I have a Bachmann DCC GP40 (Chessie). Since my layout is 1970’s BN I’d like to fit an Athearn BN GP40-2 shell I have to this chassis. Will it fit, what mods do I need to make?
Whoa up one…Why bother with a Bachmann drive when DCC decoder can be used in the Athearn GP40-2?
Forget about putting the Athearn shell on a cheap Bachmann frame. Just remove the decoder from the Bachmann and put it in the Athearn. It can be done, Ive done it with four Athearn’s. A GP50, F7, PA2 and SD9. Just make sure to isolate the motor from the frame or you’ll blow the decoder.