dummy locomotive upgrades

[Anonymous]

I have some Athern non-powered (dummy) diesels that I want to replace the palstic wheels with metal and add weight. Can anyone suggest how much weight should be added and what metal wheels might be an easy change to?

[cacole]

You can probably change the wheels by pulling the plastic wheels off of their axles and inserting replacement 42" locomotive wheels made to fit an Athearn diesel, acquired from Athearn or other source. I would add just enough weight to keep the model from derailing on curves. Too much weight is like trying to pull five or six more freight cars.

[Eriediamond]

Since the dummy loco is just another car withe a locomotive body on it, I would think having the same weight as a freight car would be close enough.????

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Eriediamond

Since the dummy loco is just another car withe a locomotive body on it, I would think having the same weight as a freight car would be close enough.????

Concur

[Anonymous]

I usually find the Athearn metal frame is enough ballast, though I wi***hey'd fit metal wheels - I have one GP50 dummy that wobbles somewhat noticably!