Kadees on Lionel ES44AC?

I'm selling an upgraded MTH scale wheels anyone's interested 

This is my first modern diesel...

T4TT that Ferromex unit looks great how easy was it to convert?

I'm thinking of purchasing one of the NS units and since I've only modify one MTH unit so far I was wondering how easy Lionel units are to convert.

Well, I would not call it easy.  Luckily this model has the kinematic pilot which really helped lining everything up square with the frame and body! 

I removed the kineamtic hardware that allows the pilot to swivel.  There is a screw through the pilot that fastens to the frame but of course it permits the pilot to move.  So I drilled a hole through the pilot and into the frame.  I tapped the hole in the frame and ran a screw through the pilot to fix it and prevent it from moving. 

Once I had the pilot properly screwed to the frame I removed it, dremeled off tabs on the underside that would have prevented the draft gear box from sliding into it. 

Then I drilled and tapped two hole in it for the kadee draft gear box.  I used the two center holes of the draft gear box but that would not have worked on this conversion.  I glued a piece of styrene to the pilot as there was a slight gap in the bottom of the pilot to which the draft gearbox would have been mounted.  I think I used a piece of .04 styrene, and that made the surface to which the box would be screwed to level. 

Then using the Kadee height tool I shimmed the draft gear box to bring the coulper height down.  I cut styrene strips that are slightly smaller than the draft gear box and glue them to the box.  I then ran a drill bit through the styrene and into center holes of the box.  I use a slightly oversided bit and open up the holes slightly.  This gives you a bit of wiggle room for squaring the box. 

I screwed the box to the pilot and then the pilot to the frame.  Measure a second time to confirm correct height and then I put the shell back on.  

I don't know if this is the "right' method, but it worked for me.  I never did a modern engine so I definintley took it slow as I figured it out.  I took me about 5 hours to complete the conversion.  I don't know if that is typical.  But it was worth the time to me.

hope that helps

So I don't know if the pilot is the correct height from the top of the rail.  I use Mario's kits that make everything correct, but I don't think he has a kit for this model.  I also think the handrails should come down but I am not the well versed about modern engines.  I guess I should look for pics and add the handrails.  For now I am happy with how this engine looks.  I know the headlight is in the wrong place, but I wanted a Ferromex engine and there are just not a lot of options.  I really like this engine and am very happy with it!