When the Bachmann Plus F-7 diesels came out a few years back I purchased quite a few as A-B-A or A-B-B-A groups as the paint schemes (except for GN Green) were vary nicely done. As most of us know the white nylon plastic gears are prone to cracking. When the new DCC F-7 came out I was quick to notice the same bodies for the A and B units were used that were Bachmann Plus, only fewer paint schemes. Having an A-B-A Southern Pacific Black Widow schemed trio I decieded to take the plunge and order three GN locos, they have black trucks so will work for SP I was also curious if you could still get some of the old Plus locomotives. Train World has EL & SP for $69.99 either A or B units. Turns out they also have the new DCC locomotives at the same price (which I failed to notice) so I went to kleins for my new DCC units paying $88.99 each. Oh well live and learn. Anyway the bodies are a straight retrofit, the DCC locos have frame mounted couplers Plus were truck mount Rapidos. Only a minor amount of turning the body sidewise to fit the front coupler through the nose opening. Only faults with the Bachmann SP Paint scheme, my research shows black not silver horns and there is a second nose headlight. Now I' am thinking of converting my EL's three units and a foursome of custom painted NP freight locomotives that have not run for awhile (cracked gear syndrome). I know the Bachmann decoders are not the best, but my cost for DCC Black Widow locomotives was quite reasonable. Nate Goodman (Nato).
