Atlas S-2 or S-4 top radiator grill

[tcline]

I'm getting ready to do a Grand Trunk Western S-4 using an older Atlas (Austria) core. Problem is, all the GTW prototype photos I have seen, they didn't have that "walkway" over the top of the radiator. If you simply remove the one on the Atlas unit, there is a deep recess in the middle. My question is, does anyone make a casting for the Alco radiator grill for these S-series swithers? Or any other ideas? As long as I am on the subject, how about a more "modern" cab? The Atlas cab represents an early style with larger windows. I'd like to use a cab with the newer "rubber sealed"(for lack of a better term, you Alco guys will know what I'm talking about). windows.

Thanks,
Todd

[tcline]

I guess I have answered my own question. First off, I didn't realize at the time that I had a very old Atlas shell, so the radiator fan grill and walkway was all cast in with the shell. Of course this is a terrible looking setup, so it had to go. I searched my scrapbox and found a roll-up door from a Walthers car shop kit. This had the PERFECT ribbed texture PLUS the correct thickness! I cut a 4 foot square of this material, and after filing down the stock cast details level with the "cowl" (not all the way down to the hood), I glued this piece of "door" over the opening and it passes the "pretty damn close test". Good enough for me since I can't find ANY commercial part anywhere. I'm not sure why Atlas included that walkway on their model anyway. In all the photos I have looked at of prototype Alco S-2, S-4 engines the only ones I have seen that walkway on are a few Pennsy S-4's Probably were more, but they seem to be the minority. I think I'll keep it as an S-2 since it already has Blunt sideframes, and I can't seem to find a correct cab for a late S-4.

Todd

[Hunter Hughson]

I'm looking for close-up photos of this same grill that goes on top of the radiator of an S2. I'll likely scratch build something to replace the stock one, but I need pics first. Can anyone help out?

[tcline]

Hugh, try this. rrpicturearchives.net/rsList.aspx?id=GTW
Go to the locomotives section page 5, I think. That has LOTS of S-2, S-4 photos. That is my main source for GTW prototype data/photos.
Hope this helps you.
Todd

[Hunter Hughson]

Thanks for the link. I've used that site as well. Lots of shots of S2s and S4s, but none from above. I need a shot from above looking down onto the grill covering the radiator. With or without the walkway would work fine for me.

Anyone?

[lajmdlr]

Here's an overhead shot of the front of a Santa Fe S-2.

[liengineerbob]

Will this help you out any?? SIRTOA S-1 #407, ex-LIRR #407. It now works for a tourist road in upstate NY.

[Hunter Hughson]

This is getting much better! That first shot would be more helpful if I could see what box more clearly. Thanks for helping me!!!