Athearn blue box dcc. It was clearly marked as donated LAMRS property. Complete DCC install in a Blue Box Athearn SD40-2, using a Digitrax DH126 decoder. Fast & Free shipping on many items! Restored Athearn GP38-2 running strong. And lets add some bright new LEDs too. . I Made a second video with better › The Back Shop › DCC The all in Athearn Blue Box Switcher upgrades and repairs Forum Jump: Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest (s) Athearn HO Blue Box Locomotive DCC and Speaker Mount By brad712 Here is a mounting bracket for Athearn HO Blue Box locomotives that will allow you to more easily install DCC decoders and speakers. HOW TO Install DCC and Sound into an Athearn Blue Box SD40-2 (ESU LokSound 5 + DecoderBuddy) I have "rediscovered" several athearn blue box engines from early '90's that I would like to super detail and convert to DCC. Decoder install in Athearn "Blue-Box" Roger Chrysler demonstrates the installation of a DCC decoder in an Athearn "Blue-Box" F7 locomotive. No sound was created from a PowerPoint clinic I prepared for an NM This installation is for a HO Scale Athearn F7A Early frame. May God Bless you! more I’m upgrading an old Athearn Blue Box loco (SD40-2) to DCC using the Digitrax DH123AT Decoder, along with upgrading the couplers with Kadee #37’s. Lot of 2 Athearn Blue Box Santa Fe ATSF SD40-2 Snoot Nose Locomotives HO Scale both tested and ran great with working headlights. 05 delivery Great deals on Plastic Model Trains. These repower kits come with pre-installed flywheels, pre-soldered motor leads, plus U- The RTR-MB1 and GEN-MB1 have on board 1. 2 of them are GP40-2Ss and the other one is a GP38-2. Jun 30, 2025 · Travis asks readers: “I’ve got 4 old Athearn Blue Box locos (DC) and I want to upgrade them to DCC with sound. However, that statement hasn’t been officially confirmed. 79 Decoder Install Plus DIY Handrails and some fancy LED functions. Has anyone done this successfully? What should I expect, and how can I get the best results?” Genesis and DCC Ready unit motors are isolated from the factory. These are for motor and light control. 86 delivery HO Scale Athearn Blue Box Dummy KCS SD40-2 #681 C $21. Our Athearn blue box F7 B DCC conversion is finally complete! Other than adding the wheel covers back (they need to be painted) and adding some weight, it is up and running. This locomotive is DCC ready and can easily accept a decoder. The GP40-2s will be numbered in the 600 number series. To prevent abuse, please verify that you are a human before proceeding. The first run SD45T-2 has the classic SD40-2 truck design from the Athearn Blue Box era with the metal hanger above the truck and a wire with a clip attached to it. It isn't worth the cost or efforts. This kind of loco was the low cost Athearn product. 19 1 bid 3d 5h 23m Our Athearn Blue Box diesel upgrades DCC project is nearly complete! We have been working to get the last A unit completed in our A-B-A F7 consist and we are I try to explain a basic DCC decoder install on two older blue box Athearn locomotives. My original roster called for 4 GP38-2s. However some Athearns required the chasis to be insulated, was that the GP-9? If so what needs to be done? Installation of an Athearn DCC Board into an Athearn Blue Box/Ready to Run Diesel Locomotive Athearn Blue Box DCC Conversion Using Digitrax DHAT Harness Flash Blackman May 18, 2012 In the past, people have posted links to detailed, step-by-step pictorial instructions on how to install a decoder into an Athearn blue box locomotive, but offhand I don’t recall any of them. They have no sound. I have an old Athearn Blue Box Locomotive, I am looking for recommendations on converting it to DCC. I disassembled the Athearn ATHG19606 EMD FP7 Locomotive with DCC & Sound, SOU Southern #6133 HO Scale Detailed Information Overview Several Southern FP7s were repainted into the carrier’s attractive green-and-white scheme in the 1970s. 5volt power supplies to conveniently power all the original 1. The Athearn Blue Box Canadian National SD 40-2 HOScale model is a ready-to-go diesel locomotive with digital control system, featuring DCC sound. It is pretty basic and was designed and probably built at about the same time NMRA DCC became standardized in 1993. As I recall Digitrax had a harness kit that made this relatively simple. A hobby shop said it’s doable but might not perform great. Both use 'no-solder' clips that take the place of the existing clips on Athearn BB locos. Goes well with my other Chessie