I would like to mechanically gear down my Lionel GP38 Clinchfield 6005 and two Northern Pacific 8679 GP20s. I have heard of places in the past where you send your engine to where they do the work. I don't want to spend that much money and I would rather do the work myself. Are there any places that sell the parts so I can gear my engines down myself?
Modeling the "Fargo Area Rapid Transit" in O scale 3 rail.
Don't know where to get the parts, but I'd check with Frank Timko as he does that kind of work.
His website doesn't say anything about doing any gear reductions to locomotives. The only mods that I see they do is replace old factory motors with new motors with flywheels on them.
I think I'd actually contact him and ask the question. Just because it doesn't appear on the website, that doesn't mean he doesn't do it.
I will give him a call. Sometime since Classic Toy Trains came out I either saw an article about, or an advertising for a place that geared down locomotives. It was probably 20 or so years ago. I don't remember if I bought that issue or not. My collection of CTT magazines is sporatic and scattered. So by chance if someone has every issue and extra time on their hands maybe they could find the issue I'm looking for.
A lot has probably happened in 20 years, and many places have come and gone. Hard to know if the outfit would be around nowadays.
Boyd:
I had Frank replace the "Pullmor" motors in an MPC F3 and an MPC EP-5 and he did a great job.
Have you tried wiring the can motors in series? I did that with a GE-44 tonner and a Lehigh Valley RS-3 and it worked out reasonably well. Another alternative to gearing might be to replace the electronic e-unit with a new unit that has better speed control, especially at the low end. Electricrr.com comes to mind as a possible source for replacement e-units.
Good luck!
Mike
steinmike Have you tried wiring the can motors in series?
Have you tried wiring the can motors in series?
I had to do that to some K-line ALCO S2 switchers and it helped a lot.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
I took Boyd's use of the word "mechanically" to indicate that he was specifically rejecting the electrical alternative. But, if my interpretation was wrong, I will join the recommendation to try series wiring.
Bob Nelson
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