Athearn Loco Question

[Anonymous]

I remember from somewhere that Athearn BB dummy locos are similar to the powered units but with no motor or drivetrain. Am I correct? Can they be powered by adding a motor and gears?

[BRAKIE]

Yes a Athearn dummy can be powered..But...By the time you buy the motor,drive shafts and gears you would be way ahead to just buy the power unit.

[willy6]

yes

[Anonymous]

The cheap way to power an Athearn Dummy is to haunt the train swaps and garage sales until you find a powered frame which will attach to your shell. Putting power in a bare frame can quickly equal or exceed the cost of buying a powered unit. Sometimes, your well stocked LHS specializing in trains is willing to swap shells in order to make a sale. You can go to e-hobbies to check out component parts like powered trucks, 23t gears, 16t gears, worm gears, geared wheel sets, motors, shafts, universals and anything else I may have forgot.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all :)

At the moment I have the chance to get a dummy AC4400 REALLY cheap, And I would use it as a dummy until I have the need to power it (which won't be too soon)