I'm not sure Athearn BB models are the value they once were....

[jjdamnit]

Hello All,

DigitalGriffin

Are blue box's worth it any more?

I would say a qualified, "It depends..."

From a monetary standpoint, I would say they are not compared to purchasing a new, modern, locomotive.

However...

If you are looking to upgrade a locomotive that is no longer in production for sentimental reasons or prototypical accuracy, then I would say the work is well worth the time, effort, and money.

This is a common conundrum with many modelers.

Prior to PIKOs recent release of the Krauss-Maffei ML4000 Diesel Loco these were only available on the used market in DC and required upgrading to DCC.

I'm still waiting for this locomotive to come out in the Denver and Rio Grande Western livery.

One thing the OP did not list in the equation is the cost of tools, which can be quite extensive.

Many modelers do not factor in this "hidden" cost which also makes purchasing a new, modern, locomotive more attractive over upgrading.

Hope this helps.

[Doughless]

Its a matter of personal opinion.  Mine is, no.  

[DigitalGriffin]

So I picked up an Athearn BB P40 for $60 for my son.  It was in good running condition non assembled, but noisy.

So first thing I did was buy:
1) $120 sound decoder TCS WOW
2) $50 Genesis Motor
3) $30 A Line drive axel kit (after shipping)
4) $10 high bass speaker

$210.   That's on top of the $60 I spent for it unassembled.  I also had to do a good bit of grinding on the frame to get the Genesis motor to fit.

Total: $270

Brand new Genesis P42 Amtrak with sound assembled: ~$320

I'm six hours in soldering up micro-leds to hot glue them. 

But now that I look at the total cost, It's not really worth $50 savings given the 7 hours time and less detail it will have.  And Athearn doesn't support parts for blue boxes.

Some Blue Boxes really need extensive work on their gearing too.  Are blue box's worth it any more?