Quick question about older "chain drive" Weaver and Red Caboose diesels.

Make sure Weaver still has axles with the newer aged gears on them.  The older units all have split axle gears due to plastic shrinking.  Opinion.  Also, early units used the Pittman 8x1y motors, which are not as good as the rare earth magnet motors.  That "not as good" part is also opinion.

the Weaver chain drive system is fairly easy to convert to 2 rail. disassemble the gearboxes and replace the wheelsets with new ones, which can be had from NorthWest ShortLine. Or if you're handy you can re-press new wheels on the axles, which can be bought from P&D hobby shop. (they may also have complete wheelsets)

 

if the Red Caboose engine has the original Atlas-Roco drive, then replacement wheelsets can be had from NWSL as well.

Actually I just two railed a couple of the Weaver units twp weeks back. I used NWSL wheelsets and it was a real easy process, I cut cut off the three rail pickup shoes, opened the gear boxes, cleaned out and relubed the box, dropped in the wheelsets and reassembled them and then wired for two rail. The whole process took about 90 minutes and I was not in a hurry. On one of the units, I did have to pin the coupling to the motor shaft and that added about 15 minutes, most of which was spent looking for the correct drill bit. Now I have two smooth running units with real good pulling power.

All the best,

Miketg 

Hi,

My advice is be careful when remove the screws. They apply a king of glue that make the removal process a little dangerous to your fingers. uptight  the screw a little then tight again and clean with a razor the dried glue, repeat the process.

I upgrade few of them using NWSL wheels, are good looking and very well made, and sterling instrument for chain and spoke drivers.

Andre.

Everyone,

 

Thanks for the input and advice. 

 

Robyn (CarolinaRail)

Hello Robyn The original Red Caboose chassis had a gear made of inferior plastic which is/was notorious for splitting. Replacement gears are available from NWSL, but I think, after reading the above replies, I'll go the DesPlaines/P&D route. $$ but the engines are worth it IMHO. Are you located in NC or SC?

Hi EL Guy,

 

I live in the Asheville, NC area, but had been commuting every few weeks to Columbia, SC to my parents in order to help take care of family members. All of my models and tools are at my parents since space is very limited where I'm staying.

 

Sorry I've hadn't had a chance to post on any of the forums as of late. I've decided to stay in 2 rail O after much though since I feel that my hands and eyes work better at 1:48 than at 1:64. Besides changing scales is no fun (ask me how I know.).

 

Happy Turkey Day to everyone. Now I need to go back to work in helping cook Thanksgiving dinner.

 

Robyn (Carolina

Robyn,

You may want to take a look here:

http://www.oscalemag.com/wordp...aboose-gp-9-rebuild/

Hi Robyn I'm in Catawba County. Please contact me off Forum. My email is in my profile. Thanks and Happy Bird-Day!