Which HO Athearn Loco Wheelsets for Life-Like P2K Diesels?

[Portland Bill]

Hi, I would be grateful for advice on the correct Athearn Loco Wheelsets to use as replacements for Life-Like P2K diesels. The Athearn website lists two very similar sets:

 

Athearn ATH40028 HO RTR Locomotive Wheel Assembly, 40" (6);

 

Athearn ATH40029 HO RTR Locomotive Wheel Assembly, 42" (6).

 

I am wondering if one or other is correct, or if different sets are best for different locos, or if it just does not matter provided I don’t mix them as the difference is only 0.01 inches in ride / coupler height (or 0.02 inches total diameter in HO).

 

My target locos are P2K GP7, 9, 18, 20, 35, 38-2, BL2, E6A, E7A, E8/9, PA-1.

 

Many thanks,

 

Bill.

[gmpullman]

Hi, Bill

I'm not familiar with the Athearn wheelsets you mention. I have used the Athearn 60024 gear to replace the geep series cracked gears by pressing the original axle stubs into the new gear.

IMG_0128_fix by Edmund, on Flickr

If you have the early E units with the separate journal box, the axle has a small pin sticking out to engage the journal. Later Walthers trucks do not have this pin as the journals are part of the side frame.

The PA has a completely different gear assembly. I have been fortunate in that I've never had to replace any of the gears in my Es or PAs if I recall. 

This is the Walthers replacement for the "Geep" series:

https://www.walthers.com/replacement-geared-driver-assembly-diesel-wheelset-pkg-2-for-early-proto-2000-r-bl-fa-gp7-9-18-20-30-60-proto-1000-tm-f3

 This is the one for the "early" E series:

https://www.walthers.com/replacement-geared-diesel-wheelsets-fits-early-proto-2000-r-e6-7-8-9-pkg-3?ref=1

 

Good Luck, Ed