Kinda wondering about the first run of the Athearn F59's. I assume the paint on them is pretty good and the window glass isn't too bad. I have heard stories about the these not being great performers based on the 3-pole motor. Opinions on this? I have read about them on Spookshow's website also. Can a decoder (hardwire) be added and if so does it improve performance/noise? Looking at a Coaster one and would rather know what I am getting into before buying (if I do). I know Athearn is re-releasing some and has done some with Tsunami on board. I like the New Mexico RailRunner but the real loco is an MP36 in lieu of an F59. Anyways, thanks for any info. Anyone have one they want to move on? Thanks.
I seriously doubt that adding a decoder would reduce the noise. You'd likely be happier taking the old Coaster shell and adapting it to fit the newer (and far superior) DCC-Ready chassis/mech. -Mark
Three pole motor- I don't remember. But one problem is the trucks are a bit loose. Gears can actually mis-align. I disassembled mine and got the pickups that go over the axles. I bent them inward slightly to take some slop out and hold the axles a bit more firmly. Bottom line- glad they revised the mechanism.
I'm wondering about this too. I also have a first-run (Metrolink scheme) and have recently gone DCC. I don't have the money for the new version. Is there an aftermarket motor we can replace the 3-pole with? 50% of the noise problem has to do with the materials and the design of the shell. The thing resonates like crazy. Take off the shell, and the noise goes down considerably. The shell is too thin and brittle. I think if you could line the inside with rubber material, you'd get a considerably quieter loco. If anyone has any decoder recommendations, I'd also appreciate them!
I have one of the earlier ones and while it is a bit noisy, I really don't consider it all that bad. Adding a decoder will not make it any quiter, but it does make it much more controllable because you can limit it's top speed(they are VERY fast on DC). The decoder install is fairly easy - I used a DZ125 and modified and kept the existing light board. I have some pictures if anyone is interested.
I hard wired a DZ123 in my first run metrolink unit keeping the light board, I also replaced the dim front LED with a bright one salvaged from a Kato light board. It's still a loud runner, DCC won't fix that. Plenty of room in the shell for the decoder too, put mine over the rear trucks gear tower.
Get the new run. Oh, you're still reading. Tsk, tsk. Get the new run. Don't waste another thought, dollar, second of time, or ounce of energy typing on the keyboard trying to discuss improving these really bad locomotives. They are horrible and that's being nice about it. Athearn has done some great things in n-scale, but they really should be embarrassed for letting these out the door and ashamed that they are not letting us trade in the old ones for credit. Get the new run.
