NWSL wheel set replacement for Athearn diesels - Model Railroader Magazine
The 'real' EMD engines used a 40" wheels for the most part. Some of the later diesels like the SD70 use 42" and even 45" on the 80/90 series. That said, NWSL has 40" solid N/S wheels for both the old(outside frame) and new(inside frame). And they have 42" as well with the same selection. The 45" wheels are only available for the new outside frame trucks. The confusion is because Athearn made all of their early diesel wheelsets with 42" wheels! A lot of folks put the correct diameter wheelsets on when they convert from the 'sintered iron' wheels Athearn provided, to the N/S wheelsets. Here are the current part #'s as of November 2004:
40" - correct for early GP's, F's, & switchers
37139-4 outside frame trucks
37141-4 inside frame trucks(new)
42" - correct for Athearn AC4400, SD70's??(also fits P2K GP/SD/BL2)
37140-4 outside frame trucks
37142-4 inside frame trucks(new)
45" - correct for SD80/90, etc...
37144-4 inside frame trucks(new)
IIRC, both NWSL and Jaybee have replacement wheelsets. I think the early NWSL ones were brass that was plated with N/S and the plating wore off after a lot of running. I would buy the 'solid' N/S wheelsets. P2K GP's have a habit of suffering from 'split' gears. The Athearn gears, and NWSL inside frame wheelsets make a great upgrade for these engines. I have 'spares' ready at my workbench as the 'fleet' of GP9's needs rebuiding.
Jim Bernier
