Hi! Does anyone know if Athearn Blue Box shells will fit on Proto 2000 bodies? Especially will an Athearn BB SD40-2 shell fit on a Proto 2000 SD60 frame? I am modeling Canadian Pacific and have not yet come across that road name on a six axle Proto 2K unit. Detail isn't as important to me as smooth, quiet running. Would some modification be needed? Thanks, Arvin
Longtrain Especially will an Athearn BB SD40-2 shell fit on a Proto 2000 SD60 frame? <SNIP> Detail isn't as important to me as smooth, quiet running. Would some modification be needed?
I would approach this a little differently.
My suggestion would be to get a Northwest Shortline repower kit for Athearn diesels. Follow the installation, including shimming the drive gears (the kit includes some shims), and you will get a much quieter drive. The motor will also be isolated from the frame for DCC installation.
A-Line also makes a kit, but I have never used it.
One of the NWSL repower kits is on eBay right now.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Hey cool idea! Thanks Kevin!
LongtrainHey cool idea! Thanks Kevin!
I have installed a couple of NWSL repower kits, this is stuff I have learned...
1) Green/Yellow Kneadatite epoxy putty from PSI is excellent for installing the motor. It takes over an hour to set up, so there is plenty of time for carefull alignment. It also grips like glue, so the motor will not come loose.
2) Be careful when trimming the drive shafts to length. It is a little difficult to figure out exactly how long to make them. They are easy to trim, but if they wind up too short, you can't go back.
3) Shimming the worm gear has more effect on noise reduction than anything else.
4) Using a small 1/4" drive deep socket to hold the drive ball while you press it onto the shaft works very well for me. Make sure the little posts on the drive balls line up with one another.
Thanks Kevin. It's always good to have advice from someone who has actually done it! I would really like to try this. I looked up the kit you referenced on eBay, and unfortunately it only ships to the US, and I live in Canada! I will keep watching. Arvin