After replacing the split axle gears in my Life-Like Proto 2000 FA2 it still ran with a wobble in the rear truck. After dis-assembly of both trucks, I've found the idler gear in each truck is worn in the bore hole through the gear. With the rear truck being the worst, ive matched the other 2 gears to Athearn 23tooth ATH40030 but cant find a replacement for the 19 tooth idler gear, as the old Athearn bluebox kits use a 16tooth gear instead. The gears shafts are un-marked.
Any ideas for the cause? This was a ebay special sold "in like new condition with no box" so I dont know its life prior to 2 months ago. I havent lubed anything yet, but intended to use La Belle oil
Ive had a reply from Walthers that besides complete axle assemblies theres no parts for these Loco's any more. So Im not sure how to repair this loco, or do I turn it into a dummy unit
... to the forum ... Feel free to participate some more.
Perhaps, you can locate a junked Proto 2000 or Proto 1000 locomotive with the same gear you are looking for. Then you can salvage the part you need.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
pm me as i have a junked out bl2 , think the gearing is the same.
ok it was a shot. will look again to see if i have any fa parts.
The FA-1 & 2 trucks have a longer wheelbase than the Blomberg trucks used on EMD locos. Walthers did have gears for them as I bought some to power dummys. Give them a call and see if they still have any.
Jim
Is this an older release of a Proto FA?
Do you happen to have the box with the product number?
No sorry, bought it on ebay without the box or information sheets. Road number 737-A in ERIE colors. I notice its a clone of an Athearn bluebox drive tho, so would that make it an earlier production model? The booster unit i bought new with the same road number ERIE 737-B was bought in the very late 1990s.
Walthers have told me they no longer have any parts for these locomotives only complete axle assemblies when they have stock. They did however provide me the information sheets for the FA2/FB2.