Athearn HO SD40-2

[Mark5]

I am looking at the Athearn SD40-2.

For all of the ones that I have held in my hand, the dual headlight bulbs are uneven on at least one end.

My question is this: are the bulbs glued in? If they are press fit I guess it would be easy to even them up.

Thanks!

Mark

[flight2000]

Yes, the bulbs are glued in.  If I remember correctly, it is a water soluble glue so a small drop of water will allow you to re-position the bulbs.  It's been a couple years since I messed with any Athearn engines, so my memory is getting a little fuzzy. 

What really irritated me was this is the same method they used on their Genesis line, so I changed a fair number of engines to LED's and fiber optics.  There is a guy on eBay selling pre-made LED conversions.

Cheers,
Brian

[Mark5]

Thanks Brian, that was enough info for me to make a decision. 

I picked up an N&W high nose - will need to correct the trucks.

Some folks I talked to changed out the bulbs for LEDs. I may consider that down the road when I install sound.

Mark