would pay them. That way you would get the "pick of the litter". Read the date stamps on the wheels and the axles and you might find a few really "newish" axles to work with.

I have both those facilities near me in Dallas. If you live in a major metro area, you might also.