Replacing half a China drive.....

 I dont think that would leave much room for the electronics. My all MTH vertical drives are very reliable and pull nicely. I would like to see a gear reduction kit for the premier line as the gear in the truck is serviceable and a matching motor along with a matching file download for a max speed of 77mph. I think this would improve slow speed operation and pulling power.

funny you bring this up.

I considered this application some years ago, and pondered through several variations how I would source the parts to create the right angle drives needed to transfer power from a horizontal motor to a vertical worm shaft. in the end I could not come up with a reasonable solution cobbling together off-the shelf parts & pieces.

Not having machinist equipment to fabricate custom parts, I could not solve this puzzle.

No need.  Just buy the GGD mechanism for six axle locomotives, or the P&D for four axles.  Too bad Atlas did not sell theirs separately.

Trying to make an economical conversion is equivalent to going stud rail - far too complicated compared to the simpler and more effective solution.

Opinion.

This subject is very interesting.

Another idea (maybe) is to replace the 2 motors with 2 Faulhaber motors with 2 gearboxes to obtain a slower speed.

-  I didn't realize GGD had "just mechanisms" for separate sale, as that isn't listed on their website.  That's excellent news -- there certainly should be a good market for an SD repowering kit that wouldn't cannibalize their own model sales.

-  With the P&D approach one has to rework the truck, wheelsets and frame if the model started life as a true China drive;  I was looking for an approach that would not require that.  The P&D is of course great for those doing units w/ 4 axle Blomberg trucks.

-  The Atlas center motor mechanism would limit you to the combination of wheel diameter and truck wheelbase that they've offered -- is that two or three ?

    I would absolutely agree with you that it is better to use something that exists when possible.

Best rgds, SZ

While they use Maxon motors instead of Fauli's, Hermann [ of Dällikon CH ] offer this sort of approach.  There may be others.

With best regards, SZ

I've found! Thank you!

Great quality!

Can you help with a model number and contact information?

Thanks,

Ed

Their website is www.hermann-rail.ch ;  these are part of a complete powered chassis for the Traxx electric locos.  I have no idea if they offer anything else for, say, North American diesels.

Best, SZ

Or send Forum member Stefan Bürki an email -- as I recall he is a Canadian National fan ....

I have never modified a China drive truck block, but I have done extensive repair work.  I have also powered quite a few Diesels using CLW products, which are roughly equivalent to P&D.

My impression is that doing the P&D gearbox work, using, say, MTH truck side frames, is pretty much trivial in comparison to converting the China drive to a horizontal motor.

My opinion - do not wait for somebody else to go into production.  Do one yourself, and then graduate to P&D.  If Sunset won't sell you a mechanism, buy the entire unit and eBay the shell.  Shoot, I might buy the shell - I would love to convert one to silicon bronze.

Take a look at these power trucks from Merkur. They are avail in 2 and three rail. They might be usable in american locos or Doodlebugs/Traction cars.

http://www.merkurtoys.cz/en/products/driving-units