Franken-ALCo C-430; the rebirth.

Mario, I did something similar when I did my U30B bash. Since the U25B, U28B, and the U30B were the same length. I was able to recycle a Weaver U25B frame and trucks, and fuel tank.  From the measurements it looks like you need a 14in frame.  What lenght frame do you need? I have a complete U25 frame I can provide you. A complete running Weaver U25B chassis. motors, Trucks and QSI Board. since I only needed the shells for my U28C Ph1 project ( not the one pictured) 

The missing one inch is noticeable.

You can see what I removed from the U30C shell. I had an insert to cover the gap created because I over sanded. But it broke off when I did the Kadee conversion so I need to make a new one 

Oh, it wouldn't be an extra 1"... it would only an extra 0.23", or 11 scale inches longer, and only after the rear radiator.

Take a look at these pictures.

First is what we'd have to do to cut out the dynamic brake section of the C-630 and slide the shell forward.  This is the part marked "REMOVE".  The blue boxes on this drawing represent the difference in the length of the rear section.

Then, if we don't cut out that scale 11' (just under a real 1/4") from behind the rear radiator, then the whole thing would look like this.  The yellow lines represent that extra 1/4" in length.

Make sense to leave that 1/4" in there?

I don't think not removing that would not be a big deal, only to the rivet counters.  Can you use the Weaver Chassis and components? As I think that would solve that issue for you?

Thanks for the offer!

I should be ok.  I have a Lionel NYC RS-11 that I bought specifically for this project and I'm going to bash that frame.  Or, possibly just move the trucks and mounting plates over to the Atlas 2R frame.  The truck wheel base is the same length, and the printed Hi-Ad truck side frames should be relatively easy to mount to the Lionel trucks.  I'm already familiar with the drive train, having worked on a few others, and the 2R pilots should cover any issues with the Kadee install.

Front handrails are the same, and the long hood hand rails are straight, so again, I should be able to easily modify them to the shorter length.

We'll see about the fuel tank when we get to it.

The RS-11 will also provide the dynamic brake roof hatch.

Here's the pictures of them, in scale.  Print them at 100% for O scale, most will fit on a legal-sized sheet.  All will fit on a 11x17 page.

This way, I can lay the body right on the drawing and see my progress.

Thanks,

Mario

Mario, look forward to seeing the end results.  I wonder if a Weaver RS11 shell would fit on a Lionel RS11 frame?  By the way almost done with the first SD24. Just waiting for paint to dry on the last Pilot.

CentralFan1976 posted:

Oh, it wouldn't be an extra 1"... it would only an extra 0.23", or 11 scale inches longer, and only after the rear radiator.

Take a look at these pictures.

First is what we'd have to do to cut out the dynamic brake section of the C-630 and slide the shell forward.  This is the part marked "REMOVE".  The blue boxes on this drawing represent the difference in the length of the rear section.

Then, if we don't cut out that scale 11' (just under a real 1/4") from behind the rear radiator, then the whole thing would look like this.  The yellow lines represent that extra 1/4" in length.

Make sense to leave that 1/4" in there?

Don't remember who did the conversions on the model locomotive above.  When I think C-430, the single biggest spotting feature that jumps to the forefront of my mind is the hi-ad trucks. 

To be quite honest about it, if you didn't bring up the extra 1/4" in there, I wouldn't have even noticed it. 

In my mind, the tradeoff becomes in how easily you can take the 1/4" out.  If it is an easy cut, and won't be noticeable, go for it.  If it is going to be an absolute PITA, then I'd opt for "believable representation". 

Regards,

GNNPNUT

Agreed, GNNP. 

I dont think it's worth the aggravation of trying to remove the same amount from both sides and stay square, and then try to hide the seam. 

At least up front, there's an edge to follow. 

And totally agree about the trucks, which is why it's taken a year or more.  I needed to find the right side frames. 

I have a Weaver C-630, which is what I was going to use, until I found the Atlas. 

Nice thing about the C-430s, are the almost universal appeal. From the NYC, SCL and the Reading, they spread to the PC, L&N, Conrail, NYS&W, WNY&P, GBW and Morristown & Erie. Most of which are still chugging along.

