Hi guys,
I think dad and I have decided that instead of trying to convert some blue box Athearn locos, we are going to use them as scenery. Basically I would like to use them as static models in the engine maintenance facility.
What I want to do though is have some of the panels and doors open on the side of the loco with a guy hanging in there working on the engine. Is there anyone that makes a scale diesel locomotive powerplant that I could stick in there? Obviously after taking out the stock insides since the loco will be static anyway.
Thanks for the input!
Walthers makes a plastic casting of an EMD 567 prime mover. And currently they have it on sale:
https://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3119
Since all that would be seen would be a fragment of the prime mover through an open door, don’t ignore the possibility of this being a scratchbuilding exercise. In a sense all it has to do is look “busy” and “industrial” to be plausible. The late Dean Freytag used to make clinic rooms howl with laughter as he’d show how a couple of pieces of styrene from paper punches, glued to a part of a cheap toy, could look like a super detailed item once it was painted and weathered.
Dave Nelson
I bought one of those Walthers kits specifically for that purpose. But, I “repurposed” it into machinery in a factory powerhouse.
The kit has a left and right half when you assemble it. It would not be difficult to use the two halves separately inside 2 locomotives, as long as you keep the doors on the other side closed or just use them as static displays with the far side towards the wall.
Many years ago I made a diesel for a cut apart Athearn F7 using bits and pieces from my scrapbox. This was before the Walthers diesel motor kit was available. Here’s what it looks like:
It actually runs, as the front has a PFM “SPUD” powered truck. I added this so the model could be judged in an NMRA contest, as locos must be powered.
Even deadline/scrap locomotive models must run? That is one funky rule.
Still, a clever solution.
The NMRA contest is for locomotives, no distinction between scrap line ones and operational ones.
I think i saw it up for sale on ebay this week
A couple of photos to help if you want to scratchbuild:
This one is down for a rebuild - prime mover, traction motors and complete re-wiring. I’m not sure how much of this was done in-house.
Wayne
Here’s what I did about 8 months with the intent on adding it to a shop at a later time.
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It’s just a dummy BB Athearn with the body center casting cut out and a Walther’s 567C prime mover set inside. The railings are custom short and a weathered Reading paint job.
Mark H
Man you guys all rock! Exactly the info I needed with photos to boot. Thanks for all the info!
Just started laying track so I’ve got some time but a shop is about the only building we have decided on so far 
Thanks again guys!
Mike
heck, cut it into quarters and use it in 4 - just have only the front or the rear doors open, depending on the quarter used