K-Line ATSF F7B

Since this thread is being outpaced by a lead balloon, I thought I would post some photos to show my problem.

The B unit on the left is the one that isn't compatible with my A B A set.

The 4-pin looks like a Molex.

Did you check what pins/sockets are being used on the 10-pin? And what they go to?

Dave

The ten pin unit is from a later production run than the 4 pin unit. China refuses to make the same thing twice, preferring to call it "continuous improvement." That works fine for stand alone, single shot, use once and throw it away type of items, but it is the dickens with an item that you want to add to in the future.

If you understand how to do wiring, and can find both the male and female four pin connectors, you can rewire your B unit.

The reason for the different tethers is that the newer sets have more features to control than the older sets. The earlier K-Line F units did not have smoke, so they only needed 4 pin connectors. The 4 pins were just for motors, couplers, and lights. Smoke adds two more; I don't know what the other four pins are good for. Some of them may not be wired at all. In any case, if you want to run the new B unit with your old set you will have to rewire it.

You're probably on to a good idea by trying to trade it. If you live somewhere that has train shows, you can always try taking it to a train show and trading it to a dealer or private seller for something you can use. 

My closest local hobby shop is approx. 400 miles away in Hurst, TX, but I do get by there occasionally. 

 I would like to attempt rewiring it, and reapplying good diaphragms if I can find the parts online.  However, if someone sees this thread and has to have this unit to complete a set, I would sell or trade it.

You can try Brasseur for parts. (traindoctor.com) I'd recommend taking the smoke unit out for use elsewhere, since the four-wire connection will not allow you to control it from the remote (the original set is TMCC, right?). You could wire the smoke to run off track voltage, but one smoking B unit in a non-smoking set would look kind of strange.  

I have parts ordered from Lionel, hoping the plugs match.  When I get going with this project, I will share the steps and results.

I have that model that goes with your new B unit. In my version, the lead A unit shares it's tmcc brain with the trailing powered A unit through a 10 pin connector. The tether had to pass the controls through the unpowered B units.  It looks like you will have to rewire the connectors to work with your version.

For Miken:

As I stated earlier, if you want to buy it, it is for sale at exactly what I paid for it...$115.00.  F7 B NON POWERED DIESEL ENGINE with OB  K-2530-0383

This may be unique to me, but I am always in the market for a ATSF B unit.  It would be far better to trade or sell it rather than modify it.   But if nobody needs it, then....

Mine is Pennsy and I have three B units. I might be looking to get rid of one B unit as well.

The wire harnesses come from Brasseur Electric Trains (www.traindoctor.com).

K2500-X001 Harness Male 4 Pin No pins No sleeve 2 blue 2 brown wires.

K2500-X002 Molex 4 Pin Female with pins 2 blue 2 brown.

The following does not work: on the Lionel parts website there are entries for

Harness/4-POS/K-Line dummy unit power.  Again, these do not fit.

K-Line ATSF warbonnet F-7 B's are scarce.  And with the original set having 3 powered units, the need for additional powered B's is questionable.  So, I am making unpowered B's to add into the consist that will keep the trailing cab powered and lit.