NWSL planner

Below on this page is some dimensional data and descriptions of the NWSL gearboxes most likely to be of use to scalefour modellers. Full scale drawings of these boxes are available from the links below, they have been scanned at 300dpi. so you should be able to print full size by appropriate adjustments to your printer. I have added 20mm horizontal and vertical lines to enable you to check printed copies quickly.

NWSL 36:1 0.3mod gearbox system.
NWSL 28:1 0.3mod gearbox system
NWSL FleaII components including 15:1 auxiliary gearbox.
NWSL 3.125:1 Transfer gearbox.
NWSL universal joints etc.

You can also visit the NWSL site for up to date news and availability.

0.3 module GEARBOX kits - 28:1 & 36:1 ratios 2.4mm input shaft
		28:1 ratio GEARBOX STOCK NUMBERS					Input Shaft	36:1 ratio GEARBOX NUMBERS
Axle Diameter		Dbl Idler	Idler	Direct	HiLo	HiLo	Input Shaft	Idler	Direct
3.0mm	0.118"	136-6	139.6	140-6	148.6	2.4mm	158.6	150-6	151.6
1/8"	0.125"	141-6	142-6	143-6	149-6	2.4mm	159-6	153-6	154-6
2.4mm	0.094"		146-6	147-6		2.0mm
Input Shaft Conversion Kits (include worm, 2 bearings to fit indicated input shaft size)
		144-6	164-6	144-6		2.0mm		164-6	144-6
		145-6	165-6	145-6		1.5mm		165-6	145-5

High efficiency, precision manufactured NWSL gears and precision moulded gearboxes moulded in engineering Celcon acetal plastic to provide quiet smooth operation of railroad models and other miniature mechanisms. 0.3 module teeth have load carrying capacity appropriate for most H0 scale model applications, models of smaller scales and light duty applications in larger scales (traction, speeders, etc.). Heavy duty HO applications and larger scale models should use larger tooth size gearboxes such as the 0.4 module and 0.5 module series. The alternate input shaft size kits allow you to adapt these gearboxes to existing input shafts when desirable. The choice of input shaft height (from axle) permits you to more easily fit your particular model. . See chart below for minimum recommended driver diameters. (use 'Hilo' set, a complete kit with matched gearboxes for re-powering articulated locomotives). Made in USA by NWSL.

0.3 module GEARBOX DIMENSIONS
Ratio	15:1	28:1			36:1
Style		Dbl Idlr	Idler	Direct	Idler	Direct	Dim
A	11.0	32.5	24.0	15.5	30.3	19.4	mm
A	0.433	1.279	0.945	0.610	1.193	0.764	inch
B	6.6	28.5	20.0	11.5	26.3	15.4	mm
B	0.256	1.122	0.787	0.453	1.035	0.606	inch
C	3.8	23.5	15.0	6.5	18.6	7.7	mm
C	0.151	0.925	0.591	0.256	0.732	0.303	inch
D	8.5	16.0	16.0	16.0	18.0	18.0	mm
D	0.335	0.630	0.630	0.630	0.709	0.709	inch
E	6.2	8.0	8.0	8.0	8.0	8.0	mm
E	0.245	0.315	0.315	0.315	0.315	0.315	inch
El	3.1	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0	mm
El	0.123	0.236	0.236	0.236	0.236	0.236	inch

FLEA II AUXILIARY GEARBOX - #207-6
A miniature gearbox of 15:1 ratio with 1.5mm input shaft and 3/32" output (axle) shaft that can be used to power 2nd and 3rd axles from the FLEA II for model powering projects such as HOn3, Sn3, On2, On3 and H0 railcars, speeders and other small models. Can also be used to build streetcar, interurban, diesel or electric locomotive power trucks with individually geared axles that can be sprung or equalized to suit your modeling skills and desires. See page 4-1 (The FLEA II) or product listing (2000-6 series) for listing of geared wheelsets and axle (output shaft) to fit this gearbox kit. #207-6 includes gearbox, input shaft and worm - does NOT include output shaft or axle gear (see #2000-6, et al). Made in USA by NWSL.

HiLo ARTICULATED GEARBOX SETS
Many beautiful articulated locomotives suffer from high operating noise even if running quality is satisfactory. The HiLo kits are special sets with gearboxes to provide angled driveline for direct connection to the motor shaft thus eliminating the noisy and troublesome spur gears or belts used in many HO articulated (mallet) locomotive models. Also includes precision NWSL universal couplings and shaft holding pillow blocks. Some model modification may be required to provide driveline clearance. NOT an easy installation but modelers report much improved operation in installations including Tenshodo, United, NWSL, and other brass articulateds as well as Bowser (1/8 axle) U.S. manufactured locomotives. Made in USA by NWSL.

How to Choose an appropriate gearbox?
Use the actual size illustrations on these catalog pages to help you determine visually which gear box(es) can fit your available space. Check dimensions when necessary (see 'Dimensions' charts). A non-idler is smaller (lower profile) and less obvious if that is a consideration. The idler style raises the driveline making installation/connection easier in many locomotives. Idler style tends to be smoother operating than non-idler style. In high utilization, heavy load, difficult access (for lubrication and maintenance service), or other applications where it is likely that gear replacement may become necessary. the idler style is recommended (the wormgear [idler] is the gear most likely to wear out first) In an idler gearbox, the wormgear is the idler and can be easily replaced, in the non-idler, the axle gear is the wormgear and is somewhat more difficult to replace.
Other considerations. AXLE DIAMETER (3.0mm on most HO import lokies, 1/8" on USA made.) end RATIO (the higher the ratio number, the slower the operating speed. Also consider the self contained power units such as the MAGIC CARPET (#1 and 0 gauge), the PDT (HO, On2, On3) and FLEA II for simple and easy as well as prototypical solutions to your model powering projects

	Scalefour Society Resources

NorthWest Short Line Gearboxes