rock
Superintendent
Posts: 197
|
Post by rock on Jun 8, 2012 13:27:12 GMT -5
The Rock Island needs to lease some four-axle road switcher power in my 1995 era with the power shortage and all, so we turn to the CSXT, which is on the verge of retiring the 9 BQ23-7s that are left. At this time, the BQ23-7s have had their cab windows plated over and are B-units. I'll be modeling one to represent this lease deal and it will run on my branch local now and then. This will be in a fictional Chessie/CSXT stealth paint scheme. I currently have a Chessie C40-8W painted up in the YN3 scheme, so I figure I would continue the fantasy history and show the first paint scheme after the Chessie-Seaboard merger. The stealth scheme is one of my favorites because it is simplistic and I like the idea of representing north (Chessie) and south (Seaboard) colors. For this project, I am using an Atlas B23-7 and a Bachmann BQ23-7 shell. I found the shell from a guy on HO Interchange. The Atlas B23-7 is a former Seaboard CSX with Blomberg trucks, so that matches the prototype perfectly. Here's a photo of these main parts that I need: And here's a rough shot after the first cut on the cab with my Dremel tool: I already stripped the paint off both motors - only took about 30 minutes in 91% isopropyl alcohol. Next I will file down the cab and get it to fit better. I will probably have to cut the cab in half as others had to get it to fit perfectly on the more accurate Atlas sill. Since this is a B unit, I don't have to worry about some details like window glass and the appropriate air horns. Here's a shot of the prototype: www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=635203www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=652373
|
|
|
Post by Randy Earle on Jun 8, 2012 16:23:40 GMT -5
|
|
jbaakko
Superintendent
Modern detail freak!
Posts: 191
|
Post by jbaakko on Jun 17, 2012 21:22:47 GMT -5
I was just going to reply and link my builds.
I have a trio to become "BQ30-7's" for a customer, then on to build myself some real, super detailed BQ23-7's.
Cutting the cab down the center-line is the way to go.
|
|
catt
Superintendent
Posts: 155
|
Post by catt on Jun 27, 2012 14:24:17 GMT -5
That cab was an option for all of the U-boats.I wish Bachmann had done a N scale version as I have a couple of KATOs that took the trip to the bottom of the concrete canyon and need nose jobs.
Actually I have a couple HO U-boats that I wouldn't mind grafting those cabs onto.(what can I say I like ugly ;D )
|
|
|
Post by canadaandsouthern on Jul 11, 2012 18:28:58 GMT -5
i am working on one but i am using the full bachmann shell with a athearn bluebox u-30b chassis
|
|
|
Post by sd45longhoodfoward on Jul 31, 2012 23:23:09 GMT -5
Hey great stuff would any of you gents have a parts list? thanks guys!!
|
|
|
Post by grandtrunkfan on Aug 13, 2012 6:27:38 GMT -5
Man Id like one myself...
|
|
rock
Superintendent
Posts: 197
|
Post by rock on Aug 13, 2012 11:47:10 GMT -5
|
|
rock
Superintendent
Posts: 197
|
Post by rock on Aug 13, 2012 11:49:33 GMT -5
i am working on one but i am using the full bachmann shell with a athearn bluebox u-30b chassis *shudder* why would you do that to yourself? I mean, keeping the Bachmann shell is one thing, but why on earth would you want to run with an Athearn blue box motor? Especially when there are superior operational options out there and for not that much more cost... Just sayin...
|
|
|
Post by icghogger on Aug 13, 2012 11:50:55 GMT -5
Nice Work, Eric!!
|
|
rock
Superintendent
Posts: 197
|
Post by rock on Aug 13, 2012 11:53:40 GMT -5
Hey great stuff would any of you gents have a parts list? thanks guys!! The parts list is pretty simple: Bachmann BQ23-7 shell Atlas B23-7 with Blomberg trucks and sill without anticlimber After that, you basically add detail parts based on what era you are modeling. I formed the handrails for the cab myself with wire and used styrene and putty for the blanked out windows. Then I added a Details West headlight fixture with jewels and found a spare antenna for the top of the cab. Since mine was the B unit, no air horn was needed. And then I of course added Kadee #5 couplers.
|
|
|
Post by royalblue72 on Aug 13, 2012 18:39:37 GMT -5
This is GREAT! I love the "Chessie" touch.
|
|
|
Post by canadaandsouthern on Aug 14, 2012 20:21:07 GMT -5
i am working on one but i am using the full bachmann shell with a athearn bluebox u-30b chassis *shudder* why would you do that to yourself? I mean, keeping the Bachmann shell is one thing, but why on earth would you want to run with an Athearn blue box motor? Especially when there are superior operational options out there and for not that much more cost... Just sayin... It is what I had in the parts box and it runs the same speed as my atlas u30b.
|
|
dave
Road Foreman
Modeling the Mid Atlantic in the late 80s
Posts: 90
|
Post by dave on Aug 15, 2012 19:26:27 GMT -5
I really want to see a tour of your Layout!
|
|
|
Post by royalblue72 on Aug 16, 2012 20:50:55 GMT -5
I second that.
|
|
catt
Superintendent
Posts: 155
|
Post by catt on Sept 24, 2012 8:52:26 GMT -5
After a two year search I finally found a BQ23-7.Once it gets here it will be stripped and repainted (after some detailing) for my GVR.It very likely will get a bluebox chassis since that is what my B23-7s use.
I know some people shudder at the thought but not everybody can afford to waste a ATLAS unit to make something else out of it.There will be a short build thread posted here with pics.
Would be nice if someone would do this cab in N scale. ;D
As to why would anyone use a bluebox motor.Why not if that's what you have and it runs good.Especially if it is a matter of money to invest in such a project.
|
|
|
Post by Canadian Atlantic Railway on Dec 26, 2012 16:14:01 GMT -5
I'm digging the "Stealth" Chessie scheme. It would of fit right in well with the CSX 80's/90's identity crisis.
|
|