I obtained a second Alco RS shell from Searails for the purpose of making an approximate Alco S2 switcher. the lengths and dimensions are close, but not exact, but just having a switcher will be a plus. i've thought about this project for a long time, and so with the release of the searails RS a near prototype for a kitbash produced itself. the first picture shows the cuts i made to the RS shell, which basically means cutting off the short hood. i cut it in such a way that the sill under the cab is removed so i can use the porch and sill for strength. the cuts for the GP35 mechanism are also marked and an initial cut through the tank area has been made. the picture belows shows the porch attached. you can see how the sill fit under the cab, thus giving it more surface area for gluing. next picture shows the cuts made to the chassis using a band saw. the rear of cab is being fabricated and sides and roof will also be made, to give it the classic S2 look. the hood top details were filed off so correct panels and details could be added. this includes two sand fillers on the nose. i also redid the louvres which are horizontal on the S2 and not vertical, as on the RS shell. if i was going to the trouble to do it, i decided to as much of it correctly as i could. it's the little things that count. the last picture shows the assembled chassis fitted inside the shell. i think it's going to work! still a lot to do. the rear truck (under the cab) will not be powered. i'm going to add tungsten (from powder) over the front trucks and middle cavity to add weight on the front powered drivers. more to come. dave f.
Very clever thinking david! I have to say if you make it sure as shooting someone will wind up producing it. Can't wait to see the finished pictures!
David, I have to agree with everyone, excellent project and great idea! I can't wait to see it come to life. To echo John, you never cease to amaze us. Rob
no, i don't think i will. i mean i like people to see the potential in Z, but this is a hard project, mostly from the standpoint of cutting up and rejoining the mechanism. to tell you the truth, i've had to redo it three times. there's just so little to attach the cut off end to, so it doesn't stay well. on everything else i've done i've managed to get screw through the halves, but this was harder. what i did do (this morning) was drill and tap in the very narrow edge of the frame for a #90 screw. i think it will hold now. i'm just not sure i can see everybody trying this, and risk ruining a $130+ locomotive. so that is why i won't be submitting it. dave f.
Wow, How did I miss this thread, that is a some creative hack, how did you glue the parts together, let alone how to hold them for gluing. Waiting to see it all painted and running next to a GP35. Kim
Very nice dave...doing your usual silk purse kinda job on existing products. Your right in that the base unit is not far off from the SW series...good catch. Also, something I was looking at after reading this post was the TR 1 the IC used. It's a cow calf set up based on the FT chassis. That would make it close to the wheel base of the GP's for a near cousin. Wonder what she would look like with a bloody nose? ) Again, cool job, can't wait to see your engine decorated in SP ) Joe
thanks joe, what did you ever do with the shortened "switcher" chassis you made up years ago? if you want an SP S2 the hard part is now done for you!!! ha ha ha. dave f. p.s. tanks. a lot! ;>)
Dave, great job. I am surprised you were able to saw thru this material without it crumbling or otherwise not shattering. I tried to cut something from a Mark 4 Designs boxcar and the dang thing almost shattered. But anyway truly phenomenal the things you are able to do. On my ALCO shell, there were 2 things that I thought were faulty. 1.The cab windows in the front and in the rear needed better definition. They were too small. 2. The cab roof seemed a little rough, and for that matter the entire roof, but not as bad as on top of the cab, however the sides of the shell were remarkably smooth. How was your sample and how did you deal with it?
