I need my memory refreshed on Athearn Blue box locos.

[ChevelleSSguy]

Regarding the Athearn Blue Box locomotives. I could swear I recall reading back in the day that if you hook up a consist of more then one of these powered units together, metal couplers like Kadee #5's, need to be isolated from the frame or the locos will not run because it shorts out.

Is this true or have I recalled incorrectly? Also, if I recalled correctly. How does DCC fit in with this as the motor is isolated from the frame?

 

[fiend540]

Stole this from another thread on the forum, hope it helps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDxFThn-fAc

 

[catt]

If you are using metal couplers,you need to isolate them from the frame because yes it will cause a short when you double head them.

 

[Rico]

A newer loco may not short as the paint on the coupler box insulates the couplers, but as they age Catt is corrrect about the shorts.
The usual remedy was plastic coupler boxes.
As for DCC you need to remove the prime mover and insulate the bottom contact strip, usually by breaking off the tab and applying a small strip of electrical tape.
Be sure to watch where the tiny brush spring lands if you remove that strip!

 

[bnsf971]

The frame is the ground, so when you run two locomotives back-to-back the two frames will ground each other through the couplers. You can either use the plastic coupler boxes, or use plastic knuckle couplers, such as Bachmann's EZ mate. I would recommend the plastic coupler box, but there are alternatives.

 

[ChevelleSSguy]

Ok, so I did recall correctly. The way I see it is its most likely just better to use plastic couplers instead of the metal ones, If I try to shim or use a coupler box, the coupler is lowered in its pocket right? Then it may be too low according to the height guage. Does Kadee have a plastic equivalent to the #5?

 

[River Run]

You can use a Kadee plastic coupler box that comes with the couplers. Drill the coupler pad on the Athearn with a #50 Drill bit and tap it with a 2-56 tap. Install the coupler box with a 2-56 screw. If the coupler is too low you can file the bottom of the coupler pad down to get the correct height. The box will insulate the couplers.

 

[UP2CSX]

You can also use thin fibre washers that Kadee sells just for this problem. They are just beg enough to insulate the coupler shank without upsetting the height. I've also know guys that use liquid electrical tape. Your safest option is still the Kadee plastic coupler boxes described.