Hi everybody, I would like to swap a Weaver RS-3 shell onto a MTH Railking Scale RS-3. The Weaver dimensions are 13 1/4 X 2 1/2 X 3 3/4. The MTH are 14 1/2 X 2 1/2 X 3 3/4. I know that the MTH shows that it is 1 1/4 longer but I think that they measure with couplers while Weaver doesn't. Has anyone done this or knows if it can be done? I thank all in advance for your help.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
If both models are actually that - scale models of the RS3 - and they certainly should
be, as Weaver builds scale models and "RK Scale" -generally- is accurate, the
two body shells can't help but be the same size, within some wiggle (technical term).
That's what "scale" means - as you know.
Now, drop-in replacement? Naw - different mounting holes/screws, different interior
configuration, lighting mounts...but, it's the kind of thing that I like doing, and that
you should try if you can get all the pertinent shells and loco(s) for a reasonable sum.
Give it a shot; you'll learn a lot (rhymes!) - and your next project can be a tad more
complicated, and the next...until you're like me - prone to chopping things up. Be brave.
Measure the INTERIOR clearances on the Weaver shell in terms of width and height. The prototype had a low profile hood and it was narrow. The original Weaver horizontal drive had no issues with this but many vertical can motored chassis may not have enough room.
I think that may be a main factor in why most of the three rail versions of the early ALCO RS units look "off". The dimensions have been fudged to get the drive train or electronics to fit.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
