Looking for some advice here. I am modeling some late 1950’s built ALCO switchers, and I need to get some of the rectangular stacks to replace the earlier “drum” type stacks that are on these ATLAS models. Any ideas?? Anyone make castings for these??
Thanks,
Todd
If you are thinking of the 1000 hp units, the S-2 and early S-4 stacks are jug-shaped, not drum-shaped.
As for the rectangular stacks, they were introduced around 1955-1956, which was about the same time that Alco and MLW (Alco’s Canadian branch plant) started building switchers with welded carbodies. If you’re planning on modeling switchers with welded carbodies, you’ll have to file off all the rivet castings on the hood and cab. Also, some late 1950s Alco switchers had short cab side windows on the engineer’s side. Late 1950s MLW built switchers had the short cab side windows on both sides.
I remember seeing a brass casting of a rectangular stack back in the 1980s, but I can’t remember who made it and I don’t remember if it was rounded at either end like the prototype.
Hi Todd
The round stack is found on the S1 & S3 switchers. This is a sign of a non turbocharged 600hp engine.The rectangle stack is found on the turbocharged 1000hp S2 & S4 version which also has larger radiators. It has nothing to do with its age.
You can buy a stack from Atlas. However, it has to be from the RS1 as the switcher has the lower part of the stack cast on the body.
Jim
Thanks guys, I guess I should have been more specific. I have an Atlas RS-1 that I am using to model a Grand Trunk Western unit. there were only 2 of these the “1950”, and “1951”. Both were delivered from Alco in 1957 with the rectangular stack. Somewhere along the way the “1951” had it’s stack replaced with the round style. (probably from an S-2 or S-4)… Just seeing if any rectangular style parts were available.
Todd
Todd, I asked a similar questions a few days ago and got some good advice: Go to www.walthers.com. You didn’t say what scale you were talking about, but Wathers has all kinds of detail goodies. In particular, look at the Details West and Details Associates areas of the catalog. Good Luck.
S-1s and S-3s have a conical stack that fits over a round hole on the top of the hood. (in the centre)
S-2s and early S-4s have a jug-shaped stack that fits over an oval hole on the top of the hood (offset to the right, or fireman’s side). For examples of an S-2 and early S-4, see the photo in my signature (if you are logged on). Both have jug-shaped stacks.
Late S-4s have a rectangular stack that is rounded at either end. This is what Todd is looking for.
If you’re modeling HO the stack you want is available from Atlas. The part # is 9810207. Cost is 25 cents.
This is for the RS1. The stack for the Atlas S2/4 won’t work because the “funnel” part is cast on the body.
Jim