Can I do this? Are there conversion kits available?? Also, can I buy a caboose parts kit?? If so, where should I go to find these things??
Thanks a ton!
TallCrane
Hello New Guy!
I’m still pretty new at this myself but can answer one of your questions.
I found a Caboose kit at a Hobby Shop in NH where I live, it came with the walk way for the top of the roof, the roof hatches, black metal railings for both ends and the ladders, total cost was 9.99, not bad, I had to bring the caboose in to the guy because he had them for a few different styles of caboose or you could be on the look out for one like it with a damaged body and switch the parts.
Welcome to the best hobby on the web and the best site for this hobby is right here.
I hope your having as much fun as I have been since getting started only 6 months or less ago.
I got addicted fast and have already completed my first layout.
Be well and above all, have FUN with this.
Jess Red Horse.
Hi TallCrane 1 [#welcome] If you would like to add a rough guide to where you live you may find thee is some one just around the corner that will only be to happy to help As you can see I live in the UK [:)]
And, as an answer to your original question about powering a “dummy” locomotive: YES… but is it worth it? Generally, there are two ways to power a dummy locomotive
First way: (easy way) find a powered locomotive similar to your dummy and just swap the shells. This usually will only work if they are the same engine by the same manufacturer. Even then, especially with Aristocraft, it doesn’t always work. The problem with this is that generally buying the new engine with the working motor to swap costs so much that it is much better just to buy a new one period, and not power the dummy. However, for engines with sentimental value or special paint schemes or added details, sometimes buying a new or used engine and then switching the shells will work. HOWEVER, you will still end up with one dummy engine when it is all said and done.
Second way: scour the internet for engines already broken up for parts and then work the parts into the dummy engine, OR purchase a new motor and gears from parts companies and then come up with your own mechanical system. This is not too tough if you are experienced and know what you are doing, but for a beginner (which I am assuming you are) I would not recommend it.
Depending on what type of “dummy” engine it is, there might be people here that can help you more. Is it a dummy because the motor burned out? If so, replacements are probably available. Is it a dummy because it is a toy you want to covert? If so, we still might be able to help.
Good luck!
Thanks for the info! My locomotive is an Athearn model SD-40 diesel. I bought it for sentimental value: My father worked for L&N and as a child I remember seeing the trains come by. Everytime I see a train I think about him…so I bought a L&N locomotive (and matching caboose), just like the ones I used to see! Not knowing much about the hobby, I quickly learned that I ended up with a dummy Athearn. It is just a shell with nothing where the engine should be. I really enjoyed building it last night. The locomotive came with a parts list which included the powered part numbers. So I have ordered a new SD-40 hex drive engine from a supplier and power trucks to replace the dummy ones. As I see it, I should be able to swap out the trucks and install the new engine. The only other part that I haven’t bought was the light kit. I found a wiring diagram on the web. I am handy with small-scale wiring and such as I used to install microchip cameras for retail loss prevention.
HOPEFULLY THIS WILL WORK!! Feel free to tell me that I am nuts 
TC1,
I would post this over in the Model Railroader forum as much of us don’t work with HO scale trains.
-Brian
I thought you were talking about G scale trains. If you have an Athearn dummy, then you WILL be able to repower it easily. You ordered the components, which MIGHT work. Athearn redid their engines completely within the past 10 years, and if your dummy is an older model then the newer engine components and trucks might not fit. BUT, you can always scour EBay for an Athearn engine to take the frame out of. They will be cheap because there are so many out there.
Cheers.