Model Power E7 and Cary Shell

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I picked a couple of Model Power E7s recently, and I’m impressed with the big motor and their pulling power. A little cleaning, greasing and they run fine.

The shells look ok to my eye, except for the screw hole on top.

I found a Cary E7 shell, and I have the chance to buy another one. I thought maybe I could mount it to the Model Power frame and make a super puller, but I will need to file down the frame some in front. I like the pilot better on the Cary shell, but it’s only a single headlight so I would have to drill a headlight in the door, whereas the Model Power shell is already dual headlight.

I noticed the Cary shell is looks narrower than the Model Power. Does anyone know which one is more accurate? Any advice if I decide to do this conversion?

2

The Cary shells clean up nicely. A Dremel grinding tip will make quick order with the unneeded material.

I have two Cary bodies on Model Power frames and three on Athearn SD40-2 frames. Total weight of each E7 is two pounds+.

I replaced both the Model Power and Athearn BB motors with Mabuchi FK280SA-14200 motors.

Great locomotives.

Mel

My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

Bakersfield, California

Turned 84 in July, aging is definitely not for wimps.

3

Thanks Mel. How did you make the Model Power Frame fit? Dremel, or just a file?

I think the Mabuchi FK280SA-14200 motor looks like this, right?

I have one, but the last time I tried to order more I was out of luck. I assume you needed to mod the driveline, too.

I’ll go buy another Cary shell, I guess.

4

It’s been so long I can’t remember exactly between the 10 shells I have 6 As and 4 Bs. I remember using a file and my wife remembers the Dremel.[#oops]

Mel

My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

Bakersfield, California

Turned 84 in July, aging is definitely not for wimps.