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K-Line Quandary: GP38-2 Wheel & Axle Sets

Rapid Transit HolmesRapid Transit HolmesOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
I have finally acquired one of my long sought after locomotives, a MILW GP38-2, my first K-Line diesel-electric locomotive.  I am one of those who detest "traction tires" to the point that I would like to replace the wheel & axle sets with the solid wheel variety and, since I've thrown in with the "3RS" crowd, would prefer to use MTH "Scale Wheels" if they are interchangeable with the K-Line originals.
 
Therein lies the question:  Are there any solid wheel & axle sets, Hi-Rail or Scale Wheel, available from any manufacturer that will fit the K-Line trucks, castings and gear size? I would like to know as much as I can about the wheel & axle sets as possible BEFORE I commence surgery on the unit.
 
MTH could solve the problem by simply issuing  Premier, Milwaukee Road-specific GP38-2s using their existing tooling with a 1,500 gallon SW fuel tank.  Who wouldn't want one of these light-stepping little guys for their light rail branch lines?
 
MILWgp38-2
 
Until then, please help...

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D500D500OGR Forum Member
" Are there any solid wheel & axle sets, Hi-Rail or Scale Wheel, available from any manufacturer that will fit the K-Line trucks, castings and gear size? I would like to know as much as I can about the wheel & axle sets as possible BEFORE I commence surgery on the unit."
 
I am not saying that there are not such parts - I don't know - but in the 3RO world, interchangeability and availability of mechanical parts is a fleeting thing, at best. And as for gears...well, even worse. Even like-for-like replacement parts from the importer disappear after a few years.
 
I dislike traction tires, too. But, they are a fact of life that I ignore, as getting rid of (replacing the wheels/gears/axles) is, essentially, impossible. 
 
========> Other side of the coin: I have a beautiful, Max Gray L&N M-1 brass Berkshire (one fat-boilered loco), that I actually got free from a friend's estate. I would love to 3-rail it but only without butchering it.
I have solved - on paper - the lead truck wheel issue, the trailing truck wheel issue, and the tender trucks with pickups issue. But i can't find a solution to the Hi-rail driver (#1 and #4) flange/tire issue. The change is beyond my machining capabilities.
So, I sympathize. 
Last edited by D500
Rapid Transit HolmesRapid Transit HolmesOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

D500,

My solution to the rubber tire issue has been to buy only MTH Premier diesel locomotives, most of which have provision for changing out wheel 'n' axle sets. Unlike most Lionel diesels, this K-Line model has an openable gear box so that I can do exploratory surgery without fear of permanent damage.

Interestingly, my Lionel ALCo S-2 has provision for changing wheel 'n' axle sets and, unlike MTH, Lionel has a good parts identification pages with exploded views.  Their parts department is GREAT.

Being a big fan of Rich Batista's Forum postings, I bought his DVDs, the last of which (It's All About The Trains) gave me quite an education on the matter of 3RS.  Though he apparently has no objection to rubber tires, he does recommend the "scale wheel" versions of MTH diesels for the other reasons - fixed pilot, Kadee readiness, and full length handrails plus some other very worthwhile tips.

Sadly, there is no alternative that I know of for steam other than Max Gray.  The choices are rubber tires or nothing.  My experience with Max Gray locomotives was lusting after them while walking past All Nation Hobby Shop as a much, much younger man.  Maybe someday...

Rapid Transit HolmesRapid Transit HolmesOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Doug, You're a GEEEEEENIUS!

I see they have O Gauge and O Scale wheels.  Perhaps they would simply pull my old wheels, drill and press on new ones?  I'll call 'em up, next week!  I've been hankering for a road trip out to Butte to conduct further study of the Milwaukee Road remains.  Hamilton is only 6 and a half hours from here and I can follow the MILW, the NP (MRL) or both.

Thank you!

Rapid Transit HolmesRapid Transit HolmesOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Will do!  If this works out, I've got several favorites that could benefit from the same treatment.

Rubber tires seem so counterproductive for O'Gaugians.  Of necessity, our trains are shorter and we like to over-power them.  Useless dummy units being in decline, thanks to multiple unit numbers available for powered units and DCS/TMCC multiple unit "lashup" capability, we can overcome any otherwise insuperable wheelslip issue by simply adding more power.  There's no down-side!

Last edited by Rapid Transit Holmes

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