diesel dummies

[Anonymous]

Why is it so hard to find diesel dummies in N scale. perhpas its just me, but I have ahd the hardest time finding them. To top it all off, there is no hobby shop in my town and so I cannot get a darn thing unless I go to the big city or online. Can Someone help?

[DSchmitt]

I do not know of any company selling dummys today. Thirty years ago a lot were available. Most of the N scalers I know prefer to have all their locos powered.

There are resin conversion shells available which could be used to make a dummys and you can also somtimes find loco shells from the major companies packaged and sold as parts. (Railroad Hobbies in Roseville CA used to and may still have some) I haven't trucks in the stores, but you might be able to order the parts from the manufacturer. This goes for the shells too.

[AltonFan]

Life-Like had dummies of FA-2 and FB-2s, and maybe a few other engines, in N scale. But by and large, the growing prefernce is to have all units powered. Bachmann I believe also has/had F-unit dummies, both A and B units.

However, a dummy is a useful place to hide sound units and other electronic devices.

[Anonymous]

Lifelike make E-unit Bs as dummies in N-Scale

[Jetrock]

It seems like it would be possible to make one's own dummies--just rip out the motor and gearing and leave the trucks in place. The motor can be set aside for other purposes like repowering a unit with a burned-out motor--and since one assumes that dummies will match the appearance of one's powered locos (for visual consistency) you would have a place to put it.

And if there is no hobby shop in your town, then yeah, generally online shopping or a trip to a city that has a hobby shop is pretty much the only way to go.

[CBQ_Guy]

For the record, I wish dummies were made available by ALL of the locomotive manufacturers, of course they can make more $$$ on the powered stuff, so.... Aw, that's just a coincidence, right?

Hey, here's a thought. if Kalmbach came out with a book of track plans and scenicing suggestions for model railroad dioramas for those who don't have any room for a layout or module, and used dummy unit locos since nothing will be running in such a small place, would they call it Model Railroading For Dummies? Never mind...

[Anonymous]

All deisels are dummies, you never hear anyone ask for steam dummy!

Jay

[DSchmitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

It seems like it would be possible to make one's own dummies--just rip out the motor and gearing and leave the trucks in place. The motor can be set aside for other purposes like repowering a unit with a burned-out motor--and since one assumes that dummies will match the appearance of one's powered locos (for visual consistency) you would have a place to put it.

Yes, but expensive unless you really to expect to have use for the motor.

I have a dummy brass switch engine because a gear broke.

You might be able to find non-working locos at train shows for a reasonable price.