Skip to main content

I have an unpowered All Nation F3 that I want to power, then add DCC.  I was thinking a stanton drive would be pretty easy to adapt into the shell.  Any other alternatives?  If I go Stanton..how powerful are they, should I do 2 powered trucks or 1?  If you have used them, how many amps do they use?...could I use an HO decoder?  

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

I  wouldn't use a Stanton, you might be very disappointed. I would seek out the original drive, these come up on Ebay, or at swap meets, they come up regularly. The P&D drive is another possibility, from P&D hobbies, or you could try  Jay  at right-O'-way, he does nice drives, and he will give you good advice and direction. They would be my possible choices.                cTr....(Choose the Right )

Last edited by Stephen Bloy

The P&D drive could be installed without any or much modification to the existing shell and truck mounts.    Also, you might be able to use the existing truck frames.    P&D also has a gorgeous lost wax cast trucks for EMD.     

Finding a "like new" original drive may take longer.    Athough All Nation units and parts do turn up at most O scale train shows at reasonble prices.

That'll be a fun project Andy!  FWIW I've had great success with Jay's drives.  They allow the use of HO-sized decoders leaving room for larger Tang Band speakers.     Here are my five "Jay's" conversions with brass P&D Blombergs in a consist on my shortline:

 

5 feet to the left of this view there's a 36" radius hidden 180 deg curve that they all pass through with no issues. 

These are lighter-duty drives and each loco will pull about 15 x lb cars on level track. Jay has heavy-duty versions also if you need to pull 100-car coal drags... 

Pete

@Pete M  Thanks Pete...that is what I am looking for...something I can use with HO decoders...will help offset the cost of the power units.  

I was originally going to sell this All Nation F3, but I love the look of it..and who can resist a good paint and motoring project?!  I really want another F3 A&B unit to go with this one.

I also have an All Nation NW-2 I might repower, but I may just put a NCE decoder in it and forego sound 

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×