dan, it will work fine. i've done it already on a GP35 that i wanted alco type trucks on. i did just as you are doing, using the hallmark UP turbine ornament for its sideframes on top of flat-filed MTL truck frames. if people don't have these, maybe you'd make a few extras and let them get them from you? but that's clearly your call to make. dave f.
David, That will all depend on how well the castings turn out. If they come out clean enough, it shouldn't be a problem. Dan S.
I found three stores that have the Hallmark turbine in stock. http://cmaspast.com $30.00 www.ornament-shop.com $18.00 www.hookedonhallmark.com $16.98 Quite a variation in price and I am sure there are more places if you take the time to look for them. John
I figured this might interest some of you Shells mounted to chassis. My camera battery is running low, so focus is a bit off. Dan S.
Hallmark turbine I've never really taken much notice of the Hallmark stuff before but the sideframes sound useful. How many other items have they done that are useful for 'Z'?
I got mine a few days ago. I was not quick to comment... because I always feel like a bad guy. The RS shell is so big... you might pass it as N scale. I'll be giving mine back or chopping it up for parts. I hope in the future Searails and stick with units that can use the frame given. Like a GP-20. I feel the RS is a step up from past casting I have from them. I'm just un-happy with the size.
Dan, Thanks for the pictures. Just to clarify - you removed the chassis lugs for the PC board and the board for the shell to fit the chassis? John
The series that Kurt mentioned is the American Freedom Train series. Not to be mistaken for the NYC 20th century limited set from a year or so ago. The NYC train does not work. There should be a few threads in the archives about the heavyweights. Dan S.
John, There is a space above motor part of the chassis. Also, the "clear" areas at the nose and tail are solid, except for the through hole for lighting, They could be milled out a bit for more space. But since people have DCCed the Marklin 0-6-0, I don't think DCC will be a problem with these. Dan S.
I took some measurements of the RS Shell, but, since I don't have a drawing of an RS2, I really don't have anything to compare them to but a mostly unlabled HO scale drawing of an RS3. So, I had to measure them, too. So, for what its worth.... If anyone has actual dimensions for an RS2 (or a fully dimensioned RS3, even), I would be interested. I didn't bother measuring truck centers or dimensions since they are determined by the chassis. Some of these dimensions were tough to get using a 6" caliper. I couldn't find my height gauge or 4" calipers. So, I measured multiple times and took the average. Dan S.
Dan thanks for the photos and the data. Besides the GP-9 lt didn't look that much bigger. But even if it is bigger by comparison, the main thing is you have a diesel that's very popular but previously not available. I intend to get me one even tho I ain't no Alco fan. One question: Did handrails come with it? When Searails releases the U-30 That's when I will go completely crazy and buy as many as 5 shells. EMD and GE rule. Alco ugh.
Harold, There will be handrails coming soon. They will not come with this first round of production shells. They will be available for the RS3. Cheers, Jim CCRR
GP9 Shells On a side note, I just listed 2 complete GP9 shells (guilford) on eBay. They have all shell lighting inserts (not boards) handrails and fuel tanks. Dan S.
Not that much bigger? Put a AZL GP in the photo, better yet, stick a 50' boxcar with a roofwalk next to it. Remind yourself a RS-2's cab should be the height of the roofwalk. When you notice the hood being taller then the boxcar you might take your "it's not that big" comments back. Remember the MTL GP is huge in size to begin with. Maybe if you are dieing to have a RS-2 on your roster, go ahead buy one. Us so called rivet counters are only counting the FEET in scale this model is off by.
EDDIE, just got to love ya bud-d-d. You are our Checks and balances man. Bigger for me is a definite plus. My eyes ain't what they used to be. In fact if I DIDn't wear reading glasses no way would I be in Z SCALE. they help a hell of a lot.
