I’ve read several threads on this subject, and none of them say the samething.
So, I have Athearn SD45’s, GP35’s, U30/33’s on my layout, so what is the wheel size 40" or 42"? I want to replace the wheelsets, probably with JayBee sets. So I’m looking for someone to answer once and for all what size wheels do I use to replace the stock ones?
Maxgee,
It can be frustrating nowadays when it comes to parts .
Go to www.Athearn.com
When you get to the website, click on Home Page. Then, click on customer service. The e-mail addresses will pop up. E-mail Athearn and they will definetly help you. Give them a few days. They’re usually pretty good about responding to e-mails.
Hope this helps! [:D]
I’ve ordered parts from Athearn before. The ladyl that handles parts is named Lori, nice lady, but alas, she didn’t know what size the wheels were, bless her heart, just the part number. Never tried that new “Help” link though. Thanks!
Hope it workd Maxgee!
If you don’t get an acceptable answer, try
They’re very good about responding. These guys make the Athearn locomotive replacement wheel sets which are reported to be even better than the stock ones. I’m going to be using NWSL on some of my older Athearns that I’m upgrading.
Take care, hope it works out! [:D][^][8D][:)][8)][swg]
I read, I believe in the Atlas forum, that Athearn uses 42" wheels on everything up to the new stuff… NSWL offers correct size wheels but folks who have tried using the scale 40" wheels on SD40-2s had tracking and body height issues…so I read. I too would be interested to find out what size they use for sure. I have several units including Fs/SWs I’d like to change out…they would use a 36" wheel, but I’d be to bet they re all 42" also.
Dharmon,
Thanks for the tip! It would make sense that Athearn uses the “one wheel fits all” idea as it probably helps keeps costs down. I’ll make sure to get "42 wheels!
Peace out, Amigos!
OK, Here’s the official reply from Athearn copied and pasted from the reply e-mail they sent me.
Max,
The wheels that we use on the engines that you listed are 42" wheels.
Best regards,
Athearn, Inc.
www.athearn.com
The Loco’s I listed were, SD45’s,GP35/40’s, SW7 and U-boats, all Blue box, no RTR.
Max
Now that you know the size, most people recommend North West Short Line replacement wheels as the best you can get. Personally, I haven’t seen any improvement in operation at all on the three Atlas U-33-C locomotives I put NWSL wheel sets onto. Athearn may be different for some reason, but the stock wheels used on Atlas engines seem to be just as good as NWSL. I replaced mine because the Atlas wheels became pitted. I haven’t used any JayBee replacement locomotive wheels, so I can’t say if they are as good or better than NWSL.
Max,
Thanks for the info.
The only prototype USA diesels to use 36" wheels are E-units. F-units and SW switchers came standard with 40" wheels. The vast majority of USA diesels up until the AC units came standard with 40" wheels, and many had the option of 42" wheels. Locomotives with Westinghouse traction motors usually had 42" wheels.
Athearn’s RTR diesels have good wheels, the blue box line used a sintered iron wheel that has great traction but is very dirty.
Athearn ships all of the blue box line with 42" wheels. NWSL and others make replacement wheels of different diameters that will fit Athearn trucks.