I have a Roundhouse RPO car (current run) that I want to install a Sound Bug in and I’m in need of suggestions for the best way to get power to the decoder. I’d prefer to use the supplied trucks, but I’m OK with swaping them out if it’s not major surgery.
Mike
Maybe these?
Looks like it would work. They show only one 4 wheel passenger truck set-up so I’ll contact them and see if they think their designation for Athearn will fit Roundhouse cars.
If this is a current run Athearn - It may be glued together so well you will be unable to get it open!
Jim
No, Jim. The RPO is a current run Roundhouse that has a roof that comes off quite easily. I think it is held on by several small magnets. It is the 4 wheel truck wipers that say they are for Athearn passenger cars and the question is whether they would work on the Roundhouse trucks.
Mike
I’m in communication with SBS regarding their product and were discussing measurements to see if their 4 wheel passenger wipers will work on Roundhouse trucks. I’ll follow up when I get something solid by way of confirmation.
Mike
Jim,
I read someplace recently that Athearn has responded to complaints about that by easing up on the glue on current production. But it’s certainly something to keep in mind before getting too far down the road without finding out if you can actually get it apart first.
Another possibility is applying the wipers directly to the rail tops, which would even bypass plastic wheels on models which have them. Just make sure that the rail-riding shoes have the ends bent up and enough length to span any gaps they might cross.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Peter, I need some electrical guidance here. If this set up using the KaDee centering springs was used on trucks with metal wheels wouldn’t the neolube and sanding steps be eliminated? And why wouldn’t a drop of CA work on each side rather than the tedious business of drilling for a screw? Finding a screw (2) that size might be tough by itself.
Sounds like an easy option.
Mike
Sorry Mike,
I have no experience with these. I just remember seeing it and thought I’d share the link in case it worked for you.
Peter
Mike:
The sanding and Neolube are for appearance. If you don’t mind the shiny backs of the wheels you don’t need to do it. You will need to use the screws (or some other mechanical fastener) since the truck frames
are made of Delrin or other engineering plastic and super glue won’t hold well to them. If the trucks are metal you might get away with CA or epoxy.
Joe