LL SW replacement wheels

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I know that NWSL made replacement sets, but I also know rhat certain Atlas ones work too.

Does anyone know which ones those are?

I just won myself a new SW, and its time to fix her up a bit.

[Mark5]

I've got 'em - we can make a deal.

Talk to me.

[wm3798]

Get a TCS Z-2, and send it along with two box tops...  The boys in the back shop are ready for it!


Lee

[delamaize]

I got a ll sw that could use the wheel/decoder/impeovment treatment, anyone got a list of parts and stuff that should be one to these buggers?

[Freighttrain]

What does the replacement do for the model?I got several of these lil boogers in stock form.

[davefoxx]

Changing out the wheelsets is a big improvement on looks and operation.  Your locomotive won't "rattle" the ties on Code 55 track once the gross LL wheels are replaced with NWSL wheelsets.  I made this swap on a LL E8, which coincidentally, Lee did some decoder work on for me.  Runs great, even on my 10" radius curves!

DFF

[diezmon]

which wheelsets are we talking here?  I asked this same question a while back, but couldn't get an answer.  I'd heard about using atlas wheels too.. but which ones?

[SirTainly]

I've only heard of using Atlas Geep wheels on the GP20s and 60s (might work for the 18s too). Surely the SW need a smaller diameter ?

[wm3798]

Actually, no.  Life Like uses the same diameter wheels on everything.  I've swapped in Atlas GP wheels with no problems.

I've also pulled apart the LL wheels, chocked the short axle in the dremel, and cut down the flanges my own self.

I've also swapped whole Atlas GP trucks into the LL Gp-20 with a noticeable improvement in noisy gears and smooth pick up and running.  I think LL used cheap brass for the wheels, as they tend to lose contact pretty quickly.

Lee

[wm3798]

Mike, A DZ-125 will fit, but I prefer using a TCS Z-2, as the wires are thinner and more flexible.  You have to cut a bit out of the bottom of the cab weight, and trim the frame down to just clear the worm gear in the back, and the decoder fits in there, with the wires pulled to the front.  If you want to add a rear headlight, you have to cut a slot in the top of the cab weight, and a channel in the front so the yellow and blue wires can go up behind the windshield.  I use an LED with a resistor, so it's a little snug up there.  But I've done a bunch of them, and it's definitely worth the effort.

Lee

[reinhardtjh]

I know that NWSL made replacement sets, but I also know rhat certain Atlas ones work too.

Does anyone know which ones those are?

I just won myself a new SW, and its time to fix her up a bit.

I bought the Atlas "N WHEEL SET (1 AXLE, 2 WHEELS)" Part # 480304 for my LL SW-8's based on a post on one of the boards.  I haven't used them yet so I can't say they are the correct ones though.  You will find them listed on the 2nd page of the "N COMMON LOCOMOTIVE SPARE PARTS " section of the Atlas parts store.

[u18b]

Has no one suggested you need to replace the stinking out-of-round plastic worms?

Kato brass worms from multiple locos like the P42.

Just don't bend the motor shaft when installing them.

Dramatically improves noise.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

No kidding??

I guess I gotta score some of them now too, so I can have the ULTIMATE SW1200.

[Iain]

While I've never liked the huge flanges, I do like the low gearing of the LL SW trucks.

I've never had any with noise issues.

[diezmon]

Actually, no.  Life Like uses the same diameter wheels on everything.  I've swapped in Atlas GP wheels with no problems.

I've also pulled apart the LL wheels, chocked the short axle in the dremel, and cut down the flanges my own self.

I've also swapped whole Atlas GP trucks into the LL Gp-20 with a noticeable improvement in noisy gears and smooth pick up and running.  I think LL used cheap brass for the wheels, as they tend to lose contact pretty quickly.

Lee

So, the LL GP20 and SW trucks could be replaced with this?   https://secure.atlasrr.com/mod1/itemdesc.asp?ic=480300&eq=&Tp=

looks like they use the same trucks on the GP, GP-38, and GP-40.