I have read convos online saying since only about 70 or so C 636s were produced it would probably be a risk for say Atlas to model them. Not even Tiger models has one listed on their site. So what would be the most important things for me to change/modify assuming this is possible. (I have yet to look closely enough to make this comparison) I thought the Alco speciallists and experienced kitbashers might have something to let me in on. I know the hi-ad trucks will be a chanllenge, (if not impossible)
How much commonality is there between the US and Australian versions of the C636? Also how much difference is there between the C636 and M636 units? Are at least the frames the same length, everything else is just the details! I’ve been looking for pair of these in HO for some time in SP&S and/or BN paint. Keep asking the question maybe someone is listening.
There were some brass C636 models made in HO (I assume you are talking about HO) but there probably weren’t many of those made either, like the prototypes.
So kitbashing is the way to go. You don’t say which road you are modelling. Some changes were made, particularly to the intercooler radiators at the front end of the engine, and these varied from road to road.
But starting with plastic models, you basically have the Mehanotechnika C628 to start with among models still being sold. There were C630 models made by Tyco, which were unfortunately high hood versions, which had two types of chassis. The earlier models had quite reasonable trucks, but the later units had ghastly trucks (both in appearance and performance). Tyco also made a C430, and combining the cab from the 430 with the long hood from the 630 gives you a reasonable C630 body.
There are differences between the C630 and C636 bodies - the 630 had two grilles (one above the other) on the intercooler hump while the 636 had only one, and the 630 had slightly smaller radiators. The four C&O C630s had Alco Hi-Ad trucks, and looked very similar to C636s. These units were converted to 3600HP and were shipped to Australia where they were used by Robe River Mining in Western Australia.
Do you have C636 drawings? There were a good set in RMC some years ago, and these might still be available in a back issue. The issue should be able to be found on this website’s index.
If you want t
hey, thanks both for replying. So, after looking at what is involved here, yes, I will go with brass-later. I have other more sane (ya right) kitbashes like the gp 30 to gp 39E. you can see this on qstation-BN resource page in the modeling section. oh the road I model BN/SF/BNSF ect. and others too. There is always that SD 20 in MR a few months back to do that looks involved, anyone try that?
Am I missing something? I thought Stewart did the C636 or was that the C630 after the C628?
Thanks for that!
I had forgotten the Stewart, now Bowser C630. It seems reasonably priced, but there are still the basic differences from a 630 to 636 to be overcome.
I think I’ll buy a 630 anyway, they look good and are very similar to the 636.
Modifying the truck frames would be relatively easy, but changing the intercooler hump would be relatively difficult. You could always ignore that difference and having changed the truck frames, paint it for BN or SP&S.
M636C