I've searched, not endlessly, but to the point of frustration. Can you still get parts for old Athearn blue box locos? motor mounts, light that slips in holder up front? Maybe a lens/window kit for an F7? Thanx.
on eBay maybe. Blue Box kits have not been made for over a decade. I think the last run was 2008, and many models were probably last in kit form long before that. Treat blue box models like a classic car. There are lots of old-stock parts on eBay or train shows, but manufacturers do not support them with new parts.
thanx, but ebay doesn't like me anymore. been banned, why I don't know. they wouldn't say. maybe because I returned one too many things that weren't what they said.
It might be worth looking on Athearn's website or on the PPW/A-Line website. Since blue box models have been integrated into the current RTR and Roundhouse lines, there are probably a limited number of parts that can be retrofitted onto Blue Box. The most/all have been updated for DCC and have other upgrades like plastic handrails and better coupler boxes, but you may be able to find parts like motor mounts still.
No such luck. http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=Parts+f7 I have no idea if those new windows will fit the old body. Thick double-sided tape could mount your motor. Those motor mounts tend to get brittle with age. I've used 2-56 screws and washers up through the existing holes in the frame and into the holes in the motor. A 2-56 tap helps prepare those holes for the screws.
You could also try 3D printing motor mounts or a custom cradle. The existing motor mounts are rubbery, so you may need to create a new design that works with the rigid PLA or resin and still holds the motor.
T you may dind some thinghere is a place in Harrah, OK (just outside Oklahoma City) named That Train Place and sooo-much-stuff. They have an online shop on EvilBay. Prices aren't too bad, and they have a wide assortment of parts. Worth a shot.
When I upgraded the motor in one for DCC purposes I used a silicon caulk. Kept the motor away from the chassis.
I've found Athearn to be one of the better supporters of older models. They still list the massive crude horns that were on everything and the oversize bells etc. most of the trucks and parts from blue box days too take a look at: http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH84026 http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH84028 http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH90360 http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH84020
I bought a detail kit for a bluebox F unit a while back. Stuff is still out there. If you don't find it online, you might find it at a train show. Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
Athearn question for anyone who knows offhand. This thread looks like the best place to ask it. I have a GP7/9 that needs motor mounts. I see two different part numbers for sale online. I suspect someone here knows which one fits this locomotive. Any help would be appreciated.
Might you possibly have a photo of what your motor looks like (and the bottom of the loco frame? I'd hate to recommend something and find that yours has been re-motored at some point.
OK, Pastor. I dug the parts out. Here are some photos. Excuse the dust and cat hair. It suffered a mishap in the mail and I got disgusted with it so everything has sat for quite a while. My question is: Does this take the 84020 or the 84026? I could try both since they're not all that much money, but on the other hand, there are a lot of other things I could use the lousy 12 bucks for.
This is one of my F-units. The 84028 fits it fine, as you may note in the photo. I will point out, because I did this, it's important to slide the mounts onto the motor BEFORE you screw the motor mounts to the frame. If you screw them to the frame first, you'll be unscrewing them and doing it a second time. Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
Thanks much. Now I now what to buy. Fairly soon, I'm going to vaccuum everything off and get started on it.
After some further study, it looks like these mounts are an upgrade from the old type (4020), which snaps into the frame. Mine had no screws, and when it got its innards jangled in the mail, one of the mounts, the one pictured, pulled ou of the frame and the other one snapped off.
You could always hot glue the motor in place. If running DCC, hot glue is a good insulator. If DC, clean the frame good, set the motor in place and run a good bead down each side. It has some flexibility and you can peel it out if needed.
