I’m unclear on a couple of things (if I read it right). I’m not clear, for instance, on whether you want sound.
Your link goes to the HO Roundhouse DC A/B NP units, at $130 (MSRP). So you would add a $90 2nd powered A unit. Adding two LokSound Select 6Aux decoders ($82 each street) and dual sugarcube speakers (say $5 each) to the A units. Total is 130+90+164+20 = $404 (less discount, plus shipping on locos). So that’s the base case. Cheaper if you don’t want sound (buy cheaper decoders and no speakers).
I probably don’t understand your alternate…to still buy the A/B/A Roundhouse DC models (for the shells)?? Then buy what…“DCC ready” or actual DCC (with or without sound) locos and swap the NP Roundhouse shells? (For discussion purposes, let’s say DCC ready means DC loco with isolated motor and a plug for an optional DCC decoder addition, which can be done with or without speakers.)
What you call the DCC-ready $490 A/B set (Genesis version, which I presume you can not find in NP livery) looks to me to be more than DCC ready; i.e., DCC with sound (decoder and speakers installed). Not DCC ready but actual DCC installed. And another A unit would add about $270. So if you bought the Roundhouse units (at $220) and put those NP shells (do they fit readily?) on the A/B/A Genesis $760, you’d have A/B/A Genesis loco frames with lesser detail Roundhouse NP shells, plus leftover A/B/A Roundhouse loco frames with (xyz roadname Genesis shells) that you may not want. Total cost about $980. IF I understand correctly (apologies if I don’t).
Do the Roundhouse NP locos satisfy you from a running and detail standpoint? If so, why not just add decoders (and speakers as desired)? Especially if you are comfortable with the conversion work yourself. And which NP F7 paint schemes ar
The locomotive you linked is likely DCC ready. The second locomotive you linked has DCC and sound in it. Athearn does not make a “non-DCC ready locomotive”. Edit: That having been said, I actually have no experiance with the roundhouse line. My experience with Genesis locomotives is that there was plenty of room inside for decoders.
A third option is you find a hobby shop that carries new old stock from previous runs and check for the locomotives you want. You will likely get a pair of genesis locomotives DCC ready for half the price of the ABA set with DCC/Sound.
Fourth option: Check online retailers for in stock items.
Fifth: Go to train shows (Amherst show in January, York, Pa show October 20 - 22, 2016). There are more.
I’m unclear on a couple of things (if I read it right). I’m not clear, for instance, on whether you want sound.
Your link goes to the HO Roundhouse DC A/B NP units, at $130 (MSRP). So you would add a $90 2nd powered A unit. Adding two LokSound Select 6Aux decoders ($82 each street) and dual sugarcube speakers (say $5 each) to the A units. Total is 130+90+164+20 = $404 (less discount, plus shipping on locos). So that’s the base case. Cheaper if you don’t want sound (buy cheaper decoders and no speakers).
I probably don’t understand your alternate…to still buy the A/B/A Roundhouse DC models (for the shells)?? Then buy what…“DCC ready” or actual DCC (with or without sound) locos and swap the NP Roundhouse shells? (For discussion purposes, let’s say DCC ready means DC loco with isolated motor and a plug for an optional DCC decoder addition, which can be done with or without speakers.)
What you call the DCC-ready $490 A/B set (Genesis version, which I presume you can not find in NP livery) looks to me to be more than DCC ready; i.e., DCC with sound (decoder and speakers installed). Not DCC ready but actual DCC installed. And another A unit would add about $270. So if you bought the Roundhouse units (at $220) and put those NP shells (do they fit readily?) on the A/B/A Genesis $760, you’d have A/B/A Genesis loco frames with lesser detail Roundhouse NP shells, plus leftover A/B/A Roundhouse loco frames with (xyz roadname Genesis shells) that you may not want. Total cost about $980. IF I understand correctly (apologies if I don’t).
Do the Roundhouse NP locos satisfy you from a running and detail standpoint? If so, why not just add decoders (and speakers as desired)? Especially if you are comfortable with the conversion work yourself.&n
Are you looking for the Freight scheme or the Loewy passenger scheme? Both were done by Intermountain. I have several Intermountain F7 with Loksound decoders and I’m very pleased with them.
Athearn is also selling unlighted passenger cars in the NP scheme, so I wanted to get the passenger scheme F7’s. They’re due to be released alongside the DC F7A/B units.
