Have a old HO Athearn GP50 that was purchased at a swap meet. Shell has a lot of added detail and would like to keep it and either remotorize it or buy a new Athearn and swap shells. Is a GP50 base my only choice or are other engines using the same frame that could be used? Going to another train show next weekend and hoping to spot a deal.
You can use the blue box GP38/40-2, 50, or 60 frame with the shell you have. You might be able to use a Rail Power GP60 frame but you’ll need to cut off the four tabs that are on the Athearn shell. Good luck.
http://ppw-aline.com/frathgp402-50-60.htm These items may be on the shelf at your LHS, or at a swap meet.
The newer GP50 isn’t hardly any different from when they first came out. None of these are DCC ready. If you are going to repower, might as well put something good into it.