Although I have been a model railroader for 30+ years, all of my experience is HO. I have recently acquired an Atlas O GP 35 Diesel item # 2106-2 Western Pacific #3007 2 rail engine. The engine has only 1 truck powered as the gears were stripped on the front truck by the previous owner.
In looking at the rear truck, there appears to be 5 gears (1 attached to each wheel, each of which drives another gear and there is an additional gear in the middle making 5 in the entire gear train.) I hope that makes sense.
I went to the Atlas web site and in looking for gears for the GP35 I found entries for “down gear box 1”, “down gear box 2”, “down gear box 3” and “down gear box 4”. I confess, I have no idea what a "down gear box " is. I also found corresponding “Up gear boxes” whatever they are, but no plain old gears or gear sets. I also couldn’t find where to order a repair manual or even an exploded drawing of this engine.
I could use your help in identifying which gears to purchase and any tips you can give me toward repair.
I have not needed any outside service on any of my Atlas engines (I only have a few of them). I have however called Atlas when trying to locate an engine produced several years ago. They were most helpfull, and I would suggest that you give them a call. They should be able to steer you in the right direction.
Thanks Dennis - I agree the folks at Atlas have always been helpful when I’ve needed assistance. Do you know if there is anyplace to get exploded drawings or disassembly instructions?
I wonder whether “gear box” might mean “box for putting gear (or stuff) into” and is just a decorative detail for the body of the locomotive. It might be that you have to order “2-rail truck assembly”, for a mere $53.95, to fix your geep.
Atlas is one of the best for customer support and service, my only complaint is the lack of “illustrated parts breakdown” etc. Have you tried removing the shell so you can pull the motor to see if it is the gear on the motor or the gears in the truck that have stripped. The shell can be a real pain to reassemble, at least the 3r w/TMCC, not sure if 2r would be any different. If you pull the shell you can remove the screw from the bottom of the truck that holds the motor in place allowing you to lift the motor out of the truck for a visual inspection of the worm gear and drop the truck down for gear inspection.
Doug is right about shell but I have done it several times. Even had to send it back to Atlas. Came back about as quick as I sent it [and free]. Call a tech and he will gladly tell you what you need. Great customer service.