Here’s a recent project I just completed.
I wanted a soundchipped SW9/1200, but the Walthers/P2K SW900s are currently a lot more expensive than the BLI SW7’s. I also wanted to make a non-sound calf unit for a BLI SW7 with sound. Here’s what I did.
First, I removed both bodyshells and test-fitted each of them to the other’s chassis.
P2K SW9 body and chassis
BLI SW7 body and chassis with Athearn calf rear end instead of BLI cab
Where necessary, I carved away parts of the body and filed the chassis until I had a snug fit for each.
P2K bodyshell on BLI chassis
BLI body on P2K chassis
Now I only have to detail, paint, decal and weather them.
Jon
Awesome. Don’t even look different. I’m tempted to buy a weight and speakers and other stuff to equip my CNW GP18 with sound. My friend has a GP9i and i want to see if my shell fits his frame. I will know sometime, but its the same idea here
You should have no real problems. I did it with a P2K GP7 onto a sound-equipped GP9i and only had to cut back the plastic behind the number boards to get the shell to fit.
Good luck if you decide to go for it.
Jon
Hey Presto.
As if by magic, here are the two finished units - sound-equipped TR4 (SW7 cow and calf) and an SW9, ready to take on switching duties
Total time taken - 4 evenings
Next!!
Jon
Not everything can be as easy as putting a Bachmann body on an Athearn frame.
Jon Grant, what you did is referred to as crosskitting. Crossbreeding is what they do in the hills of West Virginia and it doesn’t involve trains.
I’m sorry! That’s called inbreeding!! Crossbreeding is what they do in Mad-Scientist and Werewolf movies!!
Great job with the engines, Jon. And, I went to your layout photos… really, really nice.
I also liked your choice of American railroad … you can really do alot with that industrial switching railway. I don’t recognize the color scheme on your engines … did the Belt Railway use a cream color like that on their engines at some time? Or, did you take some “modeler’s lisence?” Lol. Whatever the case … it looks great.
Greg