Alaska RR Head End Power

[CHUCKGEO]

I built (actually just paint and decals) a couple of ARR HEP Units. These are KATO E8/E9s with DCC. I needed earlier era versions for my older passenger sets. The HEP P7 was easy, as the decals were simple. The HEP P6 was more involved. I used HO and N sets of Microscale to mimic the two color ALASKA for the sides.  The P30 is a stock KATO in current scheme.

[nkalanaga]

Are yours still powered?  It would be a perfect disguise for some extra power.

[CHUCKGEO]

Yes, all three powered with DCC. The P6 and P7 are matched to Intermountain an F7 ABA set, and FP7 locos, which are DCC. The only modification was to the fuel tank pod. The skirt extensions were removed to expose the tanks. 

[MK]

Hmmm...you've given me some ideas.  I have a duplicate Kato ARR E8A.  So I can buy an undecorated B shell (if available) from Kato and it'll fit right on the chassis?

[CHUCKGEO]

You could probably purchase shell on ebay at half factory cost. The converted P7 is easiest to paint (or just convert an AMTRAK shell, that's what ARR did). Leave windows in when repainting (I have brass panel inserts to cover E8 windows on my next build). ARR converted quite a few units to HEP.

[MK]

Thanks for the hint about checking on eBay Chuck.  I have the Kato E8A ARR.  I thinking to sell the shell of the extra A that I have and get a B and paint it myself.

[CHUCKGEO]

Here's a photo of unit and decals I used to build P6.

[MK]

I want to do a P-30 to match the A unit.  Should be even easier!

[Ike the BN Freak]

Hmmm...you've given me some ideas.  I have a duplicate Kato ARR E8A.  So I can buy an undecorated B shell (if available) from Kato and it'll fit right on the chassis?

You'll need to replace the front truck, unless you plan on body mounting that coupler

[MK]

Good point!

[CHUCKGEO]

I realized I had the same issues using an E8A, and picked up a replacement KATO B truck for the A unit chassis I was using from "sooo-much-stuff" on ebay for cheap. However, I still would like to find comparable two axle trucks for my ARR P-30. ARR switched from the three axle to two axle on the actual unit. I want to keep my P-30 powered, but prototypical.

[CHUCKGEO]

Ordered a AMTRAK 686 HEP (similar to ARR P5). I have an extra troop car chassis. Will paint blue & yellow, and have appropriate decals for FDOT version P5. I have an older HEP, but used incorrect paint color (ordered metallic red instead of boxcar red, and didn't wear glasses when checking bottle), so I will also repaint as a tool car at same time.

[CHUCKGEO]

Purchased materials to construct roof exhaust on some of the E8/9 Alaska RR HEP Units. K&S brass rod will fit into brass tube, with piano wire mimicking hold down straps. Have to dig out vice then I can make cuts.

[CHUCKGEO]

Received Shapeways AMTRAK 686 HEP in N scale. I thought chassis came with shell, but should have read more. Anyways, shell is perfect. However, now noticed that #1300 Baggage Cars look more like ARR HEP P-4, so I ordered the Shapeways shell, two shorty chassis, and MT 1141 trucks. The #1300 will become P-4. As for the 686, I may just paint and decal as the AMTRAK unit, or with a more modern era ARR scheme as a MOW/Tool car.  I painted HEP P-14 scarlet, so that will get a coat of boxcar red, and new decals.