For anyone who is building the MLW M630 version and wants to have the correct trucks on your Stewart loco here is a simple modification. the center wheel can be moved to the middle by rearranging the gears, you will need four extra C628 12 teeth gears per truck. you can order them from Bowser $1.20 each. New side frames and electrical pickups will need to be made. Athearns SD40-2 are the closest looking frames, they have to be shortened I’m not at that step yet but will post pictures soon.
I don’t want to rain on your parade, but the problem doesn’t lie with the middle axle being off-centre. In fact, it is the third axle that is out of place. The Dofasco trucks have axle spacings of 5’ 7" so the third axle should be moved forward.
Prototype Model Industries makes a Dofasco truck conversion kit for the Steward locos.
I’ve done two C630’s using their kits and they make nice trucks. Under no circumstances should you use the Miniatures by Eric side frames. They are too short - apparently they were designed to fit the Bachmann (or some other cheapo) loco whose trucks were not the correct size.
You are right about the wheels. I seen the side frames from Prototype Model Industries and the quality was pretty bad all warped and it looked like someone made them out of play dough. I might modify the truck and move the third wheel forward, I haven’t decided yet, but I’ll definitely will make my own side frames. The overall length and look of the truck shouldn’t make much difference at this scale, what do you think?
