Dummy Dash 8

I remember a thread a while back where folks swapped chassis between Bmann -8 and Kato something or others...

I have 2 Dash 8's I want to convert to dummies, and if I get really creative may make one a "B"unit. Does anyone have this link or ideas to make it work. I would like to remove most of the weight, which means making a new chassis.

thanks

nodima

 

I can't answer your question...but your question brings up a question I've always had. Why do people want dummy engines?

 

THe ket here is to remove the worm gear. After that it should run fine as a dummy, and you still have the electrical connections.

 

Hoss, when I run a 4 or 5 locomotive set up, it's a lot easier to use 2 powered units and match the motors, than it would be trying to match 4 or 5.

 

In my case, these locomotives do not run with any other ones I have, (I am not using DCC) and with a new release of this model set to come out in the near future, the value of these is minimal. I saw brand new units for $25.00 at the Springfield show.

Since I cannot run them, and the resale is nothing, I guess I would rather they be on the layout making up a consist, than sitting in a closet somewhere.

 

nodima, in reply to your first question, what I've done to a few units, more as a test, (and so far has worked out well) is I fabricate a duplicate frame from styrofoam, mount the trucks etc. Hardest part has been the fuel tanks in some cases, so instread of trying to mold them, I've just trimmed and added the factory ones.
Try one as an experiment. They work great, if you ever decide to mu them up with powered units.
Bill

 

I think it was Alan or Gats who did the conversion.Since they are both on the other side of the pond they will probably get to reply tonight.I remember the conversion and it was a very well done.Hopefully they can help you out.

 

I guess that makes sense. For me...since I run modern stuff and to my knowledge dummies aren't made...and since I run DCC (or will when I ever get may layout built enough to run anything)...then it doesn't make sense to have a dummy. I can certainly see where it would be good in some of the other cases mentioned here though.

Now....I don't know much about the units you're wanting to convert...but if I were trying to convert one of my current engines I'd take the split frame apart, remove the motor and worm gears, then put it back together leaving the light board in place. I haven't tried this, but it seems like it would not only turn it into a dummy engine but you'd still have working lights (which you may or may not want).

 

Look here to see how Alan did his dummy C30-7 loco.Same trick should work for the Dash 8.
North American Rail Alliance -How To Page

 

I was wondering about using the dummies for sound. Perhaps a DCC decoder built for N Scale. This way you could have room for a larger speaker. Anyone done this yet?

 

hmm never thought of using dummies to AVOID matching engine speeds. i have purchased (for example) 8 different atlas b40-8's over the past few months. NONE of them have a lap time within 2 seconds of any other, using the same size track lap and same MRC powerpack at 70% throttle. I've heard it mentioned that mismatched locos would cause excessive wheel wear on the slower loco... makes sense when ya think about it...
Earlier tonight i decided to put the latest A.C. stuff out for a test run... After the 2 sets of articulated well cars, I tacked on the 15 single wells. So far so good with a single b40-8. Added the 6 sets of 45' spine cars.... needed a little more giddyaup!! added a second b40 that was only 5 seconds difference in the speed test, could see the wheel slip on the slower unit... still looked AWESOME!!!