Nickel wheels and new axles for a old BB's GE-C

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

This a old one, has plactic frame cover but steel wheels. Wheels will not stay in gauge and feel very lose. I know nickel wheels pick up power brtter and stay clean longer. Do they come with new axles and what name brand should I ask my LHS for?

Thanks for the help.

Cuda Ken

2

Jay-Bee 40" wheels p/n 102

you will need 2 packs to do a 6 axle loco.

As for the looseness try silicone or RTV or any other adhesive.

3

Check and see if the axle gears are cracked. That may be why the wheels will not stay in gauge. This usually happens with older P2K GPs but I had an older Athearn model that would not stay in gauge. The plastic gears had tiny cracks. The gears do not come with replacement wheels. You will need to order them separately. I like to use the NWSL wheels.

Here is a link: http://nwsl.com/Brochures/371004br-v0603.pdf Print this out and take it to the LHS. They should be able to help you order some wheels as well as the Athearn gears if needed.

Jim

4

[#ditto] That’s the way to go.

5

GOOD ADVICE - Except the Athearn BB Engines I’ve had, all came with 42" wheels.

  1. Changing the original size drops the chassis lower, (and misaligns the couplers). 2. NWSL makes 42" half-axlels for Athearn engines in 12 packs.

I’d suggest using NWSL’s 42" half-axles - in either N. plated brass or N.S. - Note: that they come in both Stub or flat axle (better check the original). New axle gears (6) are a also good idea (dirt cheap) since they are what hold the half-axles tightly in gauge.If your’s don’t, someone ‘messed’ with them.

Ah the joys of buying USED equipment.

6

Thanks for the answers, I will check the gears for cracks. As far as the joy of used stuff, yes it has bought a lot of joy for $8.00. It is detailed with grab rails and weathered a little. It was all so my first Atheran and and got me away from the cheap LL stuff.

Don would you mind breaking this down to newbe.

" I’d suggest using NWSL’s 42" half-axles - in either N. plated brass or N.S. - Note: that they come in both Stub or flat axle (better check the original). New axle gears (6) are a also good idea (dirt cheap) since they are what hold the half-axles tightly in gauge.If your’s don’t, someone ‘messed’ with them"

NWSL?

N ?

Stub or Flat axel ?

New gears I under stood.

Are all the 12 wheel drive gears the same? I have NIB FP 45 I dont care for, it is a metal frame truck but all I would use is the gears.

Thanks again Cuda Ken

7

NWSL is Northwest Short Line. http://nwsl.com

“N. plated brass” means nickle plated brass wheels .

“N.S.” means Nickle Silver wheels.

The NWSL pdf brochure http://nwsl.com/Brochures/371004br-v0603.pdf seems to indicate that they only sell solid Nickle Silver wheels. (I think better because the plated ones wear off eventually)

You have a choice of 3 different tread widths (Standard .110", Semi-scale .088", or “Proto .064”)

There are 2 different axle types. You said you have plastic sideframes so you need the “new” style flat axle type.

From the brochure, I think you need the standard .110 width with the new style axles … #37142-4

Your FP45 axle gears should be the same but I would just get some new gears beacuse they are so cheap and the old ones might get loose or crack eventually.

HO Drive Axle Gear, SD40-2 (6)
[ATH60024]
Retail Price: $2.25

8

A - men!

Since these ‘axle gears’ are what holds half-axles in-place, I recommend replacing them along with any new wheels.

NWSL makes direct wheel replacements for Athearn. Jaybee used to. Both are superior to Athern’s wheels.