Upgrading an old Athearn SW

[Charles Smiley]

I built this back in 1980 but never liked the chassis perfomance. In spite of installing a tan-can motor.

So I robbed a power chassis from a new Stewart Baldwin S-12. It took some "machine shop" work on the new chassis to make it fit the old shell. Using saws and files. It was mostly to fit in the cab area and where the couplers mount to the frame.

Now it runs as smooth as anything I own. Plus adding a future DCC upgrade just became much easier.

The handrails are a bit thick on this old model, but in the back of the yard it'll be OK. At least you can see that it has handrails and grab irons.

Chas.

 

[gabby]

Chas that has turned out alright and as you say it will be at the back of the yard so the handrails will look alright with the "10Ft rule"

 

[quadk]

Great job!! I think it's a mighty fine looking engine!

 

[julienjj]

Your layout look sweet too

 

[ICG/SOU]

That is a really nice looking switcher. Personally, I'd put it at the front of my layout.

 

[Charles Smiley]

Thanks all.

My only quibble about the older shells is how thick the cab looks around the windows -- especially in the front and back . I suppose I could custom fit glass to each window and somehow get it mounted in each opening, flush with the outer surface. Does anyone make "glass" panes for these things already cut to fit?

 

[quadk]

Thanks all.

My only quibble about the older shells is how thick the cab looks around the windows -- especially in the front and back . I suppose I could custom fit glass to each window and somehow get it mounted in each opening, flush with the outer surface. Does anyone make "glass" panes for these things already cut to fit?

I'm sure if you look hard enough or pay enough you could probably find some pre-cut. Personally I would just use some Evergreen Styrene clear about .010"

 

[wheeler1963]

You could always buy a Cannon thinwall cab kit. If not, Detail Associates make a window set for the Athearn SW7.

 

[MGWSY]

Thanks all.

My only quibble about the older shells is how thick the cab looks around the windows -- especially in the front and back . I suppose I could custom fit glass to each window and somehow get it mounted in each opening, flush with the outer surface. Does anyone make "glass" panes for these things already cut to fit?

Here you go.

Kit No. 231 for Athearn SW-7 - MSRP...$5.95

http://www.laserkit.com/laserkit.htm

go to HO scale then Windows

 

[Charles Smiley]

solution

Jerome, Mark, Thanks I'll be on it tomorrow.

Chas.