Extreme engine makeover - Athearn edition

Since I have put a train track under the tree for Christmas, I've pulled out some older motive power to see how they still perform (or not as in this case) after a few years in storage.

This weeks contestant is BN 6773, an old school Athearn SD40-2. I put it on the tracks and............. nada.


It was in a box with a couple of other units (also ready to go through a rehab), but time has not been to kind to it. The wheels appear rusted, along with some corrosion of the L brackets coming out of the trucks. Also, the metal strip that connects the L brackets to the motor is missing.






I must have done some work on it in the past, as the couplers are mounted correctly to the body. I have vague recollections that this one never ran to well to begin with, so this should be an interesting project.

This project will have to phases. Phase one is getting the mechanicals to run well. This will include:

• Getting the wheels to the proper gauge
• Cleaning and lubing the gear boxes
• Verify correct coupler height
• Change drive line to Athearn's new hex drive
• Upgrade to DCC with new light package

Phase two will be to add details. I'm still researching how much I want to do on that one. Stay tuned, as the show will be getting underway here soon!