Northwest Short Line Train Parts

Keep Locomotives Running with Northwest Short Line

Shop Northwest Short Line (NWSL) gears, wheelsets, motors, gearboxes, and precision drivetrain parts for sale. Known for helping modelers rebuild and repower older locomotives, NWSL components can make a real difference when worn mechanisms need attention.

Whether you're restoring a vintage brass engine or improving a plastic locomotive, find more model train parts and HO scale train parts for your repairs. Explore model trains to complete your railroad.

Page Size:

Sort By:

The Company That Saved Countless Locomotives

A second life for worn and aging engines

Most model train manufacturers sell locomotives. Northwest Short Line became famous for helping hobbyists keep locomotives running long after the original parts wore out. If an older engine developed cracked gears, noisy drivetrains, poor performance, or a burned-out motor, chances are someone eventually recommended NWSL.

For decades, Northwest Short Line parts have been a go-to solution for hobbyists restoring brass imports, upgrading vintage plastic locomotives, and rebuilding models that manufacturers stopped supporting years ago. A surprising number of engines still running today owe part of their second life to NWSL components.

Sometimes the smoothest locomotive on the layout is the one that almost ended up sidelined.

NWSL Gears, Motors & Drivetrain Upgrades

Precision components for repair and repowering

Gears and Gearboxes

Northwest Short Line is best known for precision gears, gearboxes, and drivetrain components used to replace worn mechanical parts and improve locomotive performance.

Motors, Flywheels and Repowering

NWSL motors, flywheels, and repowering components help modelers rebuild older engines when original drive systems are noisy, unreliable, or no longer supported.

Wheelsets and Mechanical Parts

Precision wheelsets and related parts serve a variety of locomotive repairs and custom projects. Browse more model train repair parts or find HO locomotive parts for scale-specific work.

Restoring Brass and Vintage Locomotives

Mechanical solutions for engines worth saving

A Favorite Among Brass Collectors

Brass locomotives often require maintenance and mechanical upgrades as they age. NWSL became especially popular among brass collectors because it offered solutions for remotoring, regearing, and rebuilding locomotives that were otherwise difficult to repair.

Useful Across Multiple Scales

Modelers restoring older HO, N, O, and narrow gauge equipment have long turned to Northwest Short Line for smoother and more reliable operation. Always check the dimensions and specifications of a part against the particular locomotive before purchasing.

Tools and Changing Inventory

Beyond locomotive upgrades, Northwest Short Line became known for specialty modeling tools, including The Chopper, and other equipment used by builders and scratchbuilders. Trainz carries NWSL products for sale in a rotating mix that may include gears, wheelsets, motors, flywheels, gearboxes, repowering kits, modeling tools, estate finds, and hard-to-find items. Explore model railroad equipment while planning your next project.

Northwest Short Line FAQs

Common questions about NWSL repair components

What is Northwest Short Line known for?

Northwest Short Line is known for gears, wheelsets, motors, flywheels, gearboxes, drivetrain upgrades, locomotive repair parts, repowering kits, and specialty model railroad tools.

Why do hobbyists use NWSL parts?

Many hobbyists use NWSL parts to repair older locomotives, replace worn drivetrain components, improve performance, reduce noise, and restore locomotives without available factory replacement parts.

What scales does NWSL support?

Northwest Short Line products are used across HO, N, O, S, and G scales, narrow gauge railroads, and custom modeling projects. Compatibility depends on the individual part and model.

Is Northwest Short Line still in production?

Northwest Short Line was purchased by new ownership in 2019 following a planned closure announcement. For current production and availability, check the manufacturer’s latest listings; older NWSL items may also be available through secondary-market inventory.