GE U33B in N-Scale

[Bruce Archer]

Hi All!
    I finally found some good images of the ex-Conrail U33Bs that Guilford dumped on the D&H. They lasted perhaps a year before disappearing. So I would like to build or buy a U33B.  Spookshow only shows a brass U33B ( beyond my means) and the horrid Bachmann U36B(practically the same as a U33B). So can I use an Atlas U23B and graft the Bachmann U36B radiator assembly to it? Does anyone besides Shapeways ( I have not had very good luck with them)make a shell?

Thanks!

Bruce

[AlwaysSolutions]

I have a U33B shell that I've designed to fit on the U23B or U25B chassis.  I'm in the process of re-designing a version 2 of it with a different way to mount the handrails.  I like the version with the fairings in front of the radiator wings to distinguish it better from the U36B but they came both with and without.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Cheers -Mike

[Philip H]

I have a U33B shell that I've designed to fit on the U23B or U25B chassis.  I'm in the process of re-designing a version 2 of it with a different way to mount the handrails.  I like the version with the fairings in front of the radiator wings to distinguish it better from the U36B but they came both with and without.

(Attachment Link)

Cheers -Mike

Take my money please!

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I have a U33B shell that I've designed to fit on the U23B or U25B chassis.  I'm in the process of re-designing a version 2 of it with a different way to mount the handrails.  I like the version with the fairings in front of the radiator wings to distinguish it better from the U36B but they came both with and without.

(Attachment Link)

Cheers -Mike

How do we get our hands on these? Will you provide the file or a printed unit?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Please design it to use the Atlas cab glass, etc...!

[chessie system fan]

Looks great! The U23B, U30B, U33B, and U36B all had the same nose, cab, walkway, handrails, and fuel tank.  The only differences between them was the long hood. If you isolated the long hood and made it a snap fit for an Atlas U23B, with the latching tabs on the bottom and depressions in the right spot for the locking bumps on the mechanism, I'm sure you'll make some people here very happy.   

[u18b]

I have a U33B shell that I've designed to fit on the U23B or U25B chassis.  I'm in the process of re-designing a version 2 of it with a different way to mount the handrails.  I like the version with the fairings in front of the radiator wings to distinguish it better from the U36B but they came both with and without.

(Attachment Link)

Cheers -Mike

Mike, I'm impressed.  Good job.


Bruce, re: this casting/ 3D print....
The only thing I would point out is that the angled piece at the top in front of the radiator section is part of the phase 1 U33B.  And to my knowledge, SCL is the only one that had that. (and thus Family Lines, SBD System, and CSX- and then if any escaped the scrapper after CSX.)

I don't think Conrail had them.

You also want to check that square filter on the first part of the radiator section wall.   That 3D has it high (which was correct for SCL), but see if Conrail had it high or low.

[u18b]

SCL phase 1.  With angled piece at roof.  High filter.
http://www.trainweb.org/csxphotos/photos/U33B/5601scl.jpg

Phase 2, without angle piece.   High filter.  CSX (SCL)
http://www.trainweb.org/csxphotos/photos/U33B/5621CSX-b.jpg

Conrail u33b.  No angled piece.  Filter in low position.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackdk/45763717942

[AlwaysSolutions]

To add some context to this model, it's actually part of a series of U-Boats I designed in the last couple of years, U18B, U30Bph1, U33B and U36B.  Right now they're all "complete" but with a hand-rail system I want to upgrade.  The current hand-rails slap on to the sides but I want to make them more like, but not exactly like, the Kato way of installing hand-rails.  I've done it to one model and I really like the results so I figure the U-Boats have to be next.  Here's an example to illustrate:
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Left side is the current setup, on the right is what I'm going for.  I don't have an ETA right now on when that conversion will be complete.  I've prioritized the baby boat since I get a lot of questions about that one, then the others right after and at the same time since they share that component it's a hot swap between them.

For the spotting details I'm fairly flexible in the design so high filter, low filter, all can do.  I started this all to get a better U36B for my Auto-Train (Phillip, I will definitely PM you when the U36B is ready.. I know you've been looking for that one for years )  I'm not a high volume producer of kits so if I get flooded with requests it may take a while as I still have a day job that takes up a majority of my time.  You can send me a PM for details if you're interested and I can post back here when the handrail update is completed.  Could be a July time frame if I push it.

Here is a rendering of the U18B I did a few months ago playing with an upgraded version of my design software:
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Cheers -Mike

[Chris333]

"rendering" I was about to ask what printer you have 

[u18b]

Mike.   I’m very impressed with your work. 

One small suggestion I might make is horn position.
Your position is accurate for the stock GE position.
However, SBD Sys/CSX liked to move the horn to the front of the cab. 

I wonder if the horn could be a user installed part.
I know I could easily drill a hole.  Though some could not.
Or, if the horn is printed on the shell, then it would be an easy matter to cut it off and for me to install a new one on the front of the cab.

I love your project.

If there is any way I can help, please let me know. 

If you do a U28B phase 2/U30B phase 1, I would be down for 2.

[nkalanaga]

Bruce:  To answer your original question, that's how most N scale modelers made a U33C years ago - take a U30C (Kato) and replace the radiator section with a Bachmann part.

N Scale of Nevada (long gone) made a resin casting for the entire kitbashed shell, and I have several of those.

So, yes, if the U23B is otherwise close enough, your kitbash idea would work.

[Bruce Archer]

Hi!
  The shell posted does look good but is beyond my price range.
  I printed side views of the Atlas U23B, B23-7, B30-7, and B36-7 along with the Kato U30C and C30-7 to see which had the best arrangement of intakes which are below the radiator.
  The Atlas U23B was the best, followed by the Kato U30C, but the Kato is longer. So it is the U23B ( I have a body) and now needs a radiator, the Kato is better than the Bachmann ( I have a pair of Bachmann shells). Or perhaps one of the Atlas -7 radiators will work.
   Now I need to finish this move so I can get to work.
   The U33Bs I wish to do are ex-PC/Conrail units.

Bruce

[screeh]

A few 3D print options are available if you're interested - following links are to Shapeways but you might also find options on Etsy and other marketplaces (and before anyone jumps in, these are for the U36B and U33C not U33B so I leave it to the OP as to whether that hits the mark)...

https://www.shapeways.com/product/EHBTMFSMD/atlas-u23b-to-u36b-flared-radiator-kit-n-scale-4-p?optionId=300858618&li=marketplace
https://www.shapeways.com/product/WPBG4F5L7/n-u36b-flared-radiator-4-pack?optionId=298975575&li=marketplace
https://www.shapeways.com/product/WZEQN7ZSC/u33c-radiator-and-hood-end-1-160?optionId=301326870&li=marketplace

[u18b]

The first option to convert a u23b to u36b might work for some.  But not accurate enough for me.

The u23b has 6 engine compartment doors.   The u36b has 8.