One of the early MR/Kalmbach 'how to' books on DCC had a chapter on converting a model engine to DCC, and used an Athearn "blue box" engine as the example. It had very clear step-by-step instructions that I referred to often when doing my first few "hard wire" installations. Not sure now what the title was...but it would have had to have come out in the early 2000's as I bought it about the time I converted to DCC c.2004.
Thanks for the advice Bayfield. Running with it. Going to get my little Pennsy layout on DCC.
What WJ said.Also, those old Athearn Blue Box F units have a ton of room inside them, so finding a place for the decoder is no problem.They're really a nice first project.
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Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
wjstix Although recently it became part of the Roundhouse line, the F7 was an Athearn engine for 50-60 years before that. As such, there are many, many online articles, books, etc. showing how to convert the engine to DCC. Best bet is to do a websearch on something like "Athearn F7 DCC conversion" or "Athearn bluebox F7 DCC conversion", it should come up with quite a bit of info. Biggest issue with the old Athearn "bluebox" line is that the motor has to be removed and something added below the motor to insulate it from the metal chassis. May sound intimidating, but once you've done it, you'll see it's pretty easy.
Although recently it became part of the Roundhouse line, the F7 was an Athearn engine for 50-60 years before that. As such, there are many, many online articles, books, etc. showing how to convert the engine to DCC.
Best bet is to do a websearch on something like "Athearn F7 DCC conversion" or "Athearn bluebox F7 DCC conversion", it should come up with quite a bit of info.
Biggest issue with the old Athearn "bluebox" line is that the motor has to be removed and something added below the motor to insulate it from the metal chassis. May sound intimidating, but once you've done it, you'll see it's pretty easy.
Thanks Stix. It helped when I got the model designator correct. "FA7" my mistake to "F7-A" and it brought this up. http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/p/67357/826349.aspx.
Very much appreciated. Spot on.
Hi All,
I am getting ready to take the plunge into DCC. I have a Roundhouse FA7 that came with an Athearn/Roundhouse streamliner set. Has anyone converted a simliar locomotive or have any suggestions on a DCC unit? Thanks in advance.