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Model Power E7 and Cary Shell

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  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: St. Paul
  • 823 posts
Model Power E7 and Cary Shell
Posted by garya on Sunday, April 3, 2022 1:56 PM

I picked a couple of Model Power E7s recently, and I'm impressed with the big motor and their pulling power.  A little cleaning, greasing and they run fine.

The shells look ok to my eye, except for the screw hole on top. 

I found a Cary E7 shell, and I have the chance to buy another one.  I thought maybe I could mount it to the Model Power frame and make a super puller, but I will need to file down the frame some in front.  I like the pilot better on the Cary shell, but it's only a single headlight so I would have to drill a headlight in the door, whereas the Model Power shell is already dual headlight. 

I noticed the Cary shell is looks narrower than the Model Power.  Does anyone know which one is more accurate?  Any advice if I decide to do this conversion?

 

Gary

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
  • 6,526 posts
Posted by RR_Mel on Sunday, April 3, 2022 2:46 PM

The Cary shells clean up nicely.  A Dremel grinding tip will make quick order with the unneeded material.



I have two Cary bodies on Model Power frames and three on Athearn SD40-2 frames.  Total weight of each E7 is two pounds+.



I replaced both the Model Power and Athearn BB motors with Mabuchi FK280SA-14200 motors.


Great locomotives.

Mel


 
My Model Railroad   
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
 
Bakersfield, California
 
Turned 84 in July, aging is definitely not for wimps.

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: St. Paul
  • 823 posts
Posted by garya on Sunday, April 3, 2022 3:16 PM

Thanks Mel.  How did you make the Model Power Frame fit?  Dremel, or just a file?

I think the Mabuchi FK280SA-14200 motor looks like this, right? 

I have one, but the last time I tried to order more I was out of luck.  I assume you needed to mod the driveline, too.

I'll go buy another Cary shell, I guess.

Gary

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
  • 6,526 posts
Posted by RR_Mel on Sunday, April 3, 2022 3:37 PM

garya

Thanks Mel.  How did you make the Model Power Frame fit?  Dremel, or just a file?

I think the Mabuchi FK280SA-14200 motor looks like this, right?    Yes, That’s it.

 




It’s been so long I can’t remember exactly between the 10 shells I have 6 As and 4 Bs.  I remember using a file and my wife remembers the Dremel.Oops - Sign

Mel


 
My Model Railroad   
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
 
Bakersfield, California
 
Turned 84 in July, aging is definitely not for wimps.

 

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