As some of you may know, I had a B unit conversion in my product line for a short while. The main reason I took it off was that I was not happy with the fact that I could not supply the hand rail extensions to fill in the gap. I would like to hear what you guys think about this; should it still be available with out the proper hand rail extensions and leave that part up to the modeler to supply? ALSO, this is the main thing that is holding up the AC4400CW conversion I am planning. Your input has the potentail to bring this conversion back, and maybe even bring in a new one. Thanks every one. ------------------ Craig Martyn Best Looking Models Around Custom detailing AND N scale detail parts. BLMA N Scale Detail Parts BLMAinfo@aol.com
Well Craig, the way I see it, right now are only other options for a High Short hood is cutting up a Atlas shell or that Canadian company (it starts with a "A" but I forgott) tha makes etched metal ones, niether of them have the handrail pieces so if you did not provide them it would be no differant. But, if you did provide say the right size wire with it It might give you a lead. Kevin
and...... http://archive.trainpix.com/BN/EMDRBLD/SD40-2B/7501.HTM (the BN one didnt work so here is the link) These two are basically what it will be like (if it comes out). It will be more like the SF one though. Enjoy! ------------------ Craig Martyn Best Looking Models Around Custom detailing AND N scale detail parts. BLMA N Scale Detail Parts BLMAinfo@aol.com [This message has been edited by Craig Martyn (edited 20 November 2000).]
Heres what I have planed. Kevin [This message has been edited by Kevin D Mumaw (edited 21 November 2000).]
Craig, I believe that other companies sell handrail/stanchion sets (Gold Medal Models, JnJ, etc.) But I think Kevin has a good idea about supplying the wire in the conversion kits. Speaking of B-unit (and other) conversions, have you given any thought to doing a B30-7AB conversion for the Atlas B23-7 when it comes out? Dwight
Craig, I think such a conversion falls towards the experienced/craftsman side of the fence. The average modeller may not want to tackle this type of work. That being the case, whether you supply the stanctions and handrails is not too important. The primary objective is to have an easy to do B unit modification without having to scratch- and/or kit-bash. Most modellers dealing in this type of work would have the stanctions and wire already on hand, or know where to readily obtain them. As Kevin states, supplying sufficient wire with the kit would be a plus, but if you are going to that extent, you may as well supply the stanctions as well. Keep in mind this will push up the price. Maybe a good option is to provide the kit with and without the handrails? All that entails is a base kit that you add the wire and stanctions to if neccessary. Looking at what I am currently doing - http://archive.trainpix.com/BN/EMDRBLD/SD40B/7600B.HTM (but in Soo colours) - I can see how relatively easy it is to provide a complete conversion kit in this case. The appeal would be limited, though, compared to a GP60 for example. Still it will need a couple of stanctions for each side plus wire. As I have said before, Craig, keep the B unit conversion as part of your line except supply on order only if you don't want to keep a few on hand. I am certain those wanting them will wait the week or so whilst you cast a couple. Cheers, Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page TrainBoard Moderator and Member No.377 N to the Nth degree!
Thanks for the feed back guys! Dwight: Actually, I was going to bring up the BN B unit (B30-7AB you were saying). I need to get a bunch of good photos (have that covered) and most importantly, I need to have the model in my hand before I can state anything. Would be a nice conversion though! Thanks for the info and suggestion! Gary: Couldn't have said it better my self! I second the thought that the people who would use this conversion would be fairly experienced and would most likely have the supplys to "fill the gap" on hand. BTW, you B unit looks like it is going to look GREAT! You really are talented!! I would like to see photos when the project continues (just like the Soo SD40-2's ). Thanks for the thoughts every one! I am going to concider this project a bit more now and will keep every one informed if some thing comes up. Thanks! ------------------ Craig Martyn Best Looking Models Around Custom detailing AND N scale detail parts. BLMA N Scale Detail Parts BLMAinfo@aol.com
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Craig Martyn: Thanks for the feed back guys! Dwight: Actually, I was going to bring up the BN B unit (B30-7AB you were saying). I need to get a bunch of good photos (have that covered) and most importantly, I need to have the model in my hand before I can state anything. Would be a nice conversion though! Thanks for the info and suggestion! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Remember there are three distinct versions of the BN unit. 1. The first order - 4000-4052, 2. The second order - 4053-4119 with revised radiator grills and repositioned extended dynamics (the bump on the roof), 3. The rebuilds of the first order with the revised grills but no relocated dynamics. All versions can be seen at Charles Biel's BN Archives - http://archive.trainpix.com/BN/GE/B30-7A/INDEX.HTM From what I can see, and without having the body in hand, adding the new front to the upcoming Atlas B23-7 will closely represent the first order. A consideration for a second kit would be to supply the extended dynamic section with the nose for the second order units. The radiator grills will be up to the individual. I'm certain the could be cobbled together from a sacrificial second body using the cut and sand technique, or could you cast these as detail parts? We could use a Cannon & Co. type of parts source in N. Gary. ps - thanks Craig. I have been considering the B unit conversion for some time and finally bit the bullet 4 days ago. It's been easier than I though initially, especially prepping the new access doors to go under the dynamic blister. Mind you, I am coming up to doing the new front, which is not a standard EMD nose. It's somewhat flatter. G. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page TrainBoard Moderator and Member No.377 N to the Nth degree! [This message has been edited by Gats (edited 21 November 2000).]
WOW Gary! Thanks for all of the info!!! I cant wait to get the B23-7! (well, I'm getting two for my self but I am going to buy an undec shell to do the B unit. Can't wait!!! Thanks again for the info! ------------------ Craig Martyn Best Looking Models Around Custom detailing AND N scale detail parts. BLMA N Scale Detail Parts BLMAinfo@aol.com
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Gats: or could you cast these as detail parts? We could use a Cannon & Co. type of parts source in N. G.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> About this, I would cast many parts off of locomotives, but I don't want to get in trouble. Though I haven't researched what you "can" and "can't" do. ------------------ Craig Martyn Best Looking Models Around Custom detailing AND N scale detail parts. BLMA N Scale Detail Parts BLMAinfo@aol.com
