Have cabless engine, should I use a dummy ?

[Anonymous]

I want to thank every one for the help, I'm a old guy that is still having fun, and some days I need some help.

[AntonioFP45]

Bibba dad,

It's a good idea to use a quality powerpack, like an MRC brand.

[:)]You can run your F unit without worrying about overloading it, but you have another option:

If the F7B that you just picked up is powered, and you obtain an Athearn dummy F7A, just switch the bodies. The only thing you may have to add would be a headlight bulb which you can pick up at your hobby shop or any radio shack.

It is more difficult today to find new Athearn F7A dummies. Many times at train shows and at swap meets used F units are readily available and cheap. LifeLike, Tyco, Bachman, and other F7A bodies will usually fit on an Athearn Chassis with little or no modifications.

[8D][:D]At the last Great American Train Show that attended here in Tampa, several vendors were selling used F units bodies for .$1.00! One man gave his away along with some Life Like or Bachman freight cars! Check with railroad clubs or your local hobby shop on upcoming swap meets or shows. [tup]

[Anonymous]

Ok then, Can I run this unit with another engine, without the worry of overloading, this would sure give me more power.

[nfmisso]

I 2nd that, I do not have dummies. My trains need as much tractive effort as they can get. <G>

[Anonymous]

I would seek out a powered A unit rather than a dummy. Chances are, it will be much easier to find a powered unit; I don't model in HO so I don't know whether Athearn offers an unpowered F7A. Two powered units equals more pulling power, and it also means that the A unit can operate on its own.

[Anonymous]

Hi All:
I pick up a cabless Athearn F7B, design as a Amtrak, should I get a dummy engine to put on front. I search already and finding they are hard to find by them selves, I need some ideas. I wouldn't have got this, but it was dirt cheap when I got a couple other engines. [:)][:I]