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Introducing... S.M.A.T. !!  

SMAT will revolutionize model railroading again. They are available to Order Here Now  from our secure online ordering catalogue.

Based on the patented idea of ATC's (Automatic Torque-control Coupling), SMAT is a more easily installed and wider appealing option. 

SMAT means Sealed Miniature Automatic Transmission. The first SMAT is designed as an exact replacement for Athearn flywheels. With similar flywheel capacity, SMAT offers the velvety smooth operation of an ATC, and you get to keep using your existing efficient motor.

HO/OO scale Athearn locomotives initially, Bachmann to follow in November.

It is imagined that SMAT will become the preferred product over the current ATC range and as such it is likely that ATCs will be phased out as new SMAT designs arrive. The (VERY easy) installation instructions are following.

Here is how a pair of SMATs fits to your existing Athearn Chassis:

SMAT-An.01 is designed and sized to replace Athearn flywheels #95008 
(used in the SD9, SD40-2, SD45, AC4400 Locomotives). 

Step 1 : Preparation.
		1.1	Remove body shell from chassis,
			Remove motor connector clip,  
		1.2	Remove motor by pushing the white motor mount pads' 
securing pegs from the underside of the chassis. Hold motor as you are 
loosening the motor mount pads, and as motor becomes free turn right-side-up
and remove motor from the drive shafts by moving motor upwards and to the 
side.
		1.3	Un-clip coupling from flywheel bush on each flywheel.
			Take care not to misplace any drive shaft components.

Step 2 : Motor/flywheels/bushings - disassembly.
		2.1	Grip the flywheels, one in each hand, and twist.  
One of the flywheels should come loose, remove this flywheel. To remove 
the other flywheel (or both if one does not twist free), place flywheel in 
a vice and, using a 2mm pin punch (or rod) fed through the black plastic 
bushing, tap the motor away from the flywheel. Take care not to let the 
motor fall as the shaft becomes free of the flywheel.
		2.2	Place a flywheel in a vice and, with a 3mm pin punch 
(or rod) fed through the flywheel tap the black plastic bushing free of the 
flywheel. Repeat the above to remove the bushing from the second flywheel.  
		

Step 3 :	Fit flywheel bushings to SMATs
		3.1	To enable easy fitting of the bushing, form a 45º 
chamfer on the 'shaft' end of the bushing with sandpaper or a file (with 
the bushing in a drill press).
		3.2	Place bushing into a SMAT at the end opposite the 
bearing. Push into smaller hole. It may be necessary use a vice to push 
the bushing 'home'. Repeat the above to fit bushing to second SMAT.

Step 4 :	Fit SMATs to motor shafts.
		4.1	Place a light smear of the glue provided around 
one end of the motor shaft. The glue should placed about 1mm from the 
shaft end, and smear about 2mm along and around the shaft.
		4.2	Slide SMAT along shaft until the bearing end is 
1.5 - 2 mm from the motor bearing. Leave for about 20 seconds for the glue 
to adhere.
		4.3	Repeat 4.1 & 4.2 to fit second SMAT to other motor shaft.
	  
Step 5 : Refit motor & reconnect drive shafts.
		5.1	Place the white motor mount pads on the motor and, 
holding the motor in one hand, click the drive-shaft couplings (removed 
in 1.3, above) to the SMAT bushings.
		5.2	Ease motor mounting pad securing pegs into their 
holes; at the same time reconnect the other drive components [Hint: rotate 
the SMAT to align the SMAT coupling with the spline shaft]. Press motor 
mounting pads firmly 'home' to secure motor in place.

Step 6 : Start getting greater enjoyment from your improved Loco!!
	

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Remember, Athearn SMAT's are identical in all dimensions to your existing flywheel and is a direct replacement for this item.

SMATs are now available for purchasing via our online ordering catalogue For AUD$36.00 for a pair. US$, GBP and Euro equivalents are on the multi-currency catalogue.

SMAT, the right thing for your locomotive!

As with every new product, significant testing and trailing is necessary. ModelTorque is thankful to Dave and Ted at The Engine Shed in Leytonstone, London (0208 539 3950) for technical and market advice over the years. The Engine Shed naturally is a major distributor of all ModelTorque products.

Thanks also to Mark Laidlay from the Eltham Model Railway Club who has been a constant source of assistance and information over this time.