Stanton Drive for SW1500

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I would like to install a Stanton Drive in an Athearn SW1500. (I also have Life-Like models and an old Revell version.) I’ve looked on the internets and haven’t found much. Small Urban Rails site has a couple of nice posts.

https://smallurbanrails.wordpress.com/2015/05/27/sidx-radio-active/

https://smallurbanrails.wordpress.com/category/dead-rail/

Part of the work done in these is using a Dremel to grind out some of the metal frame, which I’m planning to do. But I’ve no experience with this and it sure would be nice to have some more detail, like bits to use, safety, etc. Similarly a S-shaped bracket is fashioned and installed for the drive mount, but no details.

I’ve asked the current NWSL supplier for any advice they might have. They’ve been very helpful but don’t seem to have specific ideas about an Athearn SW1500 install.

Does anyone know of a internet site that might have some more detailed information about an installation like this?

2

Why are you going to the Stanton Drive? If the frame is OK can’t you just replace the motor?

Mel

My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

Bakersfield, California

I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

3

While this is a brass Hallmark GP9 installation, it will give you a general idea about what to expect installing a Stanton drive in your SW1500:

http://www.7thstreetgroups.com/shops/7th_Street_Shops_Adventures_In_Brass.htm

The proprietor of the site also does very good work - i.e. should you consider having someone else do the installation for you.

HTH,

Tom

4

I agree with Mel. While there’s essentially nothing wrong with the Stanton Drive, a decent quality can motor will power both trucks, likely at a lower cost, and yield more pulling power.

I re-motored four of these mislabelled Athearn SW1500s, converting them into faux SW1200RS locos…

It’s been a while since they were done, but, as I can best recall, there was little-to-no modification needed to the Athearn underframe.

Here are all four of them, with a 71 car freight in tow, and about to tackle the long (45’) and twisting (two horseshoe curves, one right and one left, along with a couple of S-curves thrown in, grade (2.8%) to the partial second level of my layout…

Wayne

5

I know nothing about this company but I did install a PFM spud in my metroliner. The spud is a self contained truck like the Stanton. It is now capable of 600mph runs do to the lack of reduction gearng