Originally Posted by rdunniii:
The locomotive may be new to you but Weaver quit making that horizontal drive about 15 years ago so not really new. My guess is that PD Hobbies http://pdhobbyshop.com is now the owner of that drive mechanism as they have been selling and supporting it ever since.
The idler idea has been around for a long time for the reasons you cite and it would be nice if Pat @ PD would make one available, but not so far.
Thanks, I've ordered a new drive and a motor with ball bearings.
It's still a cheap loco and it will run well I'm sure, with the new drive.
Pat was very helpful by email.
Cheers