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 Posted - March 29 2014 : 10:18:52 AM
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This may not be the right forum but I have to ask anyway. I want to 'motorize' 2 Athearn observation end cars. The type with the tapered ends. Has anyone ever done this? What parts will I need? I want to link them back to back as a commuter train. I am just back into model railroading. Trying to rekindle my kitbashing days of 40 years ago. Thanks.
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Posted - March 29 2014 : 10:56:17 AM
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Hank I would say you came to the right place, there are some amazing kitbashers on this site!
That's a really interesting project, I used to have a pair of Con-Cor streamlined observation cars (now sold) that I was toying with that very same idea.
For my part, I had the idea of leaving the cars unpowered and putting a powered "B" unit between them.
But just thinking out loud, there are a lot of ways you could power a passenger car itself. Possibly find a RDC chassis/drivetrain....find a powered truck out of an old Tyco or Bachmann loco....
I'm sure there's a way!
http://tycodepot.com/
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Posted - March 29 2014 : 11:27:05 AM
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Hank, I believe JNXT has the right idea - use the RDC chassis's as a basis, as they're already powered. You can find Proto 2000 modern versions, or the old rubber-band drive Hi-F units. You would have to taper the end of the chassis to fit, but they are long enough to probably fit under the Observation body at least. I came up with an idea, which I'm still working on, I have two observation units, and a B unit F-7 in the middle. I bought a DCC B unit and run it like that, I call it the Silver Sausage, as it's an excursion train for sightseers. I intend later to possibly add Diner cars so they can eat as well on longer trips.  I still need to body-mount the Observation car couplers, as they don't like being pushed around curves, but I've run this a couple times at shows, and it draws attention  I like doing the unusual.
The other chassis you could use would be a Doodlebug ( or gas-electric ) chassis, those are long as well, but may be too long to fit under the Observation body without some serious work. You'd have to measure them to see, but it's another option. Good thing is they're already powered, and in some cases already DCC'ed, so just have to make the chassis fit the body at that point.
Jerry in VA
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - March 29 2014 : 4:02:03 PM
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You can also use a Spud.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HO-Tenshodo-Underfloor-Power-Truck-For-Railcars-of-Passenger-Train-Boosters-/181361361711?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item2a39fac32f
Vince
We are born naked, wet and hungry. Then things get worse.
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Posted - March 29 2014 : 4:34:55 PM
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quote:
WOW...that thing is dirt cheap. Anyone had any experience with these things? I can think of about a million places I would use that if it could pull even a little bit.
http://tycodepot.com/
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Posted - March 29 2014 : 4:45:55 PM
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| Cool idea, I think the RDC drive is a good start but you might take a look at an older Bachman Metroliner as a possible donor for this project. since Walthers just released a really high quality version of the Metroliner there will probably be a flood of used older versions for sale in the next few months. I have seen versions that used the traditional pancake motor but there are some flywheel drive versions as well.
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Posted - March 29 2014 : 5:42:23 PM
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quote:| WOW...that thing is dirt cheap. Anyone had any experience with these things? I can think of about a million places I would use that if it could pull even a little bit. |
I have used them before on a couple of SP RDC's. I put one on each end (you don't have to) and they do a good job. Quiet and reliable. I do not believe Tenshido makes them any more but there are a lot still out there.
Vince
We are born naked, wet and hungry. Then things get worse.
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Posted - March 29 2014 : 11:52:00 PM
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quote:Hank, I believe JNXT has the right idea - use the RDC chassis's as a basis, as they're already powered. You can find Proto 2000 modern versions, or the old rubber-band drive Hi-F units. You would have to taper the end of the chassis to fit, but they are long enough to probably fit under the Observation body at least. I came up with an idea, which I'm still working on, I have two observation units, and a B unit F-7 in the middle. I bought a DCC B unit and run it like that, I call it the Silver Sausage, as it's an excursion train for sightseers. I intend later to possibly add Diner cars so they can eat as well on longer trips. I still need to body-mount the Observation car couplers, as they don't like being pushed around curves, but I've run this a couple times at shows, and it draws attention I like doing the unusual.
The other chassis you could use would be a Doodlebug ( or gas-electric ) chassis, those are long as well, but may be too long to fit under the Observation body without some serious work. You'd have to measure them to see, but it's another option. Good thing is they're already powered, and in some cases already DCC'ed, so just have to make the chassis fit the body at that point.
Jerry in VA
Originally posted by AMC_Gremlin_GTÂ -Â March 29 2014Â :Â 11:27:05 AM
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You are right where I want to be. I was thinking a domed car in the middle just for excursion type trips. But I have a 'B' unit that would work until I can figure out everything else. Just hate for the "
'passenger' not to be able to move from end-to-end. Great ideas guys! Thanks. Hank
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Posted - March 30 2014 : 12:12:16 AM
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| Your photos are great. Guess I better buy those 2 NYC observation cars I've been admiring. They can be repainted & named/numbered.
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Posted - April 12 2014 : 3:09:29 PM
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| Hello everyone! Do the SPUD 's work well? Gathering various parts for my observation cars. Everyone has great ideas. Bought a couple RDC to try in the middle, an F7B for the middle of the consist. See a couple of the SPUD's for sale, $20/each. Is that a good price? Do I need one or two on a powered vehicle? Thanks. Hank.
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Posted - April 20 2014 : 11:18:27 AM
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[/quote]You are right where I want to be. Just hate for the "
'passenger' not to be able to move from end-to-end. Great ideas guys! Thanks. Hank
Originally posted by Hank Hobeau - March 29 2014 : 11:52:00 PM
[/quote]
Well, with my idea, the train consists of two different tourist groups, or party groups, so it doesn't matter if they mingle or not to them. Each party has their own side of the train as it were. Since my train handles smaller parties, not huge ones, it doesn't have to be a long train, nor fit them all into the same area.
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - April 22 2014 : 10:58:53 PM
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quote:Hello everyone! Do the SPUD 's work well? Gathering various parts for my observation cars. Everyone has great ideas. Bought a couple RDC to try in the middle, an F7B for the middle of the consist. See a couple of the SPUD's for sale, $20/each. Is that a good price? Do I need one or two on a powered vehicle? Thanks. Hank.
Originally posted by Hank Hobeau - April 12 2014 : 3:09:29 PM
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One will do the job fine, but two is better. They run very nice. $20.00 each is not a bad price. But they are no longer made so about the only place you'll find them are on eBay
Vince
We are born naked, wet and hungry. Then things get worse.
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