Can anyone tell me about how to install Kaydee #508 couplers on International Hobby Corporation (IHC) streamlined passenger cars?  I checked the Kaydee site and they indicated that the #508 coupler (the same one for Rivarossi) was the right one to use.

Before I buy a bunch of #508 couplers or mess anything up, I took a good look at the IHC passenger trucks and what gave me pause was that the IHC trucks have "horn hook" couplers extending out on a shaft from the truck assembly as one part with the horn hook on the end.   The truck and shaft are made of plastic.  Are the horn hook couplers supposed to be cut off? 

Does anyone know of a set of instructions re: what to do to install Kaydee #508 couplers on these type of passenger cars that I can use as a reference?

Excellent information!  I've got it now.  The information and pictures that you have provided in response to my questions should be a road map to anyone who is performing their own DCC conversions on Athearn diesel locomotives.

Again, thank you!

A follow-up question: you spoke about replacing certain clips (the long clip and one under the motor).  With what?  Do parts to do so come with the decoder?

Thank you everybody.  I think I have the information that I need to do this now.

That was a great suggestion re: the DH163AT and I think that that is the way I am going to go.  The instructions sound simple enough and I will use an older Athearn F-7A engine the first time. 

It also appears that if I go this route, I won't have to replace the engine light(s).

Question:  In the on-line installation instructions for the DH163AT, I didn't see anything about the need to isolate the motor from the frame (removing the motor and putting some paper over the copper plate under the motor).  Will I still need to do that as well?

Those are about the clearest directions that I have heard.  Any ideas on what the right decoder would be?  Please be specific.  I have about 7 or 8
F-3s, F-7s, F-9s and FTAs that I want to convert.  I use the Bachmann EZ DCC Power Pack with the bachmann 5 amp booster.

And where could I get an LED light to replace the discarded headlight?  I am not trying to nitpick...I am just trying to get my ducks in a row before I do this. 

It sounds like it would be a good idea to practice the first time on an an older F-7.

Oh...I almost forgot.  Would these same directions (and same type of decoder) apply to the F-3, F-7, F-9 and FTA "B" units.  I have several of those that are powered as well.

First of all, I would like to thank all who have responded to my various inquires on the Bachmann Message Board.  I have always received either the correct answer or one that worked for me.  This is an invaluable resource for model raildroaders who need answers to the questions that many of you have already answered, so a big "Thank You" to all.

I have several Bachmann DCC engines and I want to convert my 10 or so Athearn engines (these are the olders ones) to DCC (no sound) as well.  Several of the Athearns are F-7s.  Because it is fairly expensive to convert that many engines to DCC, I would like to learn how to do it myslf.  Is there a realy good set of instructions re: how to do this and what would be the best type(s)of decoder to use?  Where can I find this information?

I hope that it OK to ask this question on Bachmann's site.

Finally, I have heard much talk about the need to "isolate" the engine.  What exactly does that mean?

For those who want to know, I was able to successfully switch a UP Bachmann F-9A shell (from a DC unit) onto a D&RG Bachmann FTA chassis (which is a DCC unit).  They were interchangeable.  The F-9A has a slightly smaller hole for the front coupler (be careful of that), but the chassis (with a little finagling) snaps right in place and the four mounting screws fit the same holes exactly on both units.  The FTA shell fits on the the F-9A chassis easily.  It has a slightly larger hole for the front coupler.

After the switch, both units work fine.  I now have a DCC-equipped Bachmann UP F-9 DCC engine.  The Bachmann D&RG FTA engine is now a DC engine.

Because of the way that Bachmann units are screw-mounted, I can see that shells made by other manufacturers (such as Athearn, which just snap onto the Athearn chassis)  won't work with a Bachmann chassis.

I hope that this information is helpful to someone else.

Thank you.  it worked beautifully! 

I am glad that I waited to hear from you first before doing anything.

This may sound like a stupid question, but how does the shell come off of a Bachmann F-9A or a Bachmann FT-A Unit?  I saw the two screws holding the fuel tank on and I took that off, but the shell still didn't come off.  The diagram that comes with the unit isn't particularly helpful. 

I don't want to break the shell, so I thought that I would ask first from anyone who had some experience.

Good idea.  Thank you.

What kind of weights are there or HO scale flat cars (Athearn, Bachmann)?  Who makes them and where can I find them?

If somebody doesn't make weights specially designed for flat cars, does anyone have any idea what to use instead?  Will metal trucks and wheels help?  Flat cars seem to be the one category of freight car that derails the most.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you very much for the information.

Are the shells of the Bachmann F-7A, F-9A and FT-A diesel locomotives interchangeable?  In other words, I have a Bachmann F-9A Union Pacific shell (which is for a non-DCC unit) and want to know will it fit on either a Bachmann DCC-equipped F-7 or FT-A chassis?

What about Athearn F-7A, F-9A and FTA shells?  Can they fit on a Bachmann F-7A or FT-A  chassis?  Has anyone tried this?

Thank you.  I found it.