Recently I purchased an Athearn BB F7A & F7B that came in one package. The “B” unit is a dummy. When I took the shell off to check it out I found that it has the frame, and trucks with gears. It is missing the heavy weight, worm gears, drive shafts, motor and contact strip.
Also I noticed on Ebay someone was selling a Genesis F A body retainer that allows the body to snap tight to the frame. This is another sample of the types of parts I am looking for.
I want to purchase the missing parts but have not found any place that sells them online except on Ebay. Does anyone know of an online store / source that sells these types of parts other than Ebay. My LHS is worthless so their out of the equation.
If you write Athearn Directly, Or get the phone number off their website and call them directly, I have had real good success in obtaining parts for “fixer uppers”. Usually the items I order, Like Trucks, coupler box clips, Ladders, brakewheels, ect they send me free of charge, But since your needing some pretty major locomotive components they might charge you. Tell them your in a situation where the nearest hobby shop is 100 miles away. And their shouldn’t be any problems.
I checked Athearn’s website and can get the parts from them direct but was hoping there was another online source that carried the parts.
If I order from Athearns direct it will take 4-6 weeks to process the order according to their website. They suggest you go through your LHS if possible. I already tried the LHS and they suck, so that’s why I’m trying to find an online store other than Ebay.
Just look for another powered A or B unit, put your shell on it. Will probably be a lot cheaper and quicker than trying to track down all of the needed parts.