Scratchbuilding chassis

[devils]

I have a couple of possible projects in mind using a long wheelbase 4 wheel chassis. I would need too long a wheelbase for any existing motor bogie so I have been looking at Northwest shortline individual gearbox & motor units, does anyone have any experience of these or recommendations of other units?

Thanks Paul

[altterrain]

I have not heard great things about the NW drivetrains. I think Hartland drivetrains might be a better choice. I know they have a motor single axle drive set up. Vic Smith is the expert on this stuff.

 -Brian

[Curmudgeon]

I tried the .6 mods when they first came out.

Supposed to be for "large scale".

In six months, I think it was 4 sets of gears, two housings, at least 6 u-joint assemblies, two Sagami cans, finaly got a Pittman that worked, and gave up.

I have saved the chassis just in case.

 Locals have tried all sorts of their gearboxes, and have given up and gone to a Hartland, USA of aristo block.

Garich Light Transit (later Sunset Valley) made E-8's in 1:32 using those blocks.

That's why they don't make those engines anymore.

[cabbage]

Check IP Engineering. that is where I get most of my stuff for home made chassis from.

regards

ralph

[FJ and G]

I purhased the $30 long-block Aristo power block to power my mangy critter. Others say the Aristo blocks are good pullers and durable over the long haul.

[devils]

Thanks guys, I'm going to have a look at my Aristo and USA locos and see if I can split a block to get the wheelbase I need before buying one for this project.

Paul

[altterrain]

Its pretty easy to get into the aristo block and take out one of the axles. One of the axles is in an independent gear case so it can swivel a bit. You can remove the worm gear and retain the housing with bearings and electrical pickups. You will just need to figure out how to mount it outside the housing and run longer wires to the pick ups.

-Brian