Locomotive Information

[Anonymous]

First, Thanks to all of you who share the wealth of knowledge I get from these posts. We are fortunate to have a great modelling community. I came across 2 older Tyco locomotives while cleaning up some train storage material and have a question about them. These include one 4-axle F-Unit, and one 6-axle EMD unit, looks like an SD7. These were never "high quality" [;)] and I am wondering if it is worth the time to try and repaint and rebuild toward a better running unit, or even use them as dummy units. I have not been able to find any of the Athearn dummy kits in the class I am looking for. Final painting on these would be in UP livery. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Dane

[jrbernier]

Dane,
That 6 axle engine is a knock-off SD24(high hood) with larger SD40 type radiator fans on the rear. The drive is junk(like the F unit), maybe the shell is sale-able at a train show/flea market.

Jim Bernier

[AntonioFP45]

Hi DBean,

I was in a similar situation. The only reason to restore an old Tyco HO unit is if it had "Sentimental Value" to you. (I regret that I scrapped my Tyco F7 as it was given to me by my late father).

However, as far as being practical, it would not be worth the cost. You'd be better off purchasing Proto 2000 or even Athearn units. Tyco cars and locomotives (except for the GP20 shell ) don't look very realistic, IMHO. The few Tyco and Bachmann cars that I do have are used as my airbrush "Test Subjects".

Hope this helps. Please tell us what you decide to do.

Peace!

[Anonymous]

It sounds like using them for 'testing' makes a lot of sense. They really have no sentimental value, but I'd hate to read something positive about them after the garbage truck drove away!
I currently have 4 P2K Geeps, and a couple of Athearns I hope to upgrade. Thanks for responding !!![8D]

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dbean

It sounds like using them for 'testing' makes a lot of sense. They really have no sentimental value, but I'd hate to read something positive about them after the garbage truck drove away!
I currently have 4 P2K Geeps, and a couple of Athearns I hope to upgrade. Thanks for responding !!![8D]

Dbean,

You may be already aware but Proto Power West makes upgrade sets for Athearns using the high quality Mashima motors. These are what I'll be using to upgrade my FP45s since I'll be equipping them with sound and want them to be in top mechanical and electrical shape.

[:)][:D][8D][;)][8)]

[Anonymous]

I was not aware of the company but have made note. This is not something I have tried before, but it sounds like a lot of fun to upgrade the equipment. What could possibly go wrong [:D][:0]!! I can see that I'll need to retire sooner to have more time available