Improving Athearn Blue Box Electrical performance by Michael Wolf A simple disassemby and rewiring process will convert an old Athearn locomotive to one with the foolproof electrical connec- tions needed for the best performance of DCC systems. The first electrical connection to address is the transfer of power from the rails to the wheels. Athearn locos of this vintage came with sintered iron wheels which tend to attract dirt easily. Replacement wheels are avail- able from several suppliers. I 1. Side-by-side comparison chose the NorthWest Short Line of the original wheelsets in 40”/110 tread, half axle, outside the truck, and solid nickel frame, bright finish replacements silver half-axle replacement [1]. They feature a much smooth- wheelsets from NorthWest er, solid nickel silver wheel that Short Line. MRHMAG.COM • TABLE OF CONTENTS • INDEX