deez
Chairman
Midland Belt Railway
Posts: 949
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Post by deez on Sept 30, 2012 14:47:23 GMT -5
Ok guys, since my freelance "Midland Belt" is set from 1980 to 1995 I would like to add a few Alco RSD12's and GE U25C's for my early six axle power. The U25C's are covered as they can be found on ebay. Now, is there a way to build a nice RSD12 low hood like SP's units? Whats a good starting point for this Alco?
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Post by Packer on Sept 30, 2012 15:05:44 GMT -5
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deez
Chairman
Midland Belt Railway
Posts: 949
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Post by deez on Sept 30, 2012 15:46:54 GMT -5
Thanks Vincent. Thats good info. Looks like they will be a few hundred dollar builds right now considering the Atlas prices lol.
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Post by poweredby251 on Sept 30, 2012 16:56:21 GMT -5
Well... Yes and no. That's what Atlas did when the made their version of the RSD-12. Problem is that the RSD-12 is a little bit longer than an RS-11, and has a longer wheelbase as well. Can't remember off the top of my head the extra length needed, but it has been discussed here before. That being said, I will probably go that route myself, unless something better comes along. Right now, the only alternative is brass. John |
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Post by antlorch on Sept 30, 2012 19:42:10 GMT -5
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deez
Chairman
Midland Belt Railway
Posts: 949
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Post by deez on Sept 30, 2012 20:34:07 GMT -5
Thats what I was thinking also. The RSD15 looks like it could be shortened. THe BL units are pretty expensive though.
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Post by Randy Earle on Sept 30, 2012 22:18:52 GMT -5
Back in the 1980s, I built mine out of Model Power RS-11s (2) and a Model Power C-628. You can still get them cheap.  |
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deez
Chairman
Midland Belt Railway
Posts: 949
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Post by deez on Oct 1, 2012 16:42:48 GMT -5
Randy, so the C628 or C630's have the correct trucks for an RSD12? I think I'll go that route and spend the money for the drive system and use cheap older shells for the kitbash. It should work out fine.
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Post by poweredby251 on Oct 8, 2012 18:48:34 GMT -5
Today, you'd get better details using Atlas RS-11 shells and walkways, and swap trucks with an RSD-5. Just as easy to splice the 2 shells together either way, and the Atlas drives are much better. Biggest challenge is stretching the frame, but numerous articles have been written on frame splicing using brass shape and tubing with epoxy. If not worried about the extra length, just swap trucks between an RSD-5 and RS-11 and call it done. John Back in the 1980s, I built mine out of Model Power RS-11s (2) and a Model Power C-628. You can still get them cheap.  |
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Post by poweredby251 on Oct 8, 2012 18:54:34 GMT -5
There are too many things that would need changing to make an RSD-12 from an RSD-15. The short hood would need to be shortened, and at least 3 places on the long hood would need to cut and shortened. Plus the radiator area and radiator fan are larger on the RSD-15. The drive/frame would probably need cutting in 2-3 spots as well to get eveything lined up, and the fuel tank shortened. John |
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mtoney
Probationary Member
Posts: 16 
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Post by mtoney on Mar 12, 2013 17:14:26 GMT -5
I thought somewhere else I read that Atlas was considering redoing the RSD12 in the near future with correct length and shell. Otherwise you have to bash it like discussed above, go the brass route with either Overland or Alco Models, or like many do, just swap RSD trucks under an Atlas RS11 or find one of the old yellow box Atlas RSD12's. I like the bashing of model power engines to create one, those can be had for next to nothing at most train shows. Mike
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Post by jmlaboda on Mar 13, 2013 15:31:51 GMT -5
I would think that the low nose and cab of the Atlas RS32/36 would be of use since they should be the same style used on the low-hood RSD12s.
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Rudy Garbely
Chairman
Modeling Conrail from 1976-1979 in HO scale.
Posts: 1,073
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Post by Rudy Garbely on Mar 27, 2013 0:07:15 GMT -5
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Post by poweredby251 on Mar 27, 2013 22:17:48 GMT -5
Be aware that there are two styles of notches that were used on the RS-32 & 36. One style has notches that are larger and deeper than the other. Make sure to use pictures of the prototype to make sure you so them right. John I would think that the low nose and cab of the Atlas RS32/36 would be of use since they should be the same style used on the low-hood RSD12s. |
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Post by jmlaboda on Apr 14, 2013 7:23:11 GMT -5
"Be aware that there are two styles of notches that were used on the RS-32 & 36. One style has notches that are larger and deeper than the other."
With respect... in doing a quick examination of shots at RRPA I can find no difference in the depths of the notches on RSD12s, RS32s and RS36... its all the same notch. There is a difference between the low hood RSD15s and later units but not among the later units. If you know of a photo or two that shows the difference please share them or their link.
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Post by Randy Earle on Apr 14, 2013 9:34:25 GMT -5
I don't think the notches changed until the C-420.
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Post by poweredby251 on Apr 19, 2013 6:01:35 GMT -5
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Post by jmlaboda on Apr 20, 2013 4:18:50 GMT -5
I had forgotten about the RS27s having a notch that looked like it was cut down from a high hood unit. Really added character to the units...
If someone would choose to represent the RSD12s (or any other high hood ALCO RS units) as being chopped nosed I believe that the design of the RS27 nose would be an ideal one. Definitely would add charm to the units, making them stand out more than a stock ALCO low-hood... would look pretty good!!!
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Post by cartelcaipira on May 10, 2013 17:18:02 GMT -5
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trev
Road Foreman
Posts: 84
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Post by trev on May 17, 2015 8:25:36 GMT -5
Only just spotted this post. I think if it were me building the 12, I would just use the 11 body as the difference in length in HO scale is just over 3.5mm, which at the viewing distance of 3ft would be hardly noticable.
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