I bought this Bachmann Spectrum model of a Fairbanks Morse H-16-44 used on EBay a couple of months ago and it is straight DC.  There is not a lot out there on converting this model other than one post on here that has a few pictures, but not too much detail for someone attempting this without a lot of experience.  I’ll take lots of photos as a I go and do a detailed write up.

This is going to be a long endeavor. I plan on taking an Athearn Genesis model from CP to GMTX as currently used by Vermont Railway.  I also want to change the decoder motherboard to a 21-pin model, add appropriate lights, upgrade the speakers and add appropriate details.

My first post will be pictures I've taken of the prototype.  The pictures might help you to see the detail of one MP15AC for one that you might be considering.. 

Just wanted to throw out a quick heads up to anyone wanting models of the late series H16-44 FM diesel locomotives. Rapido is taking reservations to see if these will go into production. I have reserved some for myself at my local hobbyshop.....about 100 miles away.

The models look to be extremely well done detail wise with lots of road specific details. For anyone not familiar with the H16-44 in this version verses the excellent Atlas models, the Atlas models were the early type the models from Rapido are of the type that looks like short versions of the trainmaster.

Recently a friend gifted me with a smooth running, DCC, Atlas R-S1 in a custom colored road name. Although this was a smooth runner I had another friend add sound and a keep alive which really brings out the old Alco sound. In addition I added a Bachmann steam engine bell on the front (like M&STL) and the attched photo is the result.

This locomotive will either be the switcher on the balloon track grain elevator for a modern era or a road engine on a short line for a 50s railroad.

Enjoy,

Barry