Kato Dash 9 detailing

[Seligman Sub]

Hey guys,

I'm getting back into the hobby in N scale and since I haven't settled into a place with layout space I'm getting into detailing locos for now. I'm starting off on a Kato Dash 9. I'm going to start off fairly simple with add on parts such as MU hoses, a new plow, sunshades etc. but there are a couple things that are glaring and will need to be fixed such as the incorrect colors for walkway and the front/rear hand rails. Those aren't terrible either but the biggest problem is the coupler boxes.

My model is from the first production run (#650) and has the coupler boxes protruding out of the pilots and are a real eye sore. Can anyone offer suggestions to remedy this? Do I need to make a new box out of styrene or is there an aftermarket option available? I'm also open to moving to Z scale couplers on my locos so this would be a factor too.

Also as an aside; one detail that annoys me about the Kato's is the air reservoirs on the right side of the fuel tank. The dimensions look way off. It appears to me that the FVM GEVOs are the only ones that model this correctly in N scale (the Atlas Dash 8-40CW don't look right either). I know the prototype Dash 9s and ES44s are almost identical in dimension and design so I'm curious if anyone knows if the Kato Dash 9 shell would fit on a GEVO chassis? Or better yet if the FVM tank cover would fit on a Kato chassis?

Thanks!

[mtntrainman]

Welcome To TrainBoard. I hear putting Z's on lokies makes em look lots better as far as couplers are concerned.

.

[GaryHinshaw]

I'm not sure which couplers your unit came with (my #650 came with the old Rapidos). If you plan to have broad curves on your layout I'm pretty sure you can use Kato's short-shank knuckle couplers in these locos, part #923500:

http://search.cartserver.com/search/...l=AND&bool=AND

That's what is used, e.g, in this AC4400 (picture from the Kato site):



Welcome to Trainboard,
Gary

[CNW 1518]

Customized SD70ACe to SD70M-2 - TrainBoard.com

This is a very inspiring thread.. Since its similar to what you are looking at doing.. Id recommend checking it out.

[Seligman Sub]

Originally Posted by GaryHinshaw

I'm not sure which couplers your unit came with (my #650 came with the old Rapidos). If you plan to have broad curves on your layout I'm pretty sure you can use Kato's short-shank knuckle couplers in these locos, part #923500:

http://search.cartserver.com/search/...l=AND&bool=AND


Welcome to Trainboard,
Gary

Thanks Gary, that might do the trick! Mine came with micro-trains but they have a box that protrudes out in a triangle shape. It didn't occur to me that they were to facilitate getting around tight curves.

Best

[Seligman Sub]

Originally Posted by CNW 1518

Customized SD70ACe to SD70M-2 - TrainBoard.com

This is a very inspiring thread.. Since its similar to what you are looking at doing.. Id recommend checking it out.

All I have to say is WOW!!! That is amazing work. Those models look like they're brass. Maybe someday!

[BoxcabE50]

Seligman Sub;

Welcome to TrainBoard!

Boxcab E50

[Seligman Sub]

Thanks Boxcab!

[pastoolio]

Z scale couplers!!!

Mike

[mrlxhelper]

Those Kato short shank couplers look great and opperate just fine on small curves too. I've used those on 70M's, 70MAC's and & 70ACe's on 10" radius with no problems. The close coupling they offer on the modern units with big anti-climbers is great. Why Kato puts those couplers with the 10 foot shank on everything I don't know.