U33C numbered 3305. Users are advised to use wired decoders for Athearn Blue Box Installations. With milling of the frame, they have been able to utilize a RTR-MB1 motherboard, WOW121 diesel decoder and UNIV-SH4C WOWSound kit. His tutorials are well-thought out, clearly explaining the various steps necessary to install and program DCC decoders using Digitrax products. I am completly new to DCC, and I just started my layout (Finally). › The Back Shop › DCC The all in Athearn Blue Box Switcher upgrades and repairs Forum Jump: Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest (s) Athearn ATH-1816 EMD SD40-2 Locomotive with DCC & Sound, RBMN Reading Blue Mountain Northern #1983 HO Scale 3 in stock $212. I made this as detailed as possible for anyone wanting to do their first DCC install on an Athearn Blue The Athearn Blue Box locos are not DCC friendly and may require modification to several areas of the loco for a successful installation. Blue Box F Unit Chassis with DCC and sound. To add sound Digitrax has the SFX0416, a mobile sound decoder that can work with any existing DCC HO Scale Athearn Blue Box AC4400 “CNW” Locomotive #8815 In Original Box AU $85. I thought all was going well and had it running without the shell on. I Got this old Atlas unit at a train show for $35 undecorated and so I painted her up in the C&O blue dip scheme. Features: • Factory DCC Quick-Plug Equipped • Kadee couplers installed • Strong, smooth runner • Clean paint and lettering • All handrails intact This Milwaukee Road Baldwin S-12 Switcher Diesel locomotive is believed to originally be made by Athearn as one of their Ready-to-Roll Blue Box items. 19 delivery This weekend I worked on three Athearn Blue Box units. Classic BB and RTR motors should be hard wired. These 2 models give me 6, with one more to go. Amazon: https://www. The non dynamic unit will be #556 and will represent former Durham & Southern #2000. No problem - you just have to isolate the motor electrically from the frame, then wire in the decoder. Here I will document the step I take that I think are a bare minimum when it comes to installing DCC into a pre-RTR locomotive. Installation of an Athearn DCC Board into an Athearn Blue Box/Ready to Run Diesel Locomotive I often get requests for information on installing decoders in older Athearn locomotives that came in the famous Athearn blue boxes. It was given to me by a cusomter for a sound install with a Soundtraxx Tsunami AT-1000 and a Tony’s Trains’ mini speaker and enclosure. Im installing a simple dh123d digitrax decoder in a Rock island sd 40-2 but the wiring schemematics are virtually the same for most decoders My first Locomotive finally gets the DCC conversion. 00 + $13. 5volt use. I disassembled the Basic DCC conversion of an Athearn Blue Box locomotive. Are my thoughts valid on converting old Athearn Blue Boxes? Today I attempt to install my first ever DCC Decoder in one of my old HO Scale Locomotives. In this video i install a digitrax dcc/sound decoder in an athearn blue box For ease of installation in Athearn blue box loco I would suggest the Digitrax DH123AT or DH163AT. 01 + $58. I The Athearn Oakway SD-60 HO Diesel Locomotive is a ready to roll model featuring a blue and white color scheme, perfect for transportation enthusiasts and model railroad hobbyists. 5volt bulbs that come with your Athearn locomotive. I was wading through all the info without a clear cut “get this decoder for Athearn BB”. Programmed to #5930 HO SCALE ATHEARN BLUE BOX SD50 UNION PACIFIC #5560 DUMMY DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE🔥🔥🔥 $20. Expand your options of fun home activities with the largest online selection at eBay. Nov 9, 2004 · I want to switch over to DCC, but I still want to use my blue box locos with my atlas’s. However some Athearns required the chasis to be insulated, was that the GP-9? If so what needs to be done? Athearn Blue Box DCC Conversion Using Digitrax DHAT Harness Flash Blackman May 18, 2012 I have several old Blue Box Athearn locos and I run DCC. ca/hz/wishlist/ls/1B33ARLCBZK5A?ref_=wl_sharePatreon: https://www. Thanks for being specific. Apologies for the bad camera focus. 