LifeLike C424 "The Gap"

Hello everyone,

I have a Lifelike C424 and if you are familiar with this locomotive there is a noticeable gap between the trucks and the under-frame. I remember seeing a how-to on what to do to fill this gap... I have read about people glueing a plastruct I-Beam to the side sill... I have searched the web and searched these forums but can't seem to find any info... If anyone knows or has a link they can share that would be great!

Thanks.

 

Um, the prototype has a noticeable gap in the same place.



Doug

 

Thanks Doug, yes I realize the prototype C424 rode high. However, the prototype's frame prevented you from seeing through to the other side.
I have seen write-ups from modellers who have eliminated the see-through effect by installing an I beam.
I was hoping to get more information on what type of beam and where to fasten it...

 

I seem to remember reading where guys glued an appropriate length of N scale rail in there.

 

OK, looking straight on from the side at a picture of the model. I see what you mean now. I'm sorry I can't be of help since I don't have any.

Doug

 

The prototype used "I" beams but I cheated and used angle styrene strips glued to the underside of the walkways. Worked for me on this C-424.
Cheers
Steve

 

That's great! Could I ask what size angle strips you used? And how did you manage to stay out of the way of the pick up strips?
I can see the strip in the photo but it doesn't look like it's touching the wheel wiper...

 

I think it was 0.08", (2.0mm). It does get very close to the contact strips, but doesn't cause any problems. I'll attach another couple of photos, one showing the underside and another in it's finished state (with the fuel tank on backwards!!!). It was running fine on my son's Tehachapi layout just a week ago.

I made some more improvements to the Life-Like shell. I added a modified Atlas C-628 radiator so I could have a walkway with daylight under it. The walkway is a piece of etched freightcar walkway. I also don't like the LL cab which has the wrong roof profile and the the short hood should have a feather edge at the front. Both of these are corrected by using an Atlas C-628 cab and short hood. I'll attach a photo of the new cab/hood showing how well it fits.

I'm a bit passionate about Alcos as some of you will know.
Cheers
Steve

 

I see it, it kinda sneaks behind. Very nice. Thank you!

 

I just took one apart. Does anyone know if the motor normally turns a bit in its cradle, or could something have fallen out even with the shall on?

 

It's normal.

 

That's normal? But one of the motor contacts was popped out of place.

 

I have used electrical tape on the side of the motor to keep them from moving.