MTL SD40-2 Mechanism/Trucks Detail Photos?

[SquirrelHollow]

Does anyone know where I can find some detail photos of the MTL SD40-2 mechanism and trucks?

I'm trying to figure out if the trucks (probably not anything from the mechanism) could be modified for use under an Nn3 articulated steamer.  I know the diesel to steamer conversion is a big stretch, but I'm searching for alternatives to Marklin's ridiculous marketing strategies and microscopic runs.

[Chris333]

I've seen pics with the shell off, but not with the trucks apart. Aside from the trucks they are just like the GP35/9.

[Pray59]

I have not taken any photos of, nor taken the trucks apart, but they have Kato style electrical pickups, and copper nubs that rub copper strips like the Kato style of electrical pickup.

[shamoo737]

I just happen to have pictures of the truck.

[SquirrelHollow]

Thanks for the pictures.

It looks like the gear tower snaps into the side frames.  Is that correct?  Or does it snap into the bottom?

Flat-faced drivers, right?

[tom mann]

John,

Did you swap the center axle out?  I thought the wheel was blind? Does it go through 220mm MicroTrack now?

[shamoo737]

Robert, the tower gears do snap into the sideframe.

Tom, the middle axle is blind. I swap the axles to test if it would pull better with additional powere axle, but it didn't.  I still want to try couple of things before declaring it a failure.

[David K. Smith]

Does anyone know where I can find some detail photos of the MTL SD40-2 mechanism and trucks?

I'm trying to figure out if the trucks (probably not anything from the mechanism) could be modified for use under an Nn3 articulated steamer.  I know the diesel to steamer conversion is a big stretch, but I'm searching for alternatives to Marklin's ridiculous marketing strategies and microscopic runs.

I'm just guessing, but it sounds like you're looking to use the trucks without their sideframes. Unfortunately, this is probably not an option, as this type of truck usually cannot function without its sideframes.

You might want to have a look at the new 2-8-2 Japanese steamer from Tenshodo. The mechanism is brilliantly designed and ought to be useful for a variety of projects like this. The drivers are small and it should be fairly simple to reduce it from four to three drivers--easier than trying to adapt diesel trucks for steam locomotive.

Photos at the bottom of this page: http://www.nn3.ca/main/main-japanese-zj-gauge-p7.htm

[SquirrelHollow]

Yea, you're right, David.  The whole design is a loser (for my purpose).  From the axles, to electrical pickup, to the point bearings... it's all a no-go.

Thanks guys.

The D51 looks promising, but I'm still waiting for some responses from members of the Nn3 Yahoo group.  Their insights on 'deal-breaker' design features are usually spot-on.  I'm not in a big rush, anyway.