Improving the Life-Like C-424

[mandealco]

Hi
There has been a lot written about the LL C-424. Like many I was pleased to see this when Hobbycraft produced it a few years ago.  As time has gone on, I have looked at some of the small errors in the model and finally decided to correct the ones that bothered me.  The frame is the obvious one, but I'd become unhappy with the cab roof profile, the radiator, air tanks, and the lack of the feather edge at the top of the short hood.

Using Atlas C-628 parts, these errors can be corrected, though I chose to make my own air tanks.

The prototype for the model shown here is one of the GE-Hornell rebuilds of the early '80s.  The phase I style is correct for these former E-L units.

Cheers
Steve
Modelling NJ in NZ

[Chris333]

That seriously doesn't look like N scale   

[bdennis]

Steve,
Wow.. Nice work..!

What did you do to frame below the walk way above the trucks? Just add styrene?

[mandealco]

Thanks for the kind words.  You're right, the red one isn't N Scale.

The frame can be done several ways.  This one was done with 90 degree angled styrene, which is glued to the underside of the walkway.  The bolsters are just small blocks of styrene with a bevelled end.  The braces behind the pilots aren't quite right, but will look better once painted and weathered.
Cheers
Steve

[mecgp7]

Can't wait to see the finished product. I have one of the factory EL units. The updated frame and fuel tank would make a huge difference on mine.  Please post more pics as you progress.
CG

[Brakie]

That seriously doesn't look like N scale   

One item that gives that beautiful engine away as  N..

I'll never tell.

[peteski]

One item that gives that beautiful engine away as  N..

I'll never tell.

I can think of coupler of things: thickness of the handrails and the coupler trip pin. 
But seriously though, Steve did a wonderful detailing job and unless you start looking really hard, this loco does not look like it is N scale.  I can't wait to see it with full makeup on, ready for a hot date with some freight cars! 

[Puddington]

Very nice work indeed. I re-built two of mine to more closely match the CPR units; a good  base unit and when detailed in a manner like you have done they are excellent !

[mandealco]

Here's another photo which better illustrates the differences from the standard LL C-424.
It'll be a while before it gets a coat of paint, my air brush isn't up to the job these days (or is it me!), so I may get a friend to paint and weather it for me.  It will become GB&W 321, which really doesn't fit my proposed M&E, but it's an old friend from way back, and it's an Alco!


Cheers
Steve

[Brakie]

I can think of coupler of things: thickness of the handrails and the coupler trip pin. 
But seriously though, Steve did a wonderful detailing job and unless you start looking really hard, this loco does not look like it is N scale.  I can't wait to see it with full makeup on, ready for a hot date with some freight cars! 

I can't wait either to see a action shot of that engine..

However..

For now I'll settle for the engine house shot..

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I love in-progress shots. One of my fav things Railroad Model Craftsman does is cover the various prototype meets in the US. Their latest issue covered the Bay Area Prototype Meet in Cali. While not personally as exciting as the northeast meet, there are some great samples of works-in-progress.

It seems almost a shame to cover so much work with paint.

[BCR 570]

Hello Steve:

Nice work.  May I ask:

1. How well does the Atlas C-628 cab fit onto the Life-Like C-424 parts?

2. Is there any difference between Atlas' C-628 and C-630 cab?

3.  Did you graft the Atlas short hood onto the Life-Like body?


I might order a few for my upcoming BCR C-425 and CN C-424 projects.

Thanks,

Tim

[mandealco]

Thanks Tim.

Fortunately the C-628 cab is the same size as the LL version, in both width and length.  The height is possibly an inch or so short, but not really noticeable.  The hardest part of the change is to cut out the section of the LL frame, but normal rules apply; cut out less than you think then file till the Atlas cab fits.  The front battery boxes need to be cut at an angle to match the cab front wall, but not a difficult task.  Worth the effort for the improvement in looks.

The C-628 cab matches the front profile of the C-424.  The C-630 has squared front corners which Alco changed to in an effort to provide more space in the cabs.  The last C-628s built also had the larger cabs.

The Atlas short hood is held in place by the cab front wall.  The shell is in 3 parts, Short hood, cab and long hood.  I removed as much of the cab interior area as possible.  The long hood was cut just beyond the channel the cab rear wall sits in.  I had to cut away some material under the rear of the cab roof, but otherwise it was a great fit.  The reason I emptied the cab of stuff was to put an interior in it, and maybe have the cab front door open, but that's not happened, yet!  The winter windows probably mean it's not worth the effort.

If you want, I'll take some photos of it in bits, so you can see what I'm describing. 

Looking forward to seeing your new Alcos when you build them, your work is awesome.

Cheers from down under.
Steve

[bbussey]

Excellent work.  It pushes me to create a true C-425 for the New Haven units.

[jmlaboda]

Really nice, Steve.  What did you use for the new grills on the C424M?