Thanks for the kind words. 

The only thing I can say, is make yourself happy. I wouldn't personally care what anyone else says if I'm happy with it.

I have only attempted a couple of engines and that's it. When something personally bothered me, I had to fix it to make myself satisfied. Some things are harder to accomplish. Some things I needed help on from others.

  A grill on top of the MP15AC hood was an example. I attempted to scratch build it from brass wire. That was too complex to make perfect. Although I would have been proud to get it right, I had to do what I could to make a reasonable copy.

You're right. 

And if the seam wasn't right, It would always bother me. 

Plus, as an added bonus, I can add that extra distance for a 1/16" more clearance around each side of the trucks!

thanks!

Hi-Ad truck comparison...

I think they're going to have to be heavily modified; adding brake lines and chains and linkages and roller bearing caps.

Uggh.

Got the Hi-Ad truck side frames today and they look good.  And the wheelbase seems dead nuts on for the Lionel RS-11 truck. 

I'm thinking I'll pull the atlas brake cylinders and lines off the C630 trucks. And the sand hoses.

But... We have a problem. The side frames are flat in the back.

So I'm going to have to use the brake rigging off the Lionel side frames to get that 3D look and place them back at the wheel treads. So I'll have to machine the existing side frames and trim the plastic ones and then laminate the two.

You guys are nuts...,  But in a good way.

Hi,

I’d like to try at building a C430 myself using either an Atlas or Weaver C630.

Any suggestions which is best?

Also I’m curious as to where the 3D printed trucks are available from?

Daryl

Hi, Daryl!

I ordered mine from someone on Shapeways, but they seem to be taken down.  But I did find these!

http://shpws.me/OkdL

These are not from my shop, but from someone else.

I have both a Weaver and an Atlas, and I'd bet you're going to want to use the Atlas.  I purchased a 2-rail non-powered one to get the front & rear pilots.

Thanks!

- Mario

Hi Mario,

Thanks for your reply.

Unfortunately I don’t think I’ve seen a second hand powered Atlas C630 for sale ever, let alone a dummy.

The Weaver C630 seems to pop up more often, but I gather its not as a detailed or accurate a model.

Thanks for the Hi-Ad truck link. I’ll order a pair just in case one a C630 turns up for sale.

Regards Daryl

@emdalco01 posted:

Hi Mario,

Thanks for your reply.

Unfortunately I don’t think I’ve seen a second hand powered Atlas C630 for sale ever, let alone a dummy.

The Weaver C630 seems to pop up more often, but I gather its not as a detailed or accurate a model.

Thanks for the Hi-Ad truck link. I’ll order a pair just in case one a C630 turns up for sale.

Regards Daryl

Use the MTH/Weaver ALCo C628. The only difference between the railking/Weaver C628 and the C630 is the smaller side intake grill. The small one just pops off. You will have to construct the larger intake grill in the same "box" everything else is the same between the two shells. Good Luck!

I’ve been offered a Weaver C630 as a shell donor.

Will that work?

@emdalco01 posted:

I’ve been offered a Weaver C630 as a shell donor.

Will that work?

Perfectly.  Which road name are you going to model?  Not all roads had Hi-Ad trucks, and not all roads had the NYC-style angled rooftop filter housings.

I’m building it for my shortline, so scheme not important as it will be stripped and painted for my road.

I do really like the look ofthose hi-ad trucks. Seems a can buy a very basic set off Shapeways.

Daryl

@emdalco01 posted:

I’m building it for my shortline, so scheme not important as it will be stripped and painted for my road.

I do really like the look of those hi-ad trucks. Seems a can buy a very basic set off Shapeways.

Daryl

Hi, Daryl!

I'd suggest trying the assembly on the Weaver shell fist before tackling the Atlas body.

Also, did you know that Overland brought in a 2R brass version of the C430, in many forms, including the NYC / NYSW version with the Hi-Ad trucks.  Dave Stewart has one on his A&O.

You may be better off trying to find one of those, and see which one pops up first.

Thanks!

- Mario

PS - I responded to your message on shapeways, please PM me off the contact information in my Profile and I can share all my C430 & GP30 information that I have.