Question about B unit shells

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I have a b unit needing a new shell - does anyone know if the newer b unit shells from the 90’s are interchangeable.

They look very similar - just want your thoughts.

2

are yiu refering to a item such as a u 33b or a item such as a gp60b

3

Although I have not tried to do it, I think it would be fairly simple, since they are both B units. You might have to modify the mounting somewhat. Some styrene and glue should do it. There is a product in the RC section of your LHS called GOO (looks about like silicone) and it bonds anything to anyting and can be used as its own fillet.

Good luck and post a picture of the finished product.

4

My b unit is a 2245 the b unit shell i want to use is a 200a reproduction offered in the early 90’s

5

OK, I tried it. I have a 2245 B unit from 1955 and a Santa-Fe B unit from 1991. I swapped shells and they interchanged perfectly. The only real difference between the two B unit shells is the 2245 has louvered vents and the Santa-Fe shell has screen vents.

6

I have a 200A blue Santa-Fe too. I missed that part. I tried it. Perfect fit. It has screened vents too.

7

Thanks everyone - this gives me more options for finding a replacement - also does anyone make a reproduction shell?

8

Train World sold them years ago but I don’t know if they still do or not. They do pop on ebay quite frequently.

9

This thread made me notice that a local train store has an MTH dummy S.F. b-unit for sale for $65. I wonder how it would look between my postwar 2343s.

Jim

10

Great excuse to go back to the train store, packing one of your A units. Don’t you hate when that happens?

Jack