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Good day all:

I have recently come across one of the new Amtrak AEM7s from MTH.  While most aspects of this model are top-notch, (especially the sound), the body decoration leaves a bit to be desired.  It's certainly not 'bad', just somewhat inaccurate.  The Atlas models get the paint and detail spot on, but it doesn't really seem worth while to attempt an install of the Proto 3 board into the Atlas model.  I may give that a go, but doubtful.

The previous MTH AEM7 model run (the Proto 1 and 2s) appear to have the body decoration a little more prototypical, (with the possible exception of the color tones) and I'm not a real fan of ditch lights.  I thought it might be worth simply swapping the bodies between the MTH models.  As I understand, the tooling should largely be the same between them.

So 2 questions:  1) Has anyone tried that, or have any helpful insights, and 2) Does anyone have an older MTH AEM7 they don't want?  Proto 2 is preferable, and reasonably priced in light of it intended purpose.  Maybe a fixer or something less than functional, as long as the body is in good shape.  The body should be Phase 3 paint if possible.

Thanks in advance.

Last edited by Pantenary
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It would be a bit more complex than swapping the shell. The AEM-7s are stuffed full of extra boards for all of the lighting at both ends. I have a PS2 3V version and in addition to the main boards, there's a MUX board at each end to run the lighting. You would also have to remove all the bulbs from the old shell and transfer the LEDs to use with PS3. 

All the MTH ones have ditch lights. The atlas model has a horizontal motor, stuffing PS3 in is probably doable, but a squeeze for sure. 

In other words, just buy a PS2 AEM7 if thats what you want, swapping the shells probably isnt worth the work considering the limited operational advantage that PS3 has over PS2.

Last edited by Boilermaker1

Good evening sir:

Thanks for responding.  Having not cracked open either MTH model, its helpful to know.  I know the Atlas model very well, and I 'may' explore the possibility of upgrading it's control system.  IMHO, the detail, paint and power plant of the Atlas model is quite superior.  The original MTH model does not have the ditch lights, (#906 and #924), and that's what I am 'sort of' hunting for.

I may not even bother in the end, but I was curious.  Thanks again.

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