Stewart AS-16 Conversion

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I am trying to convert my AS-16. Is there any SW or MP prototype switchers that were the same length as the prototype AS-16?

2

What do you mean convert it? NO SW or MP switchers have the same trucks as an AS16.

Are you wanting to remotor it or what? You could just drop in a new motor.

3

Convert to 8 axle or do you have a six axle AS 616? If a six axle to four axle conversion is what you intend several prototypes did this, it would require a GSC 4 axle truck, virtual copy of those found under GE power or the ALco RS series.

Dave

4

Well the AS-16 was a Baldwin road switcher. The SW series were General Motors switchers, and MPs were essentially GM switchers stretched a bit and with road engine trucks. Can’t say there’s much connection between the two EXCEPT that in the sixties some railroads did convert many of their Baldwin engines to use EMD/GM motors and such…so there were some engines that looked sort of like an AS-16 / GP-9 hybrid, since the long hood where the motor was, was replaced by an EMD long hood. CNW did that a lot, an issue of their historical society mag had a cover story on it maybe a year ago.

5

The AS-16 distance between truck centers is 42’ 1". Overall length of the unit was 58’. It was a biggun’ for the time period it was built. There is no comparable EMD unit that I could find.

http://www.thedieselshop.us/Data%20BLW%20AS-16.HTML

The ALCO C425 is the closest dimensionally for wheelbase, but it is still off. There are a couple of older ALCOs roadswitchers that are also off a bit in wheelbase. So you are looking at a compromise or maybe some frame bashing to get it exact.

6

That chassis is a drop-in fit for the old AHM C-Liner, although it would make a lousy switcher. [(-D] I did just such a conversion for a friend, although nowadays the Proto version would be a better choice for a C-Liner. If you want to use it as a switcher, though, why not simply use it as it is.

Wayne

7

Here’s a couple photos of that re-motored C-Liner:

Wayne

8

The Soo Line’s AS-16s never had m.u. capability, and spent most of their lives switching heavy iron ore cars around the yards in Duluth-Superior or Upper Michigan. They also were never repainted, wore black and gold til the end.