Hello all…
Does anyone have any suggestions about how to model an ALCO C420 (short hood) in N scale? I’ve read somewhere about using a Model Power shell on an Atlas U25B chassis, repowering a Model Power with a “new can motor”, installing a “resin body kit” on an RS unit, but can’t seem to locate these items in production/available. I would prefer a quality model, such as an Atlas of Kato drive, that can be adapted for DCC operation. The model will be custom painted with custom decals if it’s a project that can be reasonably done. Loco performance and prototypical operation are my primary concerns, I’m not a rivet counter. But I would like a respectable-looking model that isn’t toy-like nor out of scale.
I’ve been collecting my N scale roster for the past 7 or 8 years, and now that the kids are “grown up” and off on their own, it’s time to reclaim the spare bedroom for my railroad. My last layout came down in 1990, so current models, DCC, scratchbuilding, etc is still voodoo to me. I’d like to add several C420’s to my roster of factory-painted locos (Atlas/Kato/LL), but don’t see this model available. Jumping back into the hobby after several years away has surprised me as to the advances in performance, detail, and availability. Thanks in advance for any advice…
First off, [#welcome] to the Trains.com forums![:D]
I can’t say anything about a model of the ALCo C420 diesel.
But, Life-Like has an ALCo C424 if you have any interest in that as well. It is a good looking model, and with some knuckle couplers, and a few extra details, it wouldn’t be at all toy like in any way. Personally, I don’t think the base model looks toy like, but it could use some more detail. You can see it at http://www.blwnscale.com/life-like%20c424.htm. And the price isn’t bad neither.[;)]
If current models illude you, I would reccomend cruising the Internet looking for today’s hot products. My favorite website is www.blwnscale.com. They have a huge selection of locomotives, and rolling stock, as well as other things; such as scenick items and couplers. Brace yourself for the prices, though, they aren’t what they were back then in the early 90s.
Also, if you are interested in any of the higher Century numbers, such as the C628, and the C630, Atlas makes some brilliant models of these, and they are fine runners.[tup]
Again, welcome to the forums, and good luck with your C420 project.[:D]
409…
Thanks for the welcome. And thanks for the link to BLW. I did grab the C424 when they came out. Unfortunately for me, I need the C420; as the road/period I plan to model “requires” it. If I can’t do the C420’s, I’ll have to back up my period by 10 years, which will require even “older” loco models, which will add more $$$ to my project and render some of my models useless, because they’re too new…
It’s great to be back in the hobby again. Three years ago, I got a classic car, which I had when I was a teen and didn’t know what I had when I sold it. That’s my “summer” hobby. Now that I’m “all growed up” and have the time and energy again, my wife and I decided to build a model railroad together. I’m building the benchwork, track/wiring, and models, and she’s doing ALL scenery; backdrops, trees, ground cover, hills/mountains, painting, etc. Her rule is that she’ll start her work where the ballast ends; anything within the ballast or underneath the benchwork is mine! We’ve gone to several train shows that had operating layouts over the years, and she’s really promoting the idea of our own layout after seeing what can be done realistically. Up till now, we’ve had the locos in a glass display case simply staring out into the dining room. Now it’s time to RUN 'em…
I don’t know if you can adapt the C424 back to a C420. The ModelPower shell may have a detail bit to change? Otherwise, you will have to go back to the RS1-3-11 Atlas models. BTW, Atlas & Lifelike make the best models of the Alcos you are looking at. Kato makes a nice RSD3.
If you need a coal hauler, snap up one of the LL FA1 or FA2 models. You may get a ABBA set of these units cheap. The FA1 will pull a house, and the FA2 will pull the garage with the house. I thought LL would have a super closeout sale upon their purchase by Walthers.
Model Power imports a C420 - Maybe you could transplant that shell on something like an Atlas RS3 chassis. The Model Power drives are very poor runners. The Life-Like C424 is too long, and has a short ‘nose’ compared to the C420(cab slid forward on the C424 to make room for the V16-251 engine).
Jim