Athearns Steam Engine of the 1960's

[Wheeler1]

Does anyone know if there are any parts out there for the old Athearn Steam Engine of the 1960's
any help will be appreciated

[Anonymous]

What parts are you talking about?

[dknelson]

I am quite sure that Athearn has not kept any parts in stock for their three steam locomotives (that is, the 0-4-2, the USRA 0-6-0, and the Boston & Maine 4-6-2).
the two smaller locomotives are fairly frequently seen at the big train show at DuPage Illinois once a month, and I suspect are common at other large train shows. The Pacific tends to command premium prices, presumably either from collectors or from B&M fans. I think a used or junker loco at a swap meet might be your best bet.
Dave Nelson

[Wheeler1]

Its the 4-6-2 Santa Fe the part i need is guide for the main rod on the left side

[dknelson]

well the 4-6-2 has become something of a collectors item so it is likely that parts will be hard to come by and pricy. But with luck you might find a junker.
Another thought would be to consider fabricating your own part out of sheet metal.
Another idea might be to explore using the boiler over a different mechanism, such as the Mantua 4-6-2 but I have never done that conversion and cannot advise as to practicality.
Sorry I cannot be of more assistance
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

Interesting athearn response Dave.
I didn't know athearn made steam. Perhaps they are the same manufacturer that also made the HO 4-6-2s for the Lionel Corporation.

[dknelson]

Yup Athearn made three steam locomotives. A few years ago Model Railroader published a history of Athearn that included discussion of these models.
I think it is probable that Athearn did make the Lionel 4-6-2 (although Rivarossi is also a possibility) but it was a different prototype from their own Pacific, just as the Hustler that Atheran made for Lionel had a geared drive while the Athearn version had or has "Hi-F" (rubber band drive). Heh heh I still remember taking the rubber bands intended for my sister's braces and using them on the Hustler -- till my folks told me what a premium price they were paying for the dental variety! Maybe that made my dad more willing to drive me to the hobby shop ....
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

Please E-mail me at [e-mail] as I think I have the part you need. Just send me your
mailing address and I will send it to you.

[Anonymous]

Hi Dave:
Those Athearn Hi-F rubber bands were replaceable by plain ol' #8 rubber bands from the stationers' store [when there WAS such a thing...before Staples & Business Depot].

It's possible that Athearn made the Lionel Pacific, as long as Lionel paid the full cost of the dies, as I don't think it showed up as any other brand either.
The other thing with Athearn-made Lionel, is that some of the units had a rubber band drive, but the driveshaft arrangement was different, and the rubber bands were much shorter...almost looked like gear drive...until you went to repair your first one.....chuckle.
regards / Mike