Athearn Blue Box DCC conversion

Complete DCC install in a Blue Box Athearn SD40-2, using a Digitrax DH126 decoder.

[@RicaFerromodelista]

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. 🤝🏻🙂

[@josephseverino674]

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 Alco.You did a fantastic job, upgrading an old blue box athearn is affordable alternative,especially for the young beginner great video 👍

[@davidrico1215]

Thanks for your tutorial, got my first decoder set up, in a santa fe blue box greetings from México

[@leehanna4929]

I had never thought of using acrylic tubes for headlights. Thanks for the idea!

[@johnmacdonald6220]

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,

[@gregginter5867]

The lighting trick w❤/tubing was neat!😊

[@johnburnett5624]

As usual, a very professional and entertaining presentation ...............

[@SoloContracting]

Thank you.

[@DavidSmith-dm8ew]

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.

[@enriqueaguilar4892]

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.

[@raysmith4997]

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.

[@michaelcudby787]

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

[@billyray94]

Great Video!!! Thanks so much! So helpful!

[@markwakeley3835]

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?

[@farmerdave7965]

Don't cut off those copper tabs. just switch the clips from top to bottom. Then you can solder to those tabs.

[@majortomtogc]

After an hour, I would have liked to see it run...

[@jamesschecter2149]

Don't need the screw. Sand off the paint to the metal and solder it to the frame. Use some Lacker or some other product to cover the work.

[@andrewlaverghetta715]

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? These are just little things that I think might happen beginners like me. My dad got me a gp38-2 like this when I was a teenager and I’ve just opened it up again after 25 years and want to get it updated to run.

[@RenegadeModelRailroader]

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!

[@SoloContracting]

www.plastruct.com/products/ar-2h?_pos=1&_sid=e866fe08b&_ss=r

[@bradleyogden5688]

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.

[@Riogrande6400]

Whenever I'm doing a decoder instalation I always use an Athearn RTR board it saves me about 20 minutes.

[@canadianlocomotivelogistics]

If I viewed the video correctly, you are still using the frame and have not isolated the frame from power, which means you’ll have to use plastic couplers. Might I suggest that you isolate the frame also from having any power?

[@SoloContracting]

You are correct. I get away with metal couplers by using a Kadee couple box and a nylon screw.

[@jakes_trains]

Would you be able to show in a video how to upgrade a motor on a brass engine and how to isolate it?

[@jshellha]

Nice and simple install Larry. A very fundamental question if I may. What brand and wattage of soldering iron do you use in these videos? I have three different brands and with the exception of one, none of them have tips that are as fine and pointed as the one you use. The one unit for which I did locate a fine tip, the tip does not fit into the barrel of the gun sufficiently tight that there is no play or wiggle in it. It is difficult to use because the tip moves around and that can be deadly when one is soldering onto the pads of one of these decoders.

[@SoloContracting]

I use a WESD51 soldering station from Weller. It's 50 watts. Loose tips are not good for small electronics. Thanks for watching.

[@anthonymaida5718]

Great Video What brand is that flux that you are using? It’s more of a liquid consistency?

[@SoloContracting]

Kesters 186

[@hobbyroomx]

Great video, very informative. Do you buy those tunes online? If so, do you have a web link?

[@eXtremeFX2010]

So for a bluebox when doing the wire decoders. Its not necessary to Isolate the motor from the frame like you do with some DCC decoders?

[@SoloContracting]

The motor is isolated from the frame. The tape under the motor and the motor mounts keep the motor isolated. The other thing is cutting the little tabs from the copper strip on the bottom of the motor.

[@strobelightaudio]

what are you using to clean off the residual flux? alcohol?

[@SoloContracting]

Yes. Alcohol.

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

What diameter tube for the lights?

[@SoloContracting]

.0625"

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

@@SoloContracting Thank you