Athearn U-boat details

[fyrfotog2]

I am well aware of the various problems with the old Athearn BB U-boats and not really looking for opinions on how bad they are/were.

If you were detailing a U30C, are there replacement air tanks better than those supplied in the kit? And which are the correct wheel slip indicators and speed recorder?

Thanks
Dave in Az

[m a y o r 79]

Details West makes air tanks that could be ised:

link

They also make a bunch of other detail parts for the U series.  I detailed a pair of railpower C30-7s and fould some Atlas (I think) tanks that look good too.  Not the same model but similar concept and starting point.

[nsc39d8]

If I were to start a U30C project, I have two in waiting, I would lean toward the Atlas model which has all three phases in the body available.

For the air tanks, the newer Atlas tanks look nice and were used the B23/B30 models. Details West make a air tank kit for the U boats. As for the wheel slip modulators I would need to see a picture of the prototype to make a recommendation. Wheel slips are made by Details West and Custom Finishing, there is a Detail Associate part that might work as well. The Custom finishing part is easily drilled into, it also has very short line leads that don't quite make it up to the body.

[fyrfotog2]

Thanks James. I am aware of the wide hood shell on the BB GE units. Its a spare that I have and nobody has expressed an interest in buying the few that I have. So they will become part of a consist and not lead. They will pass the 3 foot rule for sure.

I have found the parts that I am looking for with the exception of the wheel slip indicators. Can you confirm the part number?

Otherwise thats all I am looking for and consider the thread closed.


Dave

[nsc39d8]

Dave,

I would go with the Details West WS-350 and use some magnet wire or some small wire for the line.