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 Posted - March 21 2015 : 9:23:25 PM
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i got a rock island model in ok shape but i wanna get the old gal running using modern parts if i can please give me advice im new to the hobby
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Posted - March 21 2015 : 10:35:18 PM
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I've heard of these bodies being installed on a Athearn F7 unit of the older run. I say repair it first and see how it runs.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - March 23 2015 : 11:52:13 PM
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has anybody looked into using a Bachmann rf16 drive under the tyco body? it should fit, and will have the correct trucks right out of the box.
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Posted - March 24 2015 : 02:15:13 AM
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| original motors fried and the truck sideframes are gone both couplers are missing too i hope the bachmann chassis fit
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Posted - March 24 2015 : 10:33:01 AM
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| I have one that rolls on a Proto FA-2 chassis and it was a good fit with truck spacing and even has the right sideframes. It seems like these are always easy to find at swap meets. I have another that uses an F-unit chassis from a model power F-7 that is also a good fit but im stuck with the Blomberg trucks on that one.
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Posted - March 24 2015 : 2:52:32 PM
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The last Blue box U-Boats had a GE Version of the type truck used on the Baldwins. That is the U30B, U33B, and The U36B units, These side frames will fit the standard 4 wheel road truck [F7]. They are a bit hard to find.
Regards, John
Time misspent in youth is sometimes all the freedom one ever has. <> Anita Brookner
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Posted - March 24 2015 : 3:37:17 PM
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Best bet is to swap out a pair of U-boat trucks (AAR Type B) for the Blombergs on an Athearn F7 mechanism. Some minor modifications to the frame/shell might be necessary for them to fit together, but I couldn't say as I haven't tried it. I'm saving my RF16 shells until I can find a PA1 mechanism to build one of the Pennsy's A1A "RP25" Sharks.
--CRC
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Posted - March 25 2015 : 11:29:37 PM
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the athearn 4 axle trucks are completely interchangeable, as are the sideframes. I have several athearn gp35s which ride on the type b trucks from u boats, similar to the frisco gp35s. and vice versa, o have seen models of scl u boats riding on emd trucks like the real ones did. thus, converting the athearn f unit chassis to type b sideframes is a simple task.
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Posted - March 26 2015 : 12:04:53 AM
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| If you look around on the old posts of this forum, you will find all kinds of advice about replacing the motor on that unit with one salvaged from a playstation or computer cd drive. You can also fit the shell on an f7 frame....I think it was bachmann but I can't remember. Try it out and see what fits.
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Posted - March 26 2015 : 10:40:41 AM
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I know we are not allowed to advertise things for sale but if anyone needs the Athearn GE, 4 axle trucks; I have a bunch. Maybe place a wanted ad on tycodepot.com
Randy
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