I have an N scale Kato C44-9W that I would like to convert to the AC4400CW like BNSF is doing with some of their 600 series C44-9W’s…
What would be the best way to extend the box on the conductors side to simulate the AC rectifiers of a converted unit?
Thankls In Advance
Ira Goldberg
It looks like the longer equipment box on the conductors side is about the only difference.
http://www.finnmoller.dk/rail-usa/loco-guide/
I work in HO scale, but it looks like scratch building time, with the box and the railings. I know in HO scale, you can find detail parts for adding an equipment box, not sure about N scale. It would seem like a waste to sacrifice another shell, just for the box.
Yep, I guess it’s scratch building time, Ira.
Mike.
Yes Mike, the only difference is the AC rectif\ier box which is longer than the DC box. You may be correct and it may be scratch building time.
Another minor difference on the prototypes (the factory-built ones, that is) is the AC4400CW has its air conditioning equipment on the right side, since the rectifier equipment takes up that corresponding spot on the Dash 9. On the AC4400CW’s you can see the a/c vent grilles/louvers on the right side, under the cab and above the truck. The Dash 9 doesn’t have those louvers.
Not sure about the Dash 9 to AC4400 “rebuilds” though, if they have that feature or not.
I have only seen a couple, but I believe that the end loco is to be equivalent to the ES44C4s, that means a changed truck. The "C4"s are A-1-A traction motor configuration that can unload the center axle when necessary. That shows up as an extra “brake cylinder” with linkage on the outside of the truck sideframes.
I have a set of Fox Valley A1A trucks, I tested them and they work fine on the Kato C44-9W’s so no problem there.
Ira Goldberg