Model Railroading > Availability of Athearn Blue Box parts (?)

How readily available are parts for the Athearn Blue Box models? I have a pair of F-7s that are older than dirt, and the frames crumbled. I now need two new and unmodified frames. Anyone have an idea if I'm in for a long search? FWIW, there's a train show I'll be patronizing next weekend, and I'll start looking there.

Your chances of picking up just the frames is pretty slim. look for a couple
of used units and cannibalize them for parts. The Duke

Blue box dummies used the same frame as the powered units. Should be easy to find in someone's junk box at a swap meet. Unless, of course, they're RARE vintage Athearn dummy F units. It's so hard to tell them from the junk ones.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/29/15 10:58 by CPR_4000.

You can try some of the hobby shops that are "off the grid" (not nationally advertised). Often times they have NOS Athearn parts.

Two that I know of are PFS Railway supply near the Tri-Cities in WA, and Team Dewey Hobby in Nampa, ID.

Give TrainMasterModels a call in Buford Ga. They have a lot of blue box, more used than new. The number is (678)-546-3600 ask for Scott. Hope this helps. Steve H...

quite a few unpowered old f units going for 10 to 20 on ebay.

Stottman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You can try some of the hobby shops that are "off
> the grid" (not nationally advertised). Often times
> they have NOS Athearn parts.
>
> Two that I know of are PFS Railway supply near the
> Tri-Cities in WA, and Team Dewey Hobby in Nampa,
> ID.


The real problem, is getting the employee or even the owner to actually LOOK for the parts. Why would someone spend much of any time at all, digging through drawers of old parts, to make a, what, $5.00 sale? Forgetaboutit and do just pick up some used units at a train show.

I have 2 new Athearn bbox frames with or w/o dummy trucks; please send me a PM

Streamliner Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Stottman Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > You can try some of the hobby shops that are
> "off
> > the grid" (not nationally advertised). Often
> times
> > they have NOS Athearn parts.
> >
> > Two that I know of are PFS Railway supply near
> the
> > Tri-Cities in WA, and Team Dewey Hobby in
> Nampa,
> > ID.
>
>
> The real problem, is getting the employee or even
> the owner to actually LOOK for the parts. Why
> would someone spend much of any time at all,
> digging through drawers of old parts, to make a,
> what, $5.00 sale? Forgetaboutit and do just pick
> up some used units at a train show.

I in the past have found PF&S to be a big help and very willing even if you don't stop in and just call. Probably have been going there for more years than most on here. Know the whole family well and have a better stock than I think any hobby shop. If you have never been there go, two full scale box cars along with the isle between them full along with the main building. Nice people.