I couldn't do that, so I did this...

ram53 Feb 5, 2012

  1. ram53

    ram53 TrainBoard Member

    293
    26
    24
    A month or so ago, I asked here on TB about the fidelity of the FVM ES44C4 to the prototype and learned to my dismay that the model version is less than 50% correct and is basically just a regular GEVO with C4 trucks. The "mirror image" front end of the C4 is certainly not something I was prepared to tackle. So, instead, I just took the FVM BNSF model and detailed it all up after a complete disassembly. I replaced the front and rear stanchions with Gold Medal etched parts and replaced the white railings with bent wire. I also removed the plastic cut levers and replaced them with BLMA etched ones. I added all the small parts from the parts bag and them some. I fabricated MU cables from wire, added BLMA MU hoses and trainline, a new etched brakewheel, rear view mirrors, BLMA sunshades instead of the much thicker FVM ones. The wheel faces were painted a fresh rust colour, the trucks and tank were given a light weathering wash, the plow had grabs added, vents, louvers and grills blackened, and a Digitrax DCC decoder installed. I even replaced the amber headlight LED with a bright sunny white one-alas, the lighting is still very poor, esp. the ditchlights. That I think is a design flaw and the lesser grade plastic used by FVM compared to Kato.

    It's a nice looking unit. Not a real C4, but just a good-looking N scale loco.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  2. ram53

    ram53 TrainBoard Member

    293
    26
    24
    This is just to show the original rear stanchions/handrails compared to the fabricated metal ones:
    [​IMG]
     
  3. Curto

    Curto TrainBoard Member

    397
    0
    9
    Looks fantastic! I have one of these coming in CN... I see a project in my future :)
     
  4. dave n

    dave n TrainBoard Supporter

    2,107
    230
    35
    Great work, that looks fantastic. Handrails are one of the best improvements to making an n scale locomotive look more prototypical imho.

    ....I hope they address the headlight issue w/ the GP60M's....!
     

Share This Page