I Have a tyco Alco C430 and was considering modifying it , New motor with flywheels, wire handrails and grab irons, Ect . Has anyone tryed this with the tyco? Not a very good model but cant find a better one of these. Any info would be appreciated. Joe A.
Joe
I’ve got one that has been languishing in a semi-built status for a few months now. It is currently stripped of paint, and modified to ride on a stretched MDC RS3 frame and trucks. Can motor and flywheels have been added. Before adding the detail parts and paint the last major hurdle I have is to figure out how to mount the shell on the frame, since the stock Tyco fuel tank and truck mounts are now gone. I’ll probably fill the pilots and use coupler boxes to retain the body, like a lot of other models do.
I’ve been wanting to do this project since I was about 14, maybe someday, I’ll get it done!! [:0][;)]
Joe, now you’ve done it! [}:)]
Just the mention of that C430 project and guess what, I got it out an dusted it off today. Finished up making the driveshafts and installed an NCE decoder in the chassis. Oh boy ! It runs! I guess I’m off to my LHS this weekend for detail parts.
See what you did!!! [}:)] Hahahahaha!!!
[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]
Great to hear you got motivated. This is only my second project. Im still waiting for parts, motor and flywheels. I kept the same plastic frame. Not to shure I like it though. I will have to look into the MDC frame. When I’m done I have 4 tyco gp 20s to work on. Found a athearn GP 7 or 9 chassie fits almost perfect. Keep up the good work. Do you have any pictures of your C430? Joe A.
Joe,
It has been years since my last Tyco conversion, but I have done a few. I’m pretty sure that an Athearn GP35 frame is an even better fit for the Tyco GP20 frame than the GP7 frame is, and the fuel tank shape of the GP35 frame is closer to what you want. (Fill the screwdriver slot with styrene and body putty, add some air tanks, and you’re good to go.)
I also recommend looking for an Athearn frame that matches for your C430 (GP38-2, maybe?). If you find one with a wheelbase that’s close but not quite right, you can always do a little cut-and-splice. In the long run, I think you’ll be happier with a heavier frame, and Athearn driveline parts and trucks will be a snap fit in the frame.
Have fun!
Terry
Thanks Terry, It was the MODEL RAILROADER MAGAZINE that was the inspiration for the project. I figured if I messed up the Tyco There a dime a Dozen. Thanks for the tip. Joe A.
Well I just found a Athearn U18B chassie fits perfect under the tycoc-430!!! Bad news is the fuel tank is all wrong. Not shure about the truck spacing, but it looks good. Hey kbfcsme if you go to your LHS for detail parts let me know if you find anything good. Thanks Joe A.