10). Human Verification We detected suspicious activity from your IP address (157. This replica of the SD-60 locomotive is equipped with DCC control system technology for easy operation. But once I put on the shell the problems started happening…(1) the loco seemed a LOT louder (2) and now I can’t get it to stop short circuiting on me. 99 $304. Well I guess it is a little bit like Christmas. Athearn, ROCO, etc Diesel Locomotives Want smooth, powerful operation for your diesels, especially the now-discontinued Athearn “Blue Box” diesel locomotives? NWSL’s repower kits are the answer, and they’re DCC ready if you need it. The first one I did took me about an hour, now it’s about a half-hour job. 55. What can I say Got this old Atlas unit at a train show for $35 undecorated and so I painted her up in the C&O blue dip scheme. Installation of a Wired DCC decoder in an Athearn "Blue Box" loco. Shop now! In the past, people have posted links to detailed, step-by-step pictorial instructions on how to install a decoder into an Athearn blue box locomotive, but offhand I don’t recall any of them. 39. Athearn RTR EMD SD40-2 , LLPX #4405 DCC ready C $171. Just afraid that if I add DCC, the old noisy motor problems will remain along with the problems with the old wheel sets, large handrails and headlights, that conversion is not in my future plans. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail. I found a box stock Athearn "blue box" loco at the club. Its a run of the mill Blue Box SD40-2 that has seen a medium amount of running. DCC Quick-Plug Equipped (8-pin socket). amazon. Thanks to everyone for pointing me in the right direction. I hope this helps some people out. This mount clips securely onto the top of the motor using the metal piece that holds the top motor brush and spring in place. Item description from the seller HO Scale Athearn Ready-To-Roll RF&P GP35 Road Number 114. Not my choices in My Comprehensive Guide To Basic DCC Convertion Of An Athearn Blue Box Locomotive On A Budget Scott Rails 10. I used a Digitrax DH126D de Hopper water piping underneath front battery box step “35-Line” cab with EMD-option “Extended-Vision” front windshields (“Wanna-Be” L-Window), square blue flag bracket on right side, and large armrests I’m upgrading an old Athearn Blue Box loco (SD40-2) to DCC using the Digitrax DH123AT Decoder, along with upgrading the couplers with Kadee #37’s. Explore top Athearn Blue HO locomotives: C44-9W, GP38-2, AC4400. I was rummaging through my model train room and found three blue box GP-9s without decoders in them. The other unit will become Tampa Northern Model Railroad 551. I upgraded all my bluebox Athearns years ago. The front headlight and rear light pads are configured for 1. I have read several articles about improving the Athearn drive train and was wondering if any one had any success stories or advice? Sep 6, 2023 · In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of installing dcc sound in Athearn Blue Box locomotives, providing you with a step-by-step solution that will have your train roaring with lifelike audio in no time. This is a How To vid to show how you convert an older Athearn Blue Box locomotive to DCC using a Digitrax DH123AT Decoder and Harness. 89 + $34. Condition is New. Made of plastic, this HO gauge locomotive from Athearn is a detailed and realistic addition to any model The Athearn Genesis AC4400CW CEFX DCC Ready LED HO Scale model is a detailed replica of a GE diesel locomotive in blue color. Mike. Mike, that is the exact video I watched. 7K subscribers Subscribe I think Athearn blue box locos are the easiest to work on, and convert to DCC. Think it came out halfway decent. This is a clinic for those who might find a hard-wire install slightly intimidating. First is our victim. Discard the wired clip that is featured on some RTR models. Working on the next 2 Tampa Northern Model Railroad GP38-2s. This will show you how to install decoders into older Athearn Blue Box style locomotives. Perfect for collectors and layouts. com. These are, of course, Athearn Blue Box units. Classic Blue Box units are not isolated. Feb 27, 2008 · On YouTube, tommie022481 has some excellent videos on installing DCC into various HO diesel locomotives. Evaluate the loco first by checking for shorts / continuity in several places you first before making a decision. To help a fellow forum member out and possibly others i decided to do a post on installing DCC in an athearn blue box. Basic HO Clip Installation for Athearn Standard Locomotives This item was retired in August 2012 due to the unavailability of connector clips for building this product. This ready-to-go pre-built model is designed on a 1:87 scale with a Co-Co wheel configuration, perfect for model railroads and train enthusiasts. x9c3i, yjqo, lgqnr, ngc2, 5owa, 7s7ktu, b6ko9v, yvlx, bxh8h, hlnc1,