Rebuilding a switcher

[sgtcarl1]

Does anyone on this forum rebuild locos? I have an older model B&O switcher that isn't running. I think maybe one of the pickup brushes fell out from the frame work surrounding it. I can't find a mfrs name on it anywhere. It's a cool little loco, and I'd like to get it running. Perhaps a later model motor might be feasible? No DCC, just good old fahioned DC. I would be happy to take some pics, and e-mail them to anyone who might be interested.

[Sumpter250]

Does anyone on this forum rebuild locos? I have an older model B&O switcher that isn't running. I think maybe one of the pickup brushes fell out from the frame work surrounding it. I can't find a mfrs name on it anywhere. It's a cool little loco, and I'd like to get it running. Perhaps a later model motor might be feasible? No DCC, just good old fahioned DC. I would be happy to take some pics, and e-mail them to anyone who might be interested.

Steam ?, diesel ?, plastic ?, brass?, die cast? ....or better yet, could you post a picture to help us identify it, so we can be of help.

[doctorwayne]

Carl, why not simply post some pictures here for starters? You might be surprised at the responses and might also find that the fix could be simpler than you think.

Wayne

[sgtcarl1]

Okie Dokie... here's some pictures of the little guy..                

[sgtcarl1]

And, just for grins and giggles, here's the rest of the photos I just took...            

[faraway]

The handrails remind me on Athearn blue box.

[Squidbait]

Carl,

You have an old Athearn SW7 there. If you pull the shell off (gently pull the plastic away from the tabs sticking out of the side of the fuel tank and lift off), you'll be able to see the likely cause of the problem: Athearn used a steel bar to run pickup from the trucks to the top of the motor. I'm willing to bet it's either corroded and not/or making contact with the trucks. Most people gave up on the metal strip and just soldered a wire from the truck pickup to the top clip on the motor.

The problem you're going to have with that beastie is finding parts. Athearn (Horizon Hobbies) doesn't stock much these days. If there is some identifiably missing bit, you'll likely have to go to a train show and cruise the parts tables.

[bdw9535]

It looks like an Athearn SW 7 which they used to sell as a SW 1500, here's a link to a web site that should be of help to you.
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Bruce

[bdw9535]

For some reason the link is not printing out correctly, I'll try again
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Bruce

[nachoman]

yep-athearn. got a hobby shop in your area? I'd suggest taking it in and seeing if anyone could help out.

[doctorwayne]

That's an Athearn loco - they originally called it an SW1500, but it's not, and it's not the oldest version either, as it has inside bearings and plastic sideframes. Looking at your third photo, the problem is obvious - you're missing one of the bearings. I'm not sure if you can buy the bearings separately, but they're very easy to replace.

I just had a look at the Horizon Hobby parts list and didn't see any axle bearings listed. However, they do have a replacement truck in stock: Part #ATH41024 Front Truck, for $10.00. Make sure you order the front truck, as the two trucks are not the same.

Wayne

[Gary S]

I've got a few extra bearings. If you want, I could mail you one - no charge. Just PM me.

I've also got a couple of those locos in my junk box. If you need parts but can't find them, I'd be happy to help you out - again, free of charge.

Also... don't be afraid to tear into that thing. Look at it as a learning experience. There are some great tutorials online about revamping the old blue boxes. goggle on something like "Athearn locomotive tune-up" and variations of that. You really need to solder wires from the trucks directly to the motor - bypass all the chassis-truck electrical connections. Also, as DocWayne mentioned, solder wires from the truck to that metal clip too. All of this is shown on the tutorials.

One thing... you'll probably never get that old Athearn drivetrain to run quietly unless you change the motor and driveshafts and such. It can be done.

[sgtcarl1]

Gee, thanks, guys!! I just ordered a new part from Horizon Hobby!! Should be here in a week, or so!! Anyone having any old parts, etc. they want to get rid of, let me know what you have, and if it's something I'm interested in, I'll gladly pay you what it's worth!! I'm retired, so I have some "extra" time!!

[Tom]

Hey Carl, I can't stress enough how easy those old Athearns are to rebuild entirely, they are VERY simple. Just tinker, you'll get it running like a top in no time.

However, *just in case* you need them, here are the instructions for that particular model:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.hoseeker.net/assemblyexplosionAthearn/Assembly%20Explosion%20Athearn%20SW1500%201973.jpg">http://www.hoseeker.net/assemblyexplosi ... 201973.jpg</a><!-- m -->

Let us know how you make out with that, nice engine!

[Gary S]

Let us know how you make out with that, nice engine!

And take photos! And post them here!