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Yes, it can be done!  I dood it! 

 

 

GEDC1103

The subject car, along with a 6603-107 LTI gi-raffe head from the Train Tender.

 

GEDC1104

The problem is obvious:  Note the placement of the locking lug of the original (top) and LTI (bottom) gi-raffe heads.  As installed, an LTI head will not lock in an older model 3376/3386 car.

 

GEDC1105

GEDC1106

Two views showing the newer LTI head installed and resolutely declining to lock, as there ain't no floor there nohow.

 

Note also the homemade compression rings on the actuating lever.  Since compression rings are scarce on the ground, I substituted 1/4" aluminum tubing, which works satisfactorily (but which will require replacement after extended use).

 

GEDC1107

"Scrounge" is the modeler's friend.  This chunk of plastic came from a discarded parts tray from work.

 

GEDC1108

At this point, Shop Superintendent Norma B. Kitteh showed up to make sure everything was in order, and to get a nice scritch on the head.

 

GEDC1109

GEDC1110

Two views of the latching plate in position.  At first, I tried JB Weld...

 

GEDC1111

GEDC1112

But when that proved unsatisfactory, I drilled a couple of holes and secured the locking plate with sheet metal screws.

 

GEDC1113

The gi-raffe neatly locked down in place.  One drawback to the LTI heads is that, with the head down and locked, the latch is inaccessible under the actuating lever.   In order to unlock the giraffe, you can either pop the latch with a small screwdriver (recommended) or move the head to the giraffe's right until it unlatches (works fine in a pinch).

 

GEDC1114

The 3386 reassembled and ready for service! 

 

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GEDC1116

Two slightly different views of the 3386 in service with the new Gi-raffe Train caboose.  If you open these images side by side and cross your eyes, it goes 3-D on you! 

 

Hope this proved informative!

 

Mitch

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Images (14)
  • GEDC1103
  • GEDC1104
  • GEDC1105
  • GEDC1106
  • GEDC1107
  • GEDC1108
  • GEDC1109
  • GEDC1110
  • GEDC1111
  • GEDC1112
  • GEDC1113
  • GEDC1114
  • GEDC1115
  • GEDC1116
Last edited by M. Mitchell Marmel
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