Hi all,
I have what is probably a unit from Athearn’s very first production run of AC4400-CW’s. The only thing worthwhile about this model is the painted shell - it runs, ummmm…like a typical bluebox!
I know there are higher-quality motors available for these old Athearns, but I’m unsure where to begin searching. Any hints? And has anybody actually done a remotoring job? If so I’d like to hear from you too!
Thanx in advance…
Northwest Short Lines (NWSL.com) and I think Alliance both make re motors. Don’t know if they have the correct one for your unit.
I have an Athearn RTR Ac4400 that came with a bum motor. Not having a new replacement motor I pulled one from an old BB F7. I changed the flywheels out and mounted the motor to the AC4400 chassis. It fit like a glove.
The best (and most $expensive$) choice would be a PPW/A Line motor, flywheels, and mounting weight. I have a PPW powered Athearn drive SD90, and it runs extremely smoothly and near silent.[:D]
Other choices are the before mentioned NWSL and Helix Humper motors, or simply a new Athearn motor.
Another choice might be to find a Life-Like P2K motor and put A Line flywheels on it, since the P2K motors, except for the shaft size (2mm instead of 3), are direct replacements that can be mounted using the Athearn motor mounting pads.
Ken,If you are interested I have a old BB motor you can have gratis.
Thanx for the replies, everyone![:)]
I’ve decided I’ll probably go with an NWSL “prime mover” replacement can motor, here’s a link to the catalog page it’s on:
http://nwsl.com/Catalog/pg043-cat4-16c-v0702.pdf
At $33 (MSRP) I think it is a worthwhile investment.
Larry, I appreciate your offer. I have a handful of old bluebox motors lying around too; it’s just that I’ve gotten…ummm…spoiled after running my Kato, Atlas and [newer] P2K locos. I’m trying to bring my few remaining BB’s up to par [operationally] with the rest of the fleet.
Ken,Some of the club members are using the Genesis motor in some of their older BB units.
Also…You can use the Atlas Trainman GP38-2 drive under the BB GP38-2/40-2/50…You will need to grind the Atlas weight some…I did 2 GP40-2s this way so they could run with my Atlas GP38/40s.Of course I done this repowering 4 years ago before the Trainman line…
Whatever works best - works best.
The ‘Athearn Upgrade Garue’ is PPW/Aline.
His replacements include balanced flywheels, better electrical pickup, added weight, AND a can motor. Better warn you:
His reworked Athearn chassis’ will spoil you.