Choosing the right Product.
If you are wishing to re-motor a Lima built locomotive, please visit the Lima Re-Motor Kit page.
Conventional central placed motors such as Athearn or Bachmann will benefit from a ModelTorque ATC or pair or SMATs. ModelTorque Automatic Torque-control Couplings are a replacement motor-and-(single or dual)-ATC modules attached for HO/OO scale locomotives. As well as offering the benefits of an ATC installed in your locomotive, the ATC's also act in a similar way to your existing flywheel under light loads.
For most Athearn diesel locomotives, a Sealed Miniature Automatic Transmission (SMAT) is the most suitable product. The SMAT is a direct Flywheel replacement without the need to replace your existing motor. SMAT-ath.01 on the online ordering form is a simple, cheap and highly effective way to achieve what a full ATC conversion will do.
There are actually six different power levels of an ATC; from 1 to 6. The power levels correspond to different weights of the locomotive, or different "drag-pull". There is advanced technical information here to choose the correct power output ATC for your locomotive, or as a quick-guide use the following table.
| Relative size and weight of your HO/OO loco | Loco weight gm/oz | Size ATC req'd |
| smaller to small-medium size locomotive | 250-400 / 9-14 | 2 |
| medium to medium large size locomotive | 400-550 / 14-19 | 3 |
| Larger and heavier size locomotive | 550-700 / 19-24 | 4 |
This range of sizes will account for most standard locomotives. Power output levels 1, 5 and 6 are less frequently used but are available based on the theories of weight and size.
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