I recently read a thread from the Yahoo NP modellers forum about converting an Atlas U25B to a U25C by installing RSD4/5 trucks. How protypical is this? Would it be that unprotypical to do the change? Has anyone else completed the modification? Could the U25B trucks then be installed onto the RSD 4/5 as an Alco/GE Hybrid? I recall reading somewhere that both NP and GN often used older trucks from trade ins to keep the price of acquiring new motive down. Gentlemen; your thoughts!
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by MRL Mick: I recently read a thread from the Yahoo NP modellers forum about converting an Atlas U25B to a U25C by installing RSD4/5 trucks. How protypical is this? Would it be that unprotypical to do the change? Has anyone else completed the modification? Could the U25B trucks then be installed onto the RSD 4/5 as an Alco/GE Hybrid? I recall reading somewhere that both NP and GN often used older trucks from trade ins to keep the price of acquiring new motive down. Gentlemen; your thoughts!<hr></blockquote> This would not be prototypical as the U25C is longer than a U25B. If you put the trucks from the U25B onto a RSD4/5 you will have made a RS3 since a RSD4/5 and a RS3 are the same thing except one is 6 axle and the other is 4 axle.
Yes Scott, The U25C was a tad Longer, but that was not the Question I had asked. I also am quiet aware of the difference between an RS3 and an RSD4/5 and it is a little more than just the trucks. The question I asked was the fitting of GE trucks onto an Alco. Here is a link Dondia sent me for a moded U25B to a U25C. Northern Pacific U25C
Mick, you may have an easier time converting a Trix U28C to a u25c - the differences aren't as great. excellent article on u28c's in July MR. According to the article the differences are very minor. The trix U28 had a reputation as a smooth runner being one of the first split frame type locomotives, I have had a few over the years , but those fat handrails have to go! I have a NP trix unit I might consider selling - email me off line if interested abogle@phdinc.com
<font color="336633">I have been thinking of doing one of these in HO scale, it will be nice to see yours when its done.</font>
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by MRL Mick: Yes Scott, The U25C was a tad Longer, but that was not the Question I had asked. I also am quiet aware of the difference between an RS3 and an RSD4/5 and it is a little more than just the trucks. The question I asked was the fitting of GE trucks onto an Alco. Here is a link Dondia sent me for a moded U25B to a U25C. Northern Pacific U25C<hr></blockquote> You asked if it was prototypical and that is what I answered. There is no external difference between the RS3 and the RSD4/5 other than the trucks!!! An RS3 uses AAR type B trucks. A RSD4/5 uses AAR type C trucks. The trucks on the U25B are already alco trucks!!!! They are AAR Type B trucks. So putting the trucks from a U25B on a RSD4/5 will make a RS3!!! Not some Alco/GE hybrid.
Here is a webpage I found that discusses the differences between the different trucks. While it does talk about the similarity between the Alco and GE double-equalized trimount trucks, there is no mention of an AAR Type C truck design. As far as N scale goes, I would say that the two are close enough. Though the later version with two brake cylinders would be better (available on the Model Power RSD15, but I would guess that the detail would be much more crude). Also, Here is a webpage with a couple of pictures of (ex-)NP U25C's. Dwight
Scott I wont bag you about your opinion and lack of diplomacy, it seems you are already getting a good enough ear bashing from your Atlas GP38 post. Thanks for your advice on the Alco trucks. My U25C will be a hybrid and the RS3 will be basically original in SP&S.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by MRL Mick: Scott I wont bag you about your opinion and lack of diplomacy, it seems you are already getting a good enough ear bashing from your Atlas GP38 post. Thanks for your advice on the Alco trucks. My U25C will be a hybrid and the RS3 will be basically original in SP&S.<hr></blockquote> My posts on this have nothing to do with opinion. It is FACT that these locos are they way they are, I cant see where you get opinion out of this.
Dwight, Thanks for the tips. I appreciate your Help. Scott, You totally missed my point, I was not having a go at you. Lighten up. The Nscale modelling world is not against you for expressing your opinion on the Atlas GP38, however, sometimes diplomacy is required when expressing controversial opinions. I have not seen an Atlas GP38, therefore I will not comment. I wonder how true it is of the other comments in the Atlas post you commenced?
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by MRL Mick: Scott, You totally missed my point<hr></blockquote> Then, what was your point? I offered my help when you asked these questions in a constructive manner. You told me I was wrong when I am right. I explained further on the issue and you attacked me for being opinionated when this issue has nothing to do with opinion.
