BLW VO660 using Atlas ALCO S2 chassis?

[jmlaboda]

I wish I could explain why, especially since my interest in steam and heavy electric has grown so very much, but I have long been interested in modeling a Baldwin VO660 switcher but have not really found a chassis that might fit the bill.  As many know the VO1000 was quite a long switcher that shared its length and wheelbase with very few other makes and models.  I have long wondered if there was a way of building a VO660 using the VO1000 shell but the challenge with a chassis has never allowed such a project to proceed.

Now that the Atlas ALCO S2 has been released I can't help but to wonder if it is narrow enough to fit under a VO1000 shell, allowing for it to possibly be used for such a kitbash.  While the truck centers would still be not as quite as accurate as it should, 31' 08" for the VO660 vs. 30' 6" with the ALCO S2, at least it would be closer to what would be needed for use.  Can anyone speak to whether the chassis might be workable for such a conversion?

TIA

[Iain]

The wheelbase on the VO660 is a foot longer than on the S2 or S4.  That said, you would probably want the Bachmann S4 for this project instead of the S2; that way, you'll get the correct side frams on your trucks.

I went ahead and checked, and the VO1000 shell fits loosely on the Bachmann S4 mechanism.  You ought to be able to shim it with some real thin styrene on each side to get a snug fit.  Bear in mind that the cab end of the S4 is wider to take up space in the cab, but, that's largely a problem for the sill.  If you decide to use the S4 sill (what I would recommend), you'll have to cut off the hood, but that's not that difficult of a task.  The Bachmann S4 is an excellent runner and has made a great base for my Lima project.

[PiperguyUMD]

Completely Shameless plug. 

http://www.shapeways.com/product/K5B3NZGPK/n-scale-baldwin-vo-660?li=search-results-1&optionId=41626835

I put mine on a Bachmann S4 Chassis

[jmlaboda]

MD Shops... you have some interesting prints.  If I were dieselizing my lines there are a number of your prints that I would have to have!!!  I would be interested in using your print for the VO660, if I can just find a justification for it somehow.  Will have to see just how things might go in the near future.  Thanks so much!!!

[mark.hinds]

Completely Shameless plug. 

http://www.shapeways.com/product/K5B3NZGPK/n-scale-baldwin-vo-660?li=search-results-1&optionId=41626835

I put mine on a Bachmann S4 Chassis

Have you considered offering your designs in the new FXD material?

MH

[thomasjmdavis]

MH- look over on the right of his page where you can "choose material"- it defaults to FUD, but you can select FXD.  The icons look the same, but if you mouse over, the material name comes up.

[Spikre]

 
   originally the early F-M H10-44s used the Same GSC Frame casting
  as the Baldwin VO-1000.
   with modifications to make the F-M OP comfortable in the Frame.
   later F-M went to a Welded frame built in their shops.
  all VOs used GSC Cast Frames except the 1 Reading Oddball with a
  Welded Frame.
    Spikre
       

[towl1996]

Thanks for posting about this, didn't know these were out there. The PRR had 12 of these, so I could use one.