I just had the good fortune to recieve several boxes full of Athearn FP45 shells. I have no powered mechanisims for these big shells. As far as I can tell the mech.'s are not manufactured anymore. What would be a good mechanism to fit the shell that is available on the market? All of these shells are in pristine condition so I could not see just selling them without trying to get a few running around my little test track. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
The mech's not available? did they cancel these engines? I know my old LHS in Oregon had em still. If you can't find the mechs, I believe that the SD40T-2 has the right length and fuel tank size. You would need to swap out the HT-C trucks for Flexcoil though.
Thanks Yo. I found a Whole kit from athearn at my LHS. Seems their having a hard time getting anything from Athearn, Horizon is making them jump through several hoops to get anything. Apparently Walthers is just keeping what stock they have and not ordering anything else from them (horizon).. Bummer. John
I only have two F45s (no FP45s, sorry), but the SD40-2/SD40T-2 chassis, as mentioned above, should work. I'd go looking on eBay to get used SD40-2s to save money (that's how I got my F45s, BTW). If you can find an SD40-2 chassis, and don't mind an unpowered FP45, I can send you some unpowered trucks- I powered my dummy. One question- how in the world did you come across so many shells? I'm impressed (if not a wee bit jealous ).
I see a lot of bare shells in the discount box at hobby shops. usually going for between $3-$6. Usually FP45/F45 and PA/PB shells are the most prevelent.
Thanks for the offer friscobob. I got the Shells from a friend of mine. He is the executor of an estate fo a man who had lots of trains. I got them for dismantleing his layout. Sad, but better than tossing them. YoHo, I have the original boxes with all of the grab irons windowsas well.
Yo, I contacted Athearn a few weeks ago and they stated that FP45 production has been discontinued and that I should check back from time to time to see if production has been resumed. That's all I know.
