Hello everyone. I'm new to the world of HO scale. I recently bought a 5'x9' layout and small lot of around 50 cars and 4 locomotives of different brands (all HO scale) and am currently working with my sons on getting some of the locomotives back in working order. I believe both of these are athearn based on the research I've done so far. As you can see in the pictures, most if the driveline and the motors are missing. Can someone help me figure out what I need to purchase to get these running again? Even if you could tell me where to find a part sheet with numbers, that would be great. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you in advance, looking forward to digging into this!!
That's a neat layout. Yeah, those are both Athearns but I am not expert at knowing where to get parts other than I see them on eBay quite often. Others? Doug
Hi Wax, Given the cost of parts these days, particularly driveline and motors and the shape those are in. I would look at replacing them with new locomotives. It looks like you have a nice start in the hobby. Have fun! DB
both of those are Athearn Blue box Athearn made locos without motors as dummies so you could run multiple locos without pulling too much current. As advised you can pick up complete running Athearn BB locos for pennies so restoring those to running order is uneconomical. just put couplers on and use them as dummies. The silver trucks on the top picture don't match the Pennsylvania body, whether that bothers you or not... Good luck with it all!
Thanks for the information. Looks like I'll be buying some locomotives. Any suggestions on what to get? It looks like all of the new stuff has the metal "knuckle" type couplers. Everything I just picked up recently has the older style on it. Will they connect? I apologize for asking questions that may seem obvious to a lot of you, but this is all very new to me.
O.K. to ask questions. That's how you learn. In short, no, the couplers won't work together. Down the road, you may want to convert the freight cars you like to knuckle couplers. It's not difficult or particularly expensive and you'll find they're a lot nicer. For now, you could just make up a couple of adapter cars with the old horn hook coupler on one end and a knuckle type on the other. That would let you convert (or not) at your own pace. BTW, nice looking layout.
What era do you plan on modeling? Steam, transition era, modern? What price range do you want to shoot for? Some places out there you can buy brand new at pretty decent prices. PM me and I will let you know my secret fishin’ hole.
If you want cheap locomotives, try a train show or garage sale. Old athearns aren't worth repairing if they are broken, although they can be good for detailing projects if you are into that. You can find locomotives like yours at shows for $5-10. As a beginner, running quality is what you want. Don't spend $200 on detailed locomotive if you are unsure if you will like it or not. If you want to get into prototype modelling, find something to fall in love with. Most people remember a childhood railroad. My prototype is down the street, but whatever you choose, it should be something you want. Don't do something just because someone tells you to.
