Looking for a little help re shell swapping

[ryan_wilkerson]

Maybe I missed it but do the Atlas SD7 and SD9 shells (the newer ones, not the old Kato-design) fit on the new SD35 mech without modification? Thinking up upgrading an SD7 and SD9 by getting a pair of SD35s and swapping over the shell, fuel tank and truck side frames. Any flaw in this plan?

[SF Chief]

Has anyone tried a LL E8 shell on a Kato mechanism?

Haven't tried an LL E8, but LL E6 and LL E7 fit beautifully on the Kato E unit mechanism.
Rick

[ryan_wilkerson]

So I took the jump and bought a sound-equipped SD35 and looked at fitting my SD9 shell and fuel tank. Nope! They are definitely different sizes and are not easily swap-able. I'm going to sell the SD35 and wait for an Atlas SD7/9 with sound to do the conversion.

Maybe I missed it but do the Atlas SD7 and SD9 shells (the newer ones, not the old Kato-design) fit on the new SD35 mech without modification? Thinking up upgrading an SD7 and SD9 by getting a pair of SD35s and swapping over the shell, fuel tank and truck side frames. Any flaw in this plan?

[babbo_enzo]

Taking the "occasion" to ask here, as ...
I've an old Halmark VO-1000 ...
The NW2 (bmann or Kato) chassis can be used to redo power on this nice brass body?

well, as seams nobody interested .... I've buy one of the "new" Atlas VO1000 ... dreaming to fit the Hallmark body on this chassis...
NO!!! Just received the Atlas and side_by_side to Hallmark... the Brass model is WAY to SHORT! 1/2 centimeter less!
OK... now I've 2 problems:
- fit an ESU 73100 on the Atlas ... and a speaker!
- fit some decoder in the Hallmark (in DC it run well and smooth) .. or not, and try to sell this DC nice model as is?
--- forget to check the Bacmannn S2 with Hallmark ... I give feedback later on this!
Curious about correct dimensions of the prototype and the N scale models ... also have to investigate.

[reinhardtjh]

OK... now I've 2 problems:
- fit an ESU 73100 on the Atlas ... and a speaker!

Here's how @jdcolombo did it 5 years ago... One Last Sound Install for 2013 - Atlas VO-1000 (photos and video link)

That would be an ESU 73800 - Select Micro decoder.  I'm not sure a 73100 would fit any better.

You need an 8mm x 12mm speaker, at least that's what John used.

[Steveruger45]

Here's how @jdcolombo did it 5 years ago... One Last Sound Install for 2013 - Atlas VO-1000 (photos and video link)

That would be an ESU 73800 - Select Micro decoder.  I'm not sure a 73100 would fit any better.

You need an 8mm x 12mm speaker, at least that's what John used.

I’m thinking the 73100 would rob space away for the speaker as it is 66mm long

[reinhardtjh]

I’m thinking the 73100 would rob space away for the speaker as it is 66mm long

Yep.  It's narrower but a fair amount longer. 

[garethashenden]

well, as seams nobody interested .... I've buy one of the "new" Atlas VO1000 ... dreaming to fit the Hallmark body on this chassis...
NO!!! Just received the Atlas and side_by_side to Hallmark... the Brass model is WAY to SHORT! 1/2 centimeter less!
OK... now I've 2 problems:
- fit an ESU 73100 on the Atlas ... and a speaker!
- fit some decoder in the Hallmark (in DC it run well and smooth) .. or not, and try to sell this DC nice model as is?
--- forget to check the Bacmannn S2 with Hallmark ... I give feedback later on this!
Curious about correct dimensions of the prototype and the N scale models ... also have to investigate.

Be careful fitting a brass shell onto a split frame mechanism, it would be very easy to short th two frames through the body.

[babbo_enzo]

Be careful fitting a brass shell onto a split frame mechanism, it would be very easy to short th two frames through the body.

Thanks for this warning: it was one argument I have not consider ... jet!

Anyway... the Bachmann S2 is ALSO longer so..
only way to have the Hallmark running is to fit a decoder inside! OR .. sell as is!

About the ESU decoder... have to open the Atlas and ... try to fit one ( I've both models): After the 25th!
73100:
LokSound Select Direct Micro only measures 2.60 inch long x .32 inch wide by only .18 tall (66mm x 8.2mm x 4.5mm)

73800:
LokSound Select Micro only measures 0.98 inch x .417 inch (25mm x 10.6mm x 3.8mm)
Happy holidays to all.

[nwline]

Has anyone tried swapping the new SD 35 body and trucks with GP38-2 body and trucks ? I’m lookin for a way to have a shorter fuel tank without milling the frame and was really wondering if the GP38-2 trucks will work on that frame ? And yes I know about wiring the trucks and that Mark refers to the body swap working , just wondering if anyone has tried this yet ?

[Spades]

Has anyone tried swapping the new SD 35 body and trucks with GP38-2 body and trucks ? I’m lookin for a way to have a shorter fuel tank without milling the frame and was really wondering if the GP38-2 trucks will work on that frame ? And yes I know about wiring the trucks and that Mark refers to the body swap working , just wondering if anyone has tried this yet ?

Frame length and truck spacing on the SD35 is at least a foot more than the 38.

[CHUCKGEO]

I fitted a Shapeways Propane Turbine shell to a ConCor U50 undercarriage.  The concor was designed for the U50, and their oversized Veranda Turbine shell is stretched feet too long, plus wide so they could use the same mechanism. Incredible amount of cutting and filing (sides, nose, tail, on lower frame portion), with metal removal with additional filing on upper frame section. Trying to figure out how to install Z sized DCC on this monster. Still not finished.   

[CHUCKGEO]

I have an N scale KATO E8 P30 HEP, with which Alaska RR swapped the actual three axle trucks for two axle versions. I'd like to replace trucks with two axle versions from KATO, as unit is powered and DCC. Could you tell me if KATO FT, F3, or F7 trucks would be compatible with the frame/gears? I realize truck side detail will be incorrect.  Or should I cut down original three axel trucks and just hope they work?

[carlso]

As is usual, I am late to this party. I read Ryan's comments above regarding An Atlas SD7/9 newer shells not fitting the new SD35 mechanism. He stated not easily doable.

I have and old Atlas/KATO SD7/9 shell that I am wanting to put on my new SD35 mechanism. I have measured and it seems it will work, I have slipped the sill and shell over the mechanism and it seems they will fit. I am dealing with the loss of a brother, on Monday, so I have not gone any further with the project. Has anybody else attempted this conversion?

Thanks in advance and as always, have fun,
Carl

[u18b]

I placed a Life Like E6A shell on a Kato mechanism.   It was not a perfect drop fit, but it was close.  You have to remember that the skirting is on the Life Like shell.  But the skirting is on the fuel tank on the Kato mechanism.

But yes, it works.