Remotoring a Athearn BB(Edit:PROTO 2000) BL2

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hey, I just recently read one of the threads about remotoring a GP7 (I think that or GP9 [D)]) but anyhow, I remembered I have a BL2 that belongs to the club I belong to, and i was thinking abuot rebuilding it from the ground up maybe only keeping the frame and body, and the few details that it has, maybe super detailing, just as a porject for me to learn, and I will donate all my labor to the club and the money that I put into it, so maybe I can go out an buy some cheap Athearns and do it for my own layout. Mike

EDIT:I mean P2K

2

I didn’t know Athearn made a BL2. Are you sure it’s not a Proto 2000?

What road is it for? that will help you decide what details you need.

3

Athearn has never made a BL2…only Proto has (and an early proto at that).

In terms of remotoring, I use the Kato MH5 motor. It has 2mm output shafts and I build up my universal joint with NWSL 2mm universal joint kits. My universal splines are 2mm stryene.

David B

4

The P2K BL2 is quite interiesting, as the entire chassis is that of Athearn design, so rebuilding a Athearn is not that different than a P2K BL2…

Phil

5

Wait a minute. AHM also made one back in the late 60’s That may be the source of this one.

6

I have two of the Proto 2000 BL-2 models and can’t imagine why anyone would want to go to all of the expense and trouble of remotoring one unless it has been ran so long and hard that the motor no longer runs. They already have an excellent, smooth running can motor. They were notorious for the P2K cracked gear problem, which I corrected with Athearn gears. I also installed DCC decoders.

7

Can you post a photo so we can see what you’re working with?

Lee

8

Sorry bout that I meant P2K wasn’t thinking [D)] [swg]. Anyhow I will get pictures up tomarrow, I dont have my camera right now, I am remotoring it because the engine is just whooped and wont run. Mike