Just picked up a couple of K-Line Alco shells for a project. Will they fit Lionel chassis if I modify them with the appropriate tab slot up front and screwhole in the back?
Thanks!
Mitch
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K-Line Alcos are based on the Kusan tooling. I cannot say if they are compatible with Lionel, but I suspect they are not. Just my opinion having both the Kusan and the Lionel postwar versions.
I don't know for sure, but I suspect the lengths are different.
Just checked. Very close length and width. I suspect it would be accidental if they actually matched.
It would take a lot of work to make it fit. If you are doing this to get a particular road name/paint version for a Lionel chassis, you would be better off just getting an old Lionel shell and repainting.
The K-Line/Kusan shells came all the way down to cover the frame/chassis. Lionel's FA1s were designed to have the frame be part of the side of the body. So, the sides of the body are noticeably shorter. After modifying the K-Line shell at the front and for the rear screw-hole, the body would sit too high on the frame/chassis unless you cut it down. Too much work as I see it.
Hum! Well, the K-Line shells are for the museum's "Texas Special" train, and I was hoping to fit them to a couple of Lionel Amtrak Alco frames I had on hand. Guess I should start looking for K-Line Alco frames?
Mitch
NO. They won't fit. I tried a K-Line Lackawanna shell on top of a Lionel 217 B&M Alco frame. K-Line Body is too narrow for frame.
@CJ Meyers posted:NO. They won't fit. I tried a K-Line Lackawanna shell on top of a Lionel 217 B&M Alco frame. K-Line Body is too narrow for frame.
Tch! Well, that's good to know, anyhow. Thanks!
Mitch
