I promised to post the results of my efforts to make my SD7's run better. I removed the current collector bits entirely, because it is very poorly designed, and replaced it with the usual Atlas/Kato/New LL design. Strips of metal were glued down the sides above the edges of the fuel tank, with a strip of paper to insulate them from the metal tank casting. These strips fit under the edge of the walkway, behind the sill and extend just past the centre-line of the trucks. On the metal truck sideframes I soldered a strip each side to contact the side strips, so that they are always in contact, just as Atlas/Kato. Wires were soldered from the motor contacts to each of the strips. The result - perfect running Well, as good as the GP20, this is without any extra weight or further mods. Two more to do, which will add three more useful units to the roster. They are all lettered for our own leasing company, CLLX. (Curtis Locomotive Leasing) They are on long-term lease to Andersley Western RR. ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
Alan,thanks for the tip. Now if we can figure out how to weight them down abit ------------------ Catt!
AND fit white LED's ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
Yeah,Alan how about it.Pictures of the process would be a big help.By the way I assume these beasties are also painted for your leasing firm.How about some pix. ------------------ Catt!
OK, OK, OK. I promise to post the info. and photos when I get them done I will take pics. as I do the other two, and put them on one of my web sites, with a link in the post. ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
How about some pictures....better yet, I will ship you some locos to convert Just kidding. Some pics would be cool though.
Great idea, Alan. Looks like a job for a digital camera, huh? Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page N to the Nth degree!
Maybe so, Gary, but as I don't have one, it will be scanned prints ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
Maybe those SD7s will finally be able to leave the shop after 10 months! Happy Railroading!! Dane N. ------------------ TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King TAMR2860@Canada.com for TAMR info. To send a general TRAIN! E-Mail send to BCRailKing@Canada.com
Thanks for the tip, but I haven't had the pic-up problem, I have a big problem with their un-godly deep wheel flanges, with that razor sharp edge they derail on my turnouts near a corner, or on corners that aren't perfect. (I know, don't put a turnout on a corner) any Ideas on changing the wheels, I tried removing the middle set on each truck, it helped a little. Also, the gauge was off a little, but still not as smooth as my Kato or Atlas. Home: www.tunnel13.com layout: SP's Newberg Branch in N scale ------------------ espee2
I too have 2 LL SD7's and so far they run brilliant! But just in case, any news on the pictures on how to do the work??? thanks ------------------ RR: K, C, & Bird Butt Railroad - SP, NS, and ROCK admirer. Its a coal mining region of a place far far away, that runs, SP, NS, and some CSX.. Also some Custom RARE Bird RR sd40-2's coming! Era: Time stands still round these parts, and we have everything from Steam, to Diesels of today.
