Locomotive Wheelset replacements

[V&AL]

I'm rebuilding most of my Athearn BB fleet, (i.e. the majority of my entire roster) and I'm doing a cost analysis of the Northwest Shortline replacements. On the table right this minute are 3 SD-45's, 3 SD40-2's, and a GP38-2. (odd combo? no, 3 WC -45's, the 40-2's are BN or SF restencils, and the 38-2 is a BNSF pumpkin) What size wheelsets do I need for those units? They are listed by prototype wheel size.

ATHEARN GEARED DIESEL 3/32" half-axle WHEELS
Outside(old) frame <-choose style-> Inside Frame
37138-4 9.95 HO 36"/110 N-S Halfaxle wheels (12) 37143-4 9.95
37139-4 sold out HO 40"/110 N-S Halfaxle wheels (12) 37141-4 sold out
37140-4 9.95 HO 42"/110 N-S Halfaxle wheels (12)
37142-4 9.95 HO 45"/110 N-S Halfaxle wheels (12) 37144-4 9.95

also... inside frame/outside frame? I'm assuming the "old" refers to the ancient metal frame athearns?

Thanks!!

 

[V&AL]

also, do those sets have the little square brass bearing? the plastic gear axel?

where can I get the bearings if they are not included?

Thanks!

Rob
Shop Supervisor
Fred's Locomotive Shop
Official Repair Facility:
Texas & Gulf Coast Railroad,
Virginia & Alleghenny Railroad

 

[Cjcrescent]

42" inside frame. The bearings do not come with the axles. Unless the old bearings are wore out, they will work fine, as will the old gear.

 

[V&AL]

Thanks!

One of the units (out of the 4 i've tore into so far) could use a new set of bearings, but will probably work fine with what I've got.


Is it really worth it to make the wheelset swap? what are the pros of it?

 

[Cjcrescent]

Better electrical pickup and better traction.

 

[UP2CSX]

Plus, cleaner track and wheels. Those sintered steel wheels pick up evey bit of crud on your tracks and redistributes to all the track you've just cleaned. I've done the wheel replacement on several of my older BB's and the results were well worth it. I kind of miss the sparks when I do a night run though.

 

[wheeler1963]

Rob, which do you need bearings for?? A 4 or 6 axle unit?? I can just drop some in the mail and you'll have them in a day or two.

 

[V&AL]

6 axle...

got any spare coupler pockets? I need like 3-4...

thanks!!!!

 

[wheeler1963]

Rob, yeah I can put some of those in too no problem.

 

[jbaakko]

The "standard" (Athearn wise) is a 42", however allot of prototype EMD's have 40" wheels.
http://www.gatx.com/rail/locomotive_group/SD40-2.asp

45" would be an SD80/90 thing.

 

[diburning]

do not go with a smaller wheel because it look prototypical. Using the wrong wheel size than the model was designed to use will result in a wrong coupler height.

If you want to go with smaller wheels, you'll have to somehow raise hte coupler boxes up a bit. Using the underset shank knuckle couplers would make it too high.

 

[jbaakko]

do not go with a smaller wheel because it look prototypical. Using the wrong wheel size than the model was designed to use will result in a wrong coupler height.

If you want to go with smaller wheels, you'll have to somehow raise hte coupler boxes up a bit. Using the underset shank knuckle couplers would make it too high.

Barely. I have numerous units with 40" wheels and have no offset issues.

If you're worried, test it out, its always reversible.