Hello! Thank you for sharing this tutorial. I followed your video and managed to install a DCC on an SD40-2 Athearn Blue Box that had been parked for over 10 years. Thank you very much. 🤝🏻🙂
I too installed decoders in blue box Norfolk Southern ATHEARNS and a Lima TGV not the pancake motor,decoders won't really help with smooth performance with 1970s pancake motors LOL.I also installed a decoder in a 80s Stewart Hobbies
I like that idea of converting the blue box Athearn locomotive's from regular Athearn to DCC n Sound technology but I like both soundtraxx n esu loksound v5.
Thanks for the video, very nice neat install. I have a number of older locos that I'm sure have the motors that need to be insulated from the chassis. Your video was very informative and although some of my stock are much older than the blue box, the principle will be the same.
Two questions. 1. Instead of drilling and tapping a hole why not solder to light ground? 2. Why not just flatten the tabs on bottom spring clip then swap it with the top clip?
Thats a really nice model for that price.This is the upgraded blue box version, that has the hex drive, plastic handrails,& the body was attached with just the coupler boxes.These were only made for a couple years, before Athearn went to the RTR, that had nickle silver wheels , proper headlights, & numbered number boards.Good stuff, thankyou
As somebody who is new to this, I think it would be helpful to mention what tools you are using, mostly for things like drilling the hole in the metal frame. You did it off camera and I’m not even sure what the measurement is that you used when talking about the size of the hole. Can you describe what that measurement means and why you chose that size? What kind of drill and bit did you use to drill into metal?
Great video! I am doing the same thing on a Southern Pacific SD40t-2 So stoked to find this. I am using a TCS T4X decoder and am going to be adding a beacon light! You happen to know where I can get those acrylic sticks ? I am trying to find them but only can find the ones with holes. Thanks again and great video Cheers!
Hello! Thank you for sharing this tutorial. I followed your video and managed to install a DCC on an SD40-2 Athearn Blue Box that had been parked for over 10 years. Thank you very much. 🤝🏻🙂
The lighting trick w❤/tubing was neat!😊
I too installed decoders in blue box Norfolk Southern ATHEARNS and a Lima TGV not the pancake motor,decoders won't really help with smooth performance with 1970s pancake motors LOL.I also installed a decoder in a 80s Stewart Hobbies
Thanks for your tutorial, got my first decoder set up, in a santa fe blue box greetings from México
I like that idea of converting the blue box Athearn locomotive's from regular Athearn to DCC n Sound technology but I like both soundtraxx n esu loksound v5.
I had never thought of using acrylic tubes for headlights. Thanks for the idea!
Thanks for your fine effort in showing viewers how to convert a old dc into a dcc locomotive. Cost effective and well done. Much appreciated,
When I add dcc to my athearns I simply solder to the old light steel post. That saves me from having to drill into the chassis.
As usual, a very professional and entertaining presentation ...............
Thanks for the video, very nice neat install. I have a number of older locos that I'm sure have the motors that need to be insulated from the chassis. Your video was very informative and although some of my stock are much older than the blue box, the principle will be the same.
Great Video!!! Thanks so much! So helpful!
Don't cut off those copper tabs. just switch the clips from top to bottom. Then you can solder to those tabs.
Two questions. 1. Instead of drilling and tapping a hole why not solder to light ground? 2. Why not just flatten the tabs on bottom spring clip then swap it with the top clip?
Thats a really nice model for that price.This is the upgraded blue box version, that has the hex drive, plastic handrails,& the body was attached with just the coupler boxes.These were only made for a couple years, before Athearn went to the RTR, that had nickle silver wheels , proper headlights, & numbered number boards.Good stuff, thankyou
As somebody who is new to this, I think it would be helpful to mention what tools you are using, mostly for things like drilling the hole in the metal frame. You did it off camera and I’m not even sure what the measurement is that you used when talking about the size of the hole. Can you describe what that measurement means and why you chose that size? What kind of drill and bit did you use to drill into metal?
Whenever I'm doing a decoder instalation I always use an Athearn RTR board it saves me about 20 minutes.
Great video, very informative. Do you buy those tunes online? If so, do you have a web link?
After an hour, I would have liked to see it run...
I don't remember hearing the size or the wire gage. Then what colored wires goes where?! I want to thank you for sharing this with us fellow modelers.
Great video! I am doing the same thing on a Southern Pacific SD40t-2 So stoked to find this. I am using a TCS T4X decoder and am going to be adding a beacon light! You happen to know where I can get those acrylic sticks ? I am trying to find them but only can find the ones with holes. Thanks again and great video Cheers!