I'm very excited to present a new model and product from my workshop: Alco C420, as far as I know another first in Z. It's not a kitbash as usually, it's a all-metal etched shell, mostly soildered together with a heavily modified MTL Geep chassis underneath. So what has driven me to do this? John Bartelotto asked me if I could do a kitbash based on a GP9. Green as I was I agreed...At the staet of the project I looked, of course, a bit closer on the design and decided such a kitbash would never look right. Having some experience in designing a metal etched fret with my Coil Car (BTW: I got the material and will start "production" soon) I decided to give it a try with a loco shell. I think it's not too bad for the first shot, I know now what needs to be changed for the low hood C420 that will follow. So what are the main faetures apart from a 0.25mm nickel-silver etched shel of approx. 100 parts? YThe MTL chassis is milled down by approx. 0.8mm and stretched. The narrow chassisa in combination with the thin metal shell allow I prototypical accurat hood width. The insulation between chassis and shell is formed by some electrical tape. The truck frames are Hallmark Veranda sides, not 100% prototypical (before somebody complains...) but give the an overall o.k. apperance. The loco is painted in LIRR colours, John's favorite RR and ideal addition to his very special LIRR fleet of Alco RS3 and Fairbank-Morse C-Liner. Enough words, have a look. Forgot: before people ask, you can't get THIS for pocket money....
Gerd, it is excellent! I really like the photo showing the raw brass. I can't wait to see it on John's layout. Rob
Gerd, Gerd, Gerd, Gerd, Gerd!!! You are the Master! I believe that your abilities are limitless! Thank you Gerd! I'll post photos of the it on my layout after it arrives. All - This project was a year long quest. Gerd and I started talking about this and planning back on 8 Sep 10. Gerd asked me back then "What do you have in mind so I can get mentally prepared!" I am sure that after reading his posting here that this caused him more mental stress than he is willing to let on. I can not say enough about Gerd's abilities, talents and skills! He amazes me every time. Pleasant to work with, always keeping me up to date with a project's progress, easy to get in touch with, quick to respond and an all around gentleman. Here is a link to a photo of the prototype: http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/c420/L212-Long Island City.jpg I think his Z scale version is dead nuts on! Gerd's custom made LIRR Alco RS3 and Fairbank-Morse C-Liner are waiting to greet this new work horse. THANKS GERD!!! John
Gerd, Job well done. I have no idea what a C420 is or when it road the rails, but I know your model will be right at the top of Z Scale locos. Jim
Lajos, I agree this is exceptional work. There's nothing like etched metals & lost wax casting for creating fine details.
Built June 1963 to 1968. 9 preserved, 8 Still operating. There could be a run on Veranda tenders for the Alco type trucks. Some could go under GP-35 or GP-30 from traded in FA's & other Alco's.
Gerd IS THE loco master! Well done. I'd love to see a photo of Alexis's entire collection, that would be a sight! John
Sweet! Always did admire the high hood LI C-420 with the bulgy tanks. One of my faves. Well done. There are a lot of advantages to being a Santa Fe man, but to also be a closet fan of Centuries is awfully frustrating...
A low nose one for Scott Shapiro in Apache Railway colors. Apache used a lot of 2nd hand Alcos and kept them in really good shape. O.k., can't avoid the soot on the roof of an Alco...
