whew! I was getting worried about those GP60's! I don't own one of their GP20's, but I thought they were pretty good looking models - does the sill height on those look ok? I sure wouldn't want GP60's that sat that high! Dave
I think that the chassis looks too high as well, but perhaps its just a n optical illusion due to the missing components underneath the cab which helps to block the view through to the other side. The white background on the Penn unit seems to enhance the perception of riding too high by bringing those bigs gaps out more. I'm a bit upset that LifeLike didn't plan the different phases out better and have a correct tail for these models..
Thanks for the responses everybody. I think I'll fill in the gap with stryene strips as Tony has done.
I think you've got it! The prototype is nearly 15' tall (about 3 inches taller than EMD second generation locos). I'll get my scale rule out later this week and check the dimensions. C425: http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/
As I'd noted earlier, the lack of components allowing see-through on the model might have helped create a sensation of riding too high. Missing are traction motor connections, a couple of blower ducts, brake connections, speed recorder, etc., etc. It's interesting to note in the N&W photo, how the drop steps are so far out of line. As are the couplers. The track underneath doesn't appear to be contributing to the misalignment. Boxcab E50
I was looking at an extreme closeup of an ex SP&S c425 at Wishram Washington, and what missing is the frame of the locomotive. It turns out that the frame on those engines sits low and covers that gap found in the model. I hope this helps.
Anybody seen any of the SP&S models? Did they re-do the shell or is it still the Phase I shell that has been around?
Still the C424 phase 1 shell - you can see the SP&S version on the N scale supply site: http://www.nscalesupply.com/Lif/LIF-LocomotiveALCO-C424-425.html
It's hard to see, but the green that LL used ont he SP&S units looks almost black.. I HAD to rid that unit of the HIDEOUS rapido couplers that hang out several feet on both ends.. MT 1015/1016 are the hot ticket on these beauts. Here's my newest roster addition:
I think i'm with Bill here, there's an 'inside' main frame on these that neatly fills the gap, it is fairly visible on the N&W pic posted. Not sure wether you could add that without impeding truck swing though? The SP&S one looks pretty cool to me. Needs a patch with BN numbers though
That does look black. And the yellow seems a hair too bright. Of course it's been over three decades since I last watched an SP&S ALCo......... *Sigh* Boxcab E50
Wow, I just got a pair of SP&S 424's this last weekend up in Oregon. Excellent engines with great detail, I'm impressed. I do agree the green is a little too black though, but they look great. They sure run nice and quiet. They make a nice addition to my 8 other SP&S engines.
The see-through frame is easilly corrected. Run plastruct I beam material on each frame half runing the lenth of the frame: As you can see, the unit looks much better.
Daniel, that is exactly what I plan to do to my CR C424. Did you repaint the whole thing or just take off the numbers and logo? And what did you use for the Reading rain guards or whatever they're called? David
the rain gaurd was .01 bronze wire. The unit came as a CN unit but i pulled the paint off while masking it for weathering It was painted with Modelflex paints and my own mix of Tamiya (spelling?) for the handrails.
