Improving the Life-Like C-424

[fredmoehrle]

What are you going to do for the GBW decals?
I did one up a couple years ago, but can't find the right size cab hearled any where.
Even dug through my old collection of HK decals, hopeing there'd be one in there.

[BCR 570]

Thanks Tim.

Fortunately the C-628 cab is the same size as the LL version, in both width and length.  The height is possibly an inch or so short, but not really noticeable.  The hardest part of the change is to cut out the section of the LL frame, but normal rules apply; cut out less than you think then file till the Atlas cab fits.  The front battery boxes need to be cut at an angle to match the cab front wall, but not a difficult task.  Worth the effort for the improvement in looks.

The C-628 cab matches the front profile of the C-424.  The C-630 has squared front corners which Alco changed to in an effort to provide more space in the cabs.  The last C-628s built also had the larger cabs.

The Atlas short hood is held in place by the cab front wall.  The shell is in 3 parts, Short hood, cab and long hood.  I removed as much of the cab interior area as possible.  The long hood was cut just beyond the channel the cab rear wall sits in.  I had to cut away some material under the rear of the cab roof, but otherwise it was a great fit.  The reason I emptied the cab of stuff was to put an interior in it, and maybe have the cab front door open, but that's not happened, yet!  The winter windows probably mean it's not worth the effort.

If you want, I'll take some photos of it in bits, so you can see what I'm describing. 

Looking forward to seeing your new Alcos when you build them, your work is awesome.

Cheers from down under.
Steve

Steve:

Photos of the sub-assembly would be great.  So the C-628 cab would be appropriate for my CN C-424 and ex-EL C-425.

Tim

[mandealco]

Brian, Briggs Models make a kit to convert a LL C-424 to a C-425.  They are available from Central Hobbies in Vancouver.

Jerry, yes, it is a C-424M, well spotted.  The air intake grills came from an Atlas B30-7 shell.  I cut sections from the radiator intakes then put some thin styrene strips round three edges.  After looking through all the parts I had, these were the closest.  The rebuilds were done by GE, so they likely used similar materials.

Fred, Northeast Decals had a set of GBW decals, though they would be hard to find now.  If anyone has some leftovers, I'd be interested.  I have part of a set left over from an RS-27 project last millenium, though only 1 cab decal left!  You can try DM Custom Decals, they have an N-scale set.  There is a list of GBW decals on www.greenbayroute.com

Tim, I'll take some photos at the weekend, including one of the 2 cabs side by side.  I remembered there is also a bit of filing to do on the LL frame to make room for the hand brake recess on the short hood.  The Atlas one is a little deeper.

Cheers
Steve

[Scott Lupia]

Steve:
You have inspired me to do some work on my small fleet of EL Centuries.  Seeing what these little monsters can look like is pretty motivating!

Scott Lupia

[bbussey]

Brian, Briggs Models make a kit to convert a LL C-424 to a C-425.  They are available from Central Hobbies in Vancouver.

That is true, and I have two of them!  Too many projects floating around simultaneously. 

I also would be interested in seeing the detail on your underbody framing.  That would be suitable for any Life-Like Century-class model.

[mandealco]

Hi Scott
Same, Your heavily weathered Conrail B23-7 that sits in my display case does the same thing for me.  This Alco isn't going to be in showroom condition once it's done. 

We were in your neck of the woods recently, and managed a ride on our favourite Alco.  We hope to come back for the 50th birthday of M&E 18 & 19, Sept 2014.

Cheers
Steve
You can never have too many Alcos.

[R L Smith]

...wow...

I detailed one last year with add-on parts only but did not try this level of additional bodywork. Now I see one of the major flaws of the LL model, which is how much space there is below the frame. (Not to mention the additional flaws added by this modeler...)

 


 I have two more factory LL units waiting for time on the workbench; this inspires me to try and do much more (and much better) with the next attempt.  Really nice work Steve, and thanks for sharing how you did it!

Ron

[wcfn100]

I must now sell my LL units. 

Jason

[Scott Lupia]

Ron, that's hot.  Nice black and yellow EL unit!  A little before my era but you got me thinking...

Steve, Al told me you guys were around.  I was trapped at work but maybe I will catch you next time.  You guys are welcome to stop by and see my very little piece of Scranton in the basement!

scott

[mandealco]

Hi
Jason, Please don't sell your Alcos.
Ron, Nice looking Alco.
Here's a photo of GBW 321, moments before I climbed on board for a ride to New London in August 1985.  This is how I want the model to look.  The photo isn't great as it's a scan of a video cover.  Not sure if the 309 in the background is still around, but the 322 is in the good hands of the Reading T&HS and the 321 is also safe for now, stored OOS in Lakeville on the Livonia Avon & Lakeville.

Cheers
Steve

[Ed Kapuscinski]

There's a 80/20 solution to the frame issue. I just cut, glued, and painted some Evergreen I-Beam under there.



I like the idea of the braces behind the pilots though. That looks sharp.

[C855B]

Ah. Alcos. GBW Alcos. Posted here three years ago, but always worth a redux:

[BCR 570]

I used the styrene I-beam trick too - it makes a difference.

One thing I have been pleased with as my three units gain additional mileage is how well they run.  At present they are my smoothest runners.




ALCOs forever!

Tim

[mandealco]

Nice job Ed.  The I beam looks better up close than what I used.

Red Alco's, my favourite colour.  Nice photo Mike.  Looks like the GBW didn't have a wash bay.

Looks like the I beam for future projects then.  Like your sentiment Tim, Alco's forever.
Cheers
Steve

[C855B]

> Looks like the GBW didn't have a wash bay.

And they were about to not have a railroad. This was a "farewell to the GB&W" outing, in October '93 IIRC. Wisconsin Central had just closed the deal, so aside from losing the GB&W identity, this line - GB to New London (and Wisconsin Rapids) - was already on the chopping block. So the pic is a two-fer.