How to secure an Athearn F7A shell to a Bachmann DCC/Sound F7A engine

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have a Bachmann Sound value F7A (with Santa Fe shell). I want to replace that with my PRR tuscan red 5 stripe Athearn shell. The shell fits nicely enough but obviously there are no ridges at the bottom of the chassis for the shell to clip into.

Does anyone know a “nifty” way to get the shell to sit tight - but still be removable if the loco needs fixing.

I could use double sided tape but that sounds like a lousy option.

2

Get some square tube, hollow or solid. Attach it inside the shell to act as stops. Might be able to use two long pieces or four short pieces depending on the room. Drill four clearance holes through the frame. Tap or self tap holes into the plastic tube and the screws will hold the shell tight.

3

Jim,

Thanks for the tip - I’ll see if I can make that work.

4

I don’t want to come across like a curmudgen but think you could use some prototype help. All PRR f7s were green except for four fp7 engines which were four feet longer and not made by Athearn. The Athearn shell Is at least 40 years old and pretty dated in details. In addition the striping Is wrong. You may wish to replace it some day with a more prototypical shell paintef green.