Low-Profile Wheels for Walthers/Life-Like GP38-2?

[MetroRedLine]

I'm currently installing a DCC decoder in a non-DCC-ready Walthers/Lifelike GP38-2. This is my first real wired decoder install. After hooking up the motor and pickup wires, I put it for a test spin around the layout. All works fine so far, but I noticed a sound when it runs through my Atlas Code 55 turnouts. Turns out the wheels are of the pizza cutter persuasion (I mean, it's a Life-Like, what do you expect?  ). Are there available low-profile replacements for these antiquated monstrosities? Are the wheels/trucks interchangeable with Atlas Geep trucks?

[Sumner]

I see that Spookshow indicates they should run on code 55.  I wonder if the Atlas turnouts are different than what he has.  Is it only the turnouts? 

I turned down some wheels on an older Minitrix FM H-12-44 ....



.... not sure if you could do the same?  More on how I did it here ....

http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/Locos-1/page-6.html

... wasn't that hard and got rid of the turnout/track noise on ME code 55.

Sumner

[nkalanaga]

I can second Sumner's method.  I used a 1970s (corded) Dremel, holding it in one hand, and the file in the other, to turn the flanges on several Minitrix Fs in the early 80s, and on a Kato EH-10 electric a few months ago.  Same Dremel, same file.

[MetroRedLine]

I see that Spookshow indicates they should run on code 55.  I wonder if the Atlas turnouts are different than what he has.  Is it only the turnouts? 

I turned down some wheels on an older Minitrix FM H-12-44 ....



.... not sure if you could do the same?  More on how I did it here ....

http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/Locos-1/page-6.html

... wasn't that hard and got rid of the turnout/track noise on ME code 55.

Sumner

It's kinda-sorta on Code 55. I have Micro-Engineering Code 55 flex track and it runs fine on it. But running it on the Atlas tracks creates the ratchety, flanges hitting the molded ties sound.


As for turning them down with machinery, that's an instant fail for me. With my skills, I'm liable to destroy the wheels, hence asking about replacement wheelsets. But thanks.

[SirTainly]

if the trucks are the same as on the GP60, you can just swap in Atlas wheelsets.

[jjb62556]

If you send me your address I can send you 4 Atlas wheels to try...Have a few laying around here...Jim

[ednadolski]

You might be able to find something on NWSL.

[peteski]

Is this the loco witha  plastic chassis or a typical split metal chassis? Can you post a photo of the bottom of the truck?

[sp org div]

Elson if you cant find replacements heres what I did

I know a lot would cringe or even cry out to hear this but
I had over a dozen old kato SD’s / U boats that were hitting on the atlas 55 spikes
I simply ground the wheels down on a piece of medium grit emory paper
Im thinking your locos should play just as well
Hold the loco on the track and slide the sand paper under one truck at a time using full throttle
You may need to hold the truck so it doesnt hop or switch directions if it catches the paper
Light pressure so it holds its rpm for about a minute and you will see a pile of brass shavings verifying it worked(s)
I just blew out the trucks not fearing repercussions, but others will like you to disassemble clean and relube
Of note I did this due to decoder drop out when going over atlas 55 track also

[MetroRedLine]

Is this the loco witha  plastic chassis or a typical split metal chassis? Can you post a photo of the bottom of the truck?

This is the Walthers/Life-Like split metal chassis Geep released in 2006. Here's a pic:

[peteski]

Thanks for the photo.  This model has drivers with slightly off-center gear.  Same as Atlas or Kato.  So you should be able to use wheelsets from either company as replacements.  But Kato's wheelsets have slightly longer axles which would have to be pressed it for a good fit.  Atlas should fit without any modifications.   If you have any Atlas diesels, you can test that theory.

[MetroRedLine]

I'm visiting the Atlas parts website, and various individual parts for locomotive trucks are available (sideframes, contact strips, etc) but the actual wheelsets with gears are nowhere to be found! Basically you can buy all the parts for loco trucks BUT the wheelsets! Is this correct? Are they out of wheels or do they just not sell them period?

I remember buying an SD60M truck in its entirety from Atlas a few years ago.

[Kentuckian]

A certain seller on eBay has Atlas trucks which might work:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/374015300154?hash=item57150c923a:g:A34AAOSwWgdiU4g~

Several years ago I replaced the stock trucks on my LL BL-2’s with Atlas geep trucks with no issues. Of course, YMMV.

[MetroRedLine]

A certain seller on eBay has Atlas trucks which might work:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/374015300154?hash=item57150c923a:g:A34AAOSwWgdiU4g~

Several years ago I replaced the stock trucks on my LL BL-2’s with Atlas geep trucks with no issues. Of course, YMMV.

I saw that one. Not gonna work - It's got pizza cutter flanges on the wheels, which is the problem with the LL trucks in the first place. I'd rather get new stock, since those will have low-profile wheels.

[peteski]

I was unaware of the fact that any of the Chinese made Atlas wheelsets in the low-friction (Kato clone) trucks had deep flanges.