i have an Ho gs-4 freedom train loco & i want to remotor it anybody make replacement motors
i know bowser did but since they are outta the steam biz ,i was thinking nwsl???
The Bowser was a complete new chassis, because there aren't any replacements for that Bachmann sidewinder pancake motor. It would be some major reqork to change the drive train from spur gears to a more traditional can motor, drive shaft, and worm gear.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
SO LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BE A SHELF QUEEN
Watch E-Bay and check train shows for the Bowser chassis. I could use a few of the Bachmann 2-8-0's, but the pre-Spectrum ones have the same problem, that crappy pancake motor with life usially measured in minutes. Bowser made a chassis for those, too. But they have at least been redone as Spectrum versions, with a better motor and detail, but for whatever wacky reason, offered in every road name EXCEPT Reading - and they are models of a Reading engine. I don't think the've redone the GS4 in a Spectrum version, that would be your other option, the Spectrum version would have a good motor and be a solid loco.
I built the J and also the GS4. They show up on ebay from time to time.
The tender gets pickups added to the stock chassis and the loco drive is build from the ground up. The hardest part is riveting the valve gear but they provide a tool. Mine go around 18 curves which is pretty good for such a large engine.
Jim
Try looking for a Bachmann Plus GS4. The body looks like the old Lionel one, but they have a Athearn-looking motor and flywheel inside. The worm gear is machined into the flywheel. It runs much better than a pancake motor.
Mike WSOR engineer | HO scale since 1988 | Visit our club www.WCGandyDancers.com