Genesis F-3/F-7 Draft Gear Substitutes?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello All,

I began to revisit my roster of Athearn Genesis F units to perform some maintenance (burned out headlights [:-^]) and to install sound decoders in a few that could use them…

SO— while removing the draft gear from some of the engines I found that several of the housings had cleanly split in half. No worries, says I, I’ll just order a dozen or so…

Not!

HO Coupler Box, F7 (2) $4.98

[ATHG19258]

No Longer In Stock, Discontinued Item

There’s not much room behind the pilot and ahead of the truck and I’m sure I could modify any of the available Kadee products (#252 box) but you see these Athearn ones have a pin that engages the frame and holds the box from swinging and they “just” fit with clearance to the truck so I’d really like to find something close to OEM.

Any Ideas??? [:^)]

Ed

2

I think I would telephone Kadee and explain the situation. I would be surprised if they don’t have a solution or constructive suggestion.

3

Thanks!

Good idea, I’ll give 'em a shout later this week…

Ed

4

You may find what you need on this list:

http://www.kadee.com/conv/hocc_athearn_genesis.htm

5

I use the Kadee 30-series draft gear for my F’s. They are short enough to avoid fouling the trucks as they swivel.

6

Thanks, Everybody…

Kadee does have the solution as I suspected. I mentioned the #252 in mt original post but wanted to be sure there weren’t any better options.

At 26¢ each compared to Athearn’s $2.50 each (if they were available) I’ll go with the Kadee!

Thanks again, Ed