I was able to find all the parts I need to re-build my DD40 except one. I’m looking for Athearn part #90108 which is the plastic ball coupler. I saw at various sites a “ball coupler” that fits a 2mm shaft (some even say it fits Athearn engines), I’m wondering if this would work? Does anyone have a DD40 engine handy with an existing ball coupler and can see if this part would work (here’s a link to the part I’m proposing on using: http://www.internettrains.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ALN-12054&Category_Code? Unfortunately I don’t have the engine handy and I’m trying to order the parts today if possible and I’m not too savvy on these types of motors. Thanks, Steve
If you can’t locate the origional Athearn part, you’re on the right “page” w/ using the A Line “Universal” universal drive couplings. The kit comes with various lengths of shafts that you can cut to fit. Many combinations can be made w/ this set.
I don’t think Athearn would have made the ball coupling in the DD40 any different than the one in any other Athearn model. All of the ones I have ever worked with seem to be the same size.
It’s the same size for all of them…has been for years.
Mark
A Line and NWSL both make universal systems. You can check them out and pick the one you want.
Richard
I’m starting to get that now…did look at some of my other Athearn engines the ball couplers look the same. Just thought it was odd that I couldn’t find the couplers listed on the Athearn website parts list. Thanks, Steve
As a P.S. to your question, you can always do what I did many years ago, just go to your local machine shop as all they are really are ball bearings.
Mark
Athearn still has the part on their website, but it’s out of production. http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH40022
There are about a billion of these things in existence, so I’m sure you can find one somewhere.
Found them at “browser hobbies,” thanks.