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 Posted - February 01 2013 : 6:37:07 PM
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After getting this engine 2 years ago, I wanted it to run. 2 summers ago, I discover the motor is junk. Not liking how the drive system worked and having a Athearn SW-7 chassis on hand, I wondered if the 2 would work. Well,...., today it happened today . I bought a S-12 by Athearn and got in 2 days ago. After getting the frame bare, I chopped off the old coupler pockets. I used a hack saw for this. Afterwards, I used a file. The frame ends had to be shrunk down to clear the Varney's coupler pocket. This how it should look:
Next step was the fuel tank area. I filed down the old tabs that were meant to keep the SW-7 shell on the frame. Then, I had to file some metal around the area. The gap is now 1 5/8".
Finally, the cab's 2 mounting tabs or what ever ya wanna call it, had to be filed down flush with the cab. I ended up using a hack saw and then filed the area smooth afterwards:
Now, to mount. I used the holes on the Varney and drilled a hole that would clear a 2-56 screw on the frame. You need file down the little ridge that's on the frame bottom so the screws will be flush. I ended up hard wiring the loco instead of using the metal plate that Athearn used. The front truck frame's brakes had to be filed flat to the truck side frame so it could swing and not catch the pilot. I didn't pictures at this stage, it's self explanatory. I'll show it off in next week's LOTW. The SW-7 is now a great runner, quiet, and pulls better.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Country:  USA ~
Posts: 3147 ~
Member Since: May 07 2007 ~
Last Visit: February 09 2026
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Posted - February 01 2013 : 7:40:51 PM
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Sweet work...I just finished mine awhile back, those zebra stripes were just too pretty to let set in a junk yard.
Edited by - shaygetz on February 01 2013 7:41:38 PM
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