Been looking at this; Athearn 4602Athearn-LN GP38-2 Diesel Not DCC ready but has anyone converted one (or a similar loco)?? Advise please? Cheers Ron
Found this Ron https://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Athearn/GP38-2/Athearn_GP38-2.html Good luck Ed
That is a great find Ed and a very good reference. Cheers, Gary. ps, don't these loco mechanicals look s e x y without their body on !
Looks pretty straightforward Ron, a bit like Bachmann's 'split chassis' loco's inasmuch as one side of the motor is fed via the chassis. As long as you make absolutely sure that the motor is totally insulated from the chassis as per Ed's link, then you should find no problems. If you go down this route, I'd also suggest as in the link, that you change the bulbs for LED's, less current and cool running, just don't forget the inline resistor for LED's, preferably Warm White one's. I may have a couple of 3mm ones spare if you go ahead with this project, just let me know and I'll bring them with me next Friday at the GCR. Keith.
Thanks Ed, think I can manage that but as it's only a plank maybe I should look for a shunter (sorry switcher!)??
Just bought this: HO Gauge Athearn 4058 Cow SW 1500 Diesel Switcher Union Pacific VGC and a Hattons decoder so we are off on the US trail. Maybe pick up some rolling stock at the Great Central show next weekend!!
Ron wrote: I was at the local "Toy & Train Fair" in Alfreton last night and there was a trader there with quite a few new and boxed American wagons at very reasonable prices Ron, might have been just the sort of thing you're looking for. I was there searching for a Chinese made Hornby 8f chassis, didn't find one, but did find a trader who has one back at base, so might just get lucky! Keith.
Gee Ron, if I knew you were after a yellow loco, you could of had this for £380.00...! Full dcc sound and smoke !! Perfect for a small plank... Cheers, Gary.
Cameron, Gary and I had this very discussion today. North American prototype gear is so affordable compared to Australian or even UK equipment. At the second hand stall at the Epping show there were packs of 6 or 7 wagons BNIB going for the same price as 2 or even 1 Aussie outline wagons. I guess that's the downside of our cottage industry sized hobby? I'm seriously looking at North American switching layout next. Reidy
Thanks Bear, you should enter the 'How to' competion thats just started on here!!The only problem I had was finding room for the decoder, it was only a switcher!! I'll get it finished one day!! Cheers Ron
