Does anyone have the cross-reference for NWSL #7142-4 wheel set? It looks like they have replaced their nickel-plated sets with solid nickel-silver. I checked their web site but it is not real usable… lots of .pdf’s and no search capability.
I want to replace 42" wheel sets on standard Athearn diesels based on the Railmodel Journal article from Robert Higgins, October 1990 (reprinted in the book "Tuning & Upgrading Athearn Locomotives).
And if you know of a decent place to buy wheel sets on-line on-line, I would appreciate that information too.
Thanks,
Kevin,
The ‘real’ EMD engines used a 40" wheels for the most part. Some of the later diesels like the SD70 use 42" and even 45" on the 80/90 series. That said, NWSL has 40" solid N/S wheels for both the old(outside frame) and new(inside frame). And they have 42" as well with the same selection. The 45" wheels are only available for the new outside frame trucks. The confusion is because Athearn made all of their early diesel wheelsets with 42" wheels! A lot of folks put the correct diameter wheelsets on when they convert from the ‘sintered iron’ wheels Athearn provided, to the N/S wheelsets. Here are the current part #'s as of November 2004:
40" - correct for early GP’s, F’s, & switchers
37139-4 outside frame trucks
37141-4 inside frame trucks(new)
42" - correct for Athearn AC4400, SD70’s??(also fits P2K GP/SD/BL2)
37140-4 outside frame trucks
37142-4 inside frame trucks(new)
45" - correct for SD80/90, etc…
37144-4 inside frame trucks(new)
IIRC, both NWSL and Jaybee have replacement wheelsets. I think the early NWSL ones were brass that was plated with N/S and the plating wore off after a lot of running. I would buy the ‘solid’ N/S wheelsets. P2K GP’s have a habit of suffering from ‘split’ gears. The Athearn gears, and NWSL inside frame wheelsets make a great upgrade for these engines. I have ‘spares’ ready at my workbench as the ‘fleet’ of GP9’s needs rebuiding.
Jim Bernier
Thanks for the information Jim…
Most of my units are GP/SD locomotives, from Athearn’s mid-late 90’s production. I will try the #37142-4 wheelset.