Repowering a Bachmann HO Amtrak F-40PH Locomotive

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have a 1990 vintage BACHMANN standard line non SPECTRUM HO Amtrak F-40PH diesel locomotive that I would like to repower. I would also like to know what is the best HO F-40PH mechanism the Bachmann shell would fit on. The F-40PH shell that I have is decorated for Amtrak in the Phase III paint scheme and is roadnumber 350. I know that BACHMANN-SPECTRUM, KATO USA and WALTHERS-TRAINLINE all manufacture HO Amtrak F-40PH diesel locomotives. I would buy the HO F-40PH mechanism if it was offered separately by these manufacturers. David Briel A HO Amtrak Fan

2

Unless you have an emotional investment in the Bachman engine, it’d probably just be cheaper to buy one of the inexpensive Trainline models. The Bachman model is inaccurate in that the height of the engine is wrong, it’s too short.

Cheers!

~METRO

3

I think Kato makes the best F40PH drive. They also make the best shell. You will only save $5-$15 (MAYBE?) if you were able to get it W/O the shell. So, the best way to re-power a Bachman, or any other make, F40PH is to get the Kato mechanism with the shell because not much if any $ would be saved getting it without. If you compare them side by side and try to figure out how to modify the shell and mechanism to fit together it will be Ebay, swap meet or trash for the Bachman! That’s how I’d do it.

4

Ditto. It isn’t worth the trouble on a Bachman. If you are modeling on a tight budget, the Walthers Trainline F40PH are very decent models and run fairly well, and can be had for between $30 and $40 discount. KATO’s are even nicer but cost 3 times as much.