What will it take to make a proper E8

[artur]

Hi guys,
I will be building another E8 unit but it seems like there is nothing out there that is correct, we all know the issues with Proto and even BLI has issues with the nose. I would like to use the Proto and Highliner shells to make the correct E8. I was thinking of using the nose and side radiator grills from the highliner shells and mating it to the Proto shell, the roof would be removed and radius reduced. is there anything else that should be done or maybe parts from other shells can be used, IHC comes to mind. Or would the BLI be a better starting point.

[slowfreight]

Here's someone who highlinerized a BLI shell:

www.protomodeler.com/index.php?/topic/2441-rock-island-e7-639/

He also posted this build on the atlas rescue forum, but I think the discussion was more interesting on the protomodeler thread.

You'll do better that way than adding it to a Proto shell because BLI has the same roof radius as the Highliner. I've been building an inventory of Genesis F shells to do the same thing since they're cheaper than the Highliner shells. We'll see how well that works for me over time. Either way, the winterization hatches and fans will also need attention.

[CP_8530]

There's also the Walthers retooled P2K E8 to consider, but they never really fixed the roof radius. That's the big issue with the P2K that prevents grafting a Highliners or other nose on. Although, I do seem to remember reading about someone grafting a P1K F3 nose onto a P2K E8 body...

I say go BLI, but their sound decoders leave much to be desired, so look for a stealth unit. I seem to recall people having difficulty stripping the paint off them though.

[artur]

Thanks for the link that was very interesting.
I was thinking of getting the BLI E8 but I got an offer that I couldn't refuse for the re-tooled P2K E8. Just waiting for it to come in. I think I figured out a way to fix the roof line on the P2K and widen the body at the same time and it should be a really easy fix, but I need to test it out on some scrap shell then on the P2K once it comes in. I'll be grafting on the Genesis F7 nose. The only problem I'm having is how to get the E8 number boards on to the F7 nose, any ideas?

[slowfreight]

I started thinking about the number board problem as well when I let myself ponder building a SIXTH E unit...but I've gotta do the first 5 first. Wonder how hard it would be to graft the F nose and then cut slots to graft the number boards back in?