kitbashing Tyco shells (should be a hoot)

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hey Everyone,

I have 2 Tyco shells from the early 70s. An SD 7 and an SD 24. Believe it or not these are two models I don’t have represented by Athearn, Atlas or anything else in my collection. I know I can buy these for around $100 and less, but I thought maybe these are good starting points to have some fun with and learn to really ‘modify’.

But what do you think? Are these good starting points? And what chasis would work best? I thought of Athearn but… let me know what you think.

Dan

2

Tyco never made an SD-7 so I cannot comment on that, they did make an E-7 though. For the SD-24 I would use an Athearn SD-9 or the Atlas/Con-Cor/Roco SD-24 or SD-35 chassis. I would look for one at a show or Epay with a damaged shell. You may also find one with a botched paint job, which will bring down the cost. Go ahead and give it a try.

Here is a link to some Tyco information: http://tycotrain.tripod.com/tycotrains/index.html

Jim

3

oops! I meant the other one was a C430. (Long day) What chasis would fit with that?
Jim thank you I will try those suggestions.

4

With carefull cutting, you can stretch an MDC RS3 chassis to fit the 430. Then mill the top of the frame below the flywheels to fit the frame into the body. The Tyco fuel tanks can then be glued on over the frame stretch. Fit it with a can and driveshafts, and detail and paint ot suit.

I can email you a pic of mine if you like. Cant post the pics right now, waiting new improved web space to come online.

5

Kitbashing a TYCO is different than most; it is easier. You do need a 3 pound hammer, though.

6

Good luck, but I think in the end you will just end up smashing it with that 3 pound hammer!

7

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I can email you a pic of mine if you like. Cant post the pics right now, waiting new improved web space to come online.
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hey kbfcsme,

thanks. and yes it would be nice to see the picture of what u did; replace radiator grills, if you installed some kind of new pilot (tyco have almost none right) ect.

if you do see this please send it to danz_nicework@yahoo.com

thanks

Dan

8

Here are a couple more options for your Century. Atlas has made a C 424/425 before. If you could find a chassis for the right price this would be nice way to go. I am not sure of the wheelbase but an Athearn GP38/40 chassis might also work out. You would have to replace the EMD truck side frames with the GE /Alco type from an Athearn U series and also do some tank work.

Jim

9

I have a dead Tyco C430 sitting on my workbench now. It’s a bit crude compared to today’s offerings. Since it’s going to be parked in my enginehouse, I’m not too concerned with powering it. One thing I plan on doing though, is replacing the cast-on grabs with wire, and adding the appropriate PC details–cab signal box, the correct horns, hoses, etc. as well as Kadees. The thing may not run, but I want to move it around from time to time.

10

I too have a couple of old tyco\mantua GP-20’s I’ve often thought about repowering, just don’t have the time yet, only had them 25 years.I am still not sure what frame to try to fit under them.

11

an athearn GP35 frame will fit the Tyco GP20s almost perfectaly. MR or RMC had an articl way back when about repowering a Tyco GP20 with an athearn Frame. The only thing is you need one of athearns newer slender motors to fit under the hood of the GP20 shell. i really dont know for the others. I would guess a SD9 frame for the SD24. I really dont have a clue on the C430
~matt

12

SD24: RPP SD7/9 frame will fit. Athearn’s SD9 frame will require machining. For some versions of the SD24, the Tyco shell is a better starting point than the Atlas/ConCor one. The plastic Athearn SD9 side frames are excellent.

C430: Athearn GE U28B, U30B or U33B, or Atlas C424/425. Many of the C430 locomotives had Hi-Ad trucks. There are side frames available to fit Athearn.

13

Don’t forget the dynamic brake. I did a couple the way you described, there’s drawings in Railroad Model Craftsman, November 1985 issue for reference. Fortunately, these had the old MU-2 power truck, not the crappy foreign made ones, a little work and they run great. You have to find one from the 60’s or early 70’s, before Consolidated Foods took over the company.