FM H-16-44

[Jim Costello]

I didn't purchase any of these Bachmann models when they were released years ago and now  I can get some shells...has anyone tried to put these onto
a Atlas  RS11 or similar chassis. Any issues with this conversion?  I picked the RS 11 as it has the AAR type bogie side frames rather than the Blomberg style.  It also has the correct  truck centres.

Jim
Modelling the NH down under

[Curtis Kyger]

The Bachmann model represents a phase III H16-44; none of which were built with AAR style trucks.
I love the way my Bachmann unit runs and it can pull a ton....

[bbussey]

Ditto, I have two of the full Bachmann units that I put decoders in, added details and body-mounted MTLs  Still in the process of decorating them for NH as some other projects have jumped ahead of them on the list.

[thomasjmdavis]

I almost assume the answer to this will be "no" (because no one has already suggested it), but will the Bachmann shell fit on an Atlas H-16-44 chassis?

[Carolina Northern]

Yes. I had Atlas chassis under both of my Bachmann units.
Don't remember it being much trouble to fit - much improved running.

Don

[bbussey]

Yes. I had Atlas chassis under both of my Bachmann units.
Don't remember it being much trouble to fit - much improved running.

I would have done that with mine if not for the truck frames being different between the two phases, for New Haven.

[thomasjmdavis]

If the NH did not use the AAR type B truck or the "C Liner" truck (as on the Atlas), on their later FM units, what truck design did they use?  Just curiosity on my part as all of mine are lettered ATSF.  The couple photos I could find of NH units showed what looked to me like the C-Liner truck.  Or is this a case of truck frame dimension rather than style?

[Curtis Kyger]

NH purchased a total of 25 H16-44s from Fairbanks-Morse.
10 Phase I were purchased in 1950.  Atlas produces models of the Phase I units.  NH units came with AAR style trucks. Phase I units had 30' truck center to center spacing.  They also came with the Lowry designed oval cab windows.
15 Phase III units were purchased by the NH in 1956.  Bachmann produces models of the Phase III units.  These came with C-Liner trucks on 31' center to center truck spacing. 

[bbussey]

What would be interesting to see is if the Life-Like C-Liner trucks fit the Atlas H16-44 mechanism. If that were the case (and Life-Like units can be unearthed), I would consider swapping to Atlas mechanisms.

[thomasjmdavis]

The Atlas units came with both Type B and C-liner trucks- depending on the specific prototype.  My Atlas ATSF units have C-liner trucks.  And they came in both the "Ia" (curved windows) and Ib (square windows) - or phase I early and phase I late, in the nomenclature Atlas uses.

Interesting that the Bachmann units have a 31' truck center.  That might make it an ideal frame if I ever get around to modeling a H12-44-TS (the passenger switchers made for ATSF in the mid 50s, with a carbody similar to an H16-44).  I recall they were a little longer than the ATSF H16s, but those were phase Ia and Ib units.

[bbussey]

Even better, thanks for that nugget of information.

EDIT — I have an undec H-16-44, and it comes with both set of truck frames.  The relief is shallower on the Atlas truck, and the curvature on the bottom of the Bachmann frame is more pronounced.  I actually like the detail on the Bachmann truck better, so I may stay with the Bachmann mechanism.
 

[SAH]

The Atlas RS1 is as close to the Phase III H16-44 truck spacing as I could find.  It has been awhile but I think I discovered the spacing is different compared to the Ph I and II H16-44s.

There is a lot of room for sheet lead weight inside, bringing these units up to the Bachmann weight and pulling power.

I agree with bbussey that the Bachmann trucks look better, but I like how the repowered ACY 207 & 208 run well with the other Atlas power plants.

[nickelplate759]

The Atlas RS1 is as close to the Phase III H16-44 truck spacing as I could find.  It has been awhile but I think I discovered the spacing is different compared to the Ph I and II H16-44s.

There is a lot of room for sheet lead weight inside, bringing these units up to the Bachmann weight and pulling power.

I agree with bbussey that the Bachmann trucks look better, but I like how the repowered ACY 207 & 208 run well with the other Atlas power plants.

On the Bachmann unit, it looks like you removed the dynamic brake, and obviously repainted it.  It looks very good!  Two questions:
1. what technique did you use to remove the intake vents (on the sides of the hood) for the dynamic brake
2. Did you remove the original railings, or paint with them in place.  If the latter (oop! 3 questions), what technique did you use to get a different color for the railings.

[SAH]

The intakes and handrails came from Atlas Trainmaster shells.  I did this upgrade before i learned how to cast parts so did not make a master of the intake.  The AC&Y only had two Ph III H16-44s, so I'm done.     No dynamic brakes on he AC&Y.  The exhaust screen on top was filled in the usual manner:  Putty and lots of sanding. 

The handrail conversion was a tedious process and the result is a bit fragile.  If you're interested in doing one contact me off line and I'll see what I can do for you as far as my project notes go.

The fuel tank is the biggest compromise vs. the prototype.  I wound up casting a part made from Atlas H16-44 fuel tanks to cover the RS1 fuel and air tanks.

Steve Holzheimer