Thoughts on turning an S1 into an S3.

[Iain]

So, one of my long term projects is to model one of the Alexander RR's S3s.  To that end, has anyone converted an S1 to an S3?

[wcfn100]

Isn't that just the trucks or does the S3 have the sealed window cab?

What S1 were you starting with?


Jason

[thomasjmdavis]

Isn't that just the trucks or does the S3 have the sealed window cab?

What S1 were you starting with?


Jason

They must be very similar.  I have a resin casting for an HO hood (came in a box of otherwise N scale parts) that is labeled for an S1, S3 or S10.  For what it is worth, my "Second Diesel Spotters Guide" says that the only difference is that the S3 has AAR trucks (S1 had Blount trucks), but otherwise identical.  Same source does note that later MLW S3s had some detail differences, and the S10 is identical to the late MLW S3s.  (Which makes me think the labeling on the HO hood is "overly optimistic" and probably does not work for a late S3/S10)

[bbussey]

I always thought the only difference between an S1 / S3 (and S2 / S4) were the trucks.

[Iain]

Isn't that just the trucks or does the S3 have the sealed window cab?

What S1 were you starting with?


Jason

Atlas

[cjm413]

Isn't that just the trucks or does the S3 have the sealed window cab?

What S1 were you starting with?


Jason

Alco changed the cab windows after S3/S4 production started.

[garethashenden]

Atlas

The Atlas S2? There aren’t any mass produced S1 or S3 models. Just the Atlas S2 and Bachmann S4.

If you’re starting with the Atlas S2, you might be able to shorten the radiators and change the trucks. Or start with Bachmann and just shorten the radiators. That’s the biggest visual difference between the 600hp and 1000hp models. The problem with all this though is that going from a 1000hp locomotive to a 600hp one you need to lose 6” from the wheelbase and 12” overall. Maybe that’s not a big deal to you, I don’t know. If it isn’t, just shorten the radiators on a Bachmann S4 and you should be good.

Incidentally, I have a brass Key S3. It’s the same length as both my Atlas S2 and Bachmann S4, so the difference in length either wasn’t noticed or didn’t worry them. But the radiator is a lot shorter.

[peteski]

IIRC, unlike many other contemporary models of N scale diesels with easily interchangeable trucks, Atlas S2 truck design is unique to that model.  So replacing the trucks will not be a trivial matter

[Chris333]

But the sideframes... 

[Mark5]

Some spotting help:

http://yardlimit.railfan.net/alco/spotting/index.html

Mark

[JMaurer1]

Start with the Bachmann S4 and shorten the radiator. Bachmann sells extra shells (rather cheep too but they come painted for $16.50). They also sell just the truck sideframes as well for $3.30 ea but I don't know how easy they are going to fit on an Atlas S2:

https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_607&products_id=6181&zenid=jcj1n0uks9utem3qrgb4rpft07

https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_607&products_id=6188&zenid=jcj1n0uks9utem3qrgb4rpft07

or you can just buy three S1s

S1+S1+S1=S3

Basic algebra...

[Mark5]

Atlas makes the S1 and S3, but it's HO:

http://archive.atlasrr.com/HOLoco/arc-hos2s4.htm

You could wait for Atlas to "trickle" these down to N, but if it is as long as I've been waiting for the U30B to "trickle down" - it could be years!

Mark

[mandealco]

Years ago I converted a Key (Samhongsa) S-3 into an S-4 by using the hood from an Atlas RS-1.  I may still have the S-3 hood in my parts box if you are interested.  The S-1 and S-3 models had a smaller exhaust stack than their 1000hp cousins, as well as the smaller radiator.
Cheers
steve

[Iain]

Years ago I converted a Key (Samhongsa) S-3 into an S-4 by using the hood from an Atlas RS-1.  I may still have the S-3 hood in my parts box if you are interested.  The S-1 and S-3 models had a smaller exhaust stack than their 1000hp cousins, as well as the smaller radiator.
Cheers
steve

I'm down.

[pedro]

Wouldn’t this be a viable project for the 3D printing crowd? An S1 hood for the Atlas S2, and an S3 hood for the Bachmann S4?
I’d be down for two of each.