I have seen several kitbash of U25C's before but the only one I can find searching is based off of a Kato U30C. I have been toying with the idea of doing several of them and I was just looking for ideas others have used. So far my idea has been to strech a U25B frame and shell and add Alco RSD trucks. I was just looking for other ideas. Kevin
I was inspired by Scott Lupia (spelling) to do U36's in in EL but I might do them as NP U33C's instead. NP recived ther U33 in 69's and they also had lots of U25C's and SD45's running around. Anyways if I do try and do NP I would definitly neeed several U25C's.
I don't know for sure about it, but you might want to investigate using a Minitrix U28C/30C shell with an Alas C40 mechanism. I have no idea how feasible or appropiate this might be, mind you, but it's where I'd start looking.
"I was inspired by Scott Lupia (spelling) to do U36's in in EL but I might do them as NP U33C's instead." Just remember there were several distinct differences in the grills in the radiator area that differ from later units. One of the most notable was a flared piece on front of both sides of the radiator overhang. Not sure how a person would pursue that. Also, the radiator grills were made up of wire screening and not the corrugated material used later on. Other minor details are also involved but if a foobie wouldn't bother you then I would say go for it. Just thought I would mention these detail differences.
The NP, and GN U33C's had GSC trucks, whereas Milwaukee had Adirondacks. I almost done with 2 U33C's in NP. Just need the numberboard decals (which I hate the most). Good luck with your projects!
I recall a couple of folks who have done the U25B method, and created a faux truck via changing sideframes. Boxcab E50
I have been slowly working on one since last fall. I started with a U25B and an extra shell, I have the main shell stretched the required 4 feet, but I haven't gotten much farther than that. I am using Atlas C628/630 trucks, but they won't work with the U25B frame. I haven't spent much time trying to figure it out though. I do have a set of the RSD4/5 trucks and they work well with the U25B frame, but the C trucks look more like the prototype. I also have a frame that I cut into pieces to stretch. I won't make final assembly of it until I get the shell right. This way the larger C trucks will fit like they need to and clear the steps. Maybe I should dig it back out and work on it again!
Kevin, If you can find them, there was a two-part article by Ron Beardon on just this kit-bash. They were in the March/April 1991 & May/June 1991, "N-Scale" magazine.
Dan - I had those issues once upon a time, but to me the loco never looked right. I don't know if it was too long or what. I do know the bash sat a little low and didn't have the proper number of walkway steps.
How about the Atlas 8-40B chassis with the Alco trucks? I know the RSD trucjks fit, not sure about the C628 trucks. I would think the wheelbase would come out close.
