I had previously posted that I had acquired a model of this engine and would be looking to repower it in the future. I would like to share some news I acquired from NWSL regarding this engine.
NWSL has advised that they are working on a new gearbox / motor flywheel assembly for this engine and the D &SL 2-6-6-0.
Anticipated date for this assembly is at least 6 months away.
Something to look forward to,
Don:
That’s great to hear. One of the drawbacks–at least IMO–to those PFM Mallets is the exposed double-gear reduction from the motor to the driver gearbox. It’s impossible to keep the ‘coffee-grinder’ noise down, even with a Canon motor replacement. When NWSL comes out with it, I’ll be standing in line.
Wonder if it also would work on the PFM L-131 2-8-8-2’s? I could hope.[:P]
Tom [:D]
I just got mine running today. I put the sound decoder in, but left the motor and gear box on just the info given here. It is sure noisy. It took a lot of adjustments to get all the old mechanisms in sync, but it runs. Screws were loose and linkage was bent and gears were worn. It needed a longer drawbar to accomodate the wire connection for the power. BUT IT WORKS, after 25 years of waiting.
Curious news as they already sell a gearbox replacement for this loco…
It would be nice if they re-designed the fix that they currently sell. The gearbox replacement instructions suggests moving the drive gear to second axle in each of the drive wheel sets. To do this requires major milling of a key structural part in the driver base assembly to fit the gearbox down on the second axle.
I was planning to install the replacement gear box leaving the drive gear on the rear most driver (as it comes from the factory) to avoid the milling and possible damage to the driver assembly.
Do you know what changes they are making to their current drive train replacement set??
Guy
trainnut:
I’m wondering if this new one is designed to just enclose the existing axle gear without replacing it. That would certainly relieve a major headache!
Tom
Tom,
I hear ya…Mine would be done by now if weren’t for that pesky gear replacement.
Guy