Amtrak E60MA #604

[cab4]

I'm a big electric modeler, and in reality, the more recent electrics are just about the same as a diesel except with pantographs.

I've actually already built one E60MA, so this will be my second. I'm hoping to do an even better job this time around. I start with an American GK kit. because i'm modeling the "newer" version of the E60MA (up until the late 80s, the E60s still retained their lower headlight and and numberboards, despite being rebuilt into E60MA units), the strangly spaced out headlights won't be a problem, as they will be filled in.

Here is a photo of my E60MA I have built. I modeled #610, the last locomotive to pull the Broadway limited. It also had a K5LA horn in most pictures I found of it, and so i chose the unit since the horns would be easier to do.





I've also done an NJ transit E60CH, but i haven't detailed it yet.



Eventually, i hope to start on a new E60MA. I already have another Undecorated American GK E60 kit and all it's parts, so i should be able to start soon. I could probably do that right now, but i'm also geared up to build some other projects first. This time i'm going to try to record construction as i go, so maybe others can try and build a better model of one of these forgotten electrics.

[Randy Earle]

Very nice!

[nysw240]

I like the NJ trainsit E60. i also model amtrak. i am working on a bachman metroliner that will act as a cab car with 5 amfleet coachs and a bachman e33 as if amtrak used the metroliners back in the 80s like they do now as unpowerd cab cars . When I finish them i will post some pictures of my NJ TRAINST and my Amtrak equipment . do you know where i could get a few American GK kit besides ebay . keep up the good work . thanks Mike

[cab4]

Unfortuneately, I've only ever seen them on Ebay. However, i wouldn't be to worried. I haven't found any that cost individually much more than they are worth. My last one was only $20. True, it didn't have any parts with it, but luckily someone was also selling spare American GK parts, and i got a bunch of extra sprues.

The truth is, these engines are all older than I am. I can't really say where you can find any, you just have to be lucky and vigilant. They are out there. I wish I could say i've seen others besides my own in person.

AS far as the metroliners go, I really want to buy another pair of Dummies. I already have a couple, but i borrowed their pantographs for a school project (yay maglevs. My class mates were so angry when They had to use wires and paper clips to pick up power, and i had spring loaded pantographs....) These have semi busted underbodies, so i plan to use them for cab cars, but i personally want to model a full origninal metorliner train.

I found a power frame, and all i need is a new geared axle, a new motor (I think i have a PPW one that fits) and the decoder/lighting to make it fancy. The power car is heavy enough, and the trailers are free rolling enough that i can make a reasonable train. The train itself actually runs with it's current motor, but its not good enough.

My metroliner project is on the back burner. So far i've got i powered and 5 dummies (two of those being either junk or for my cab car when i get to that a couple years from now).

Also, Amtrak never had E33s. they did have a couple E44s after conrail got rid of theirs, and i have read in a couple books of personal accounts of seeing an E44 pulling a amtrak train, but i think they were mostly used as yard switchers, and only for a couple years. Even though they were owned by amtrak for a while, the only picture i can find of one in amtrak paint is when one went to Strausburg.

I have one brass E44, but i don't know how i'm going to get that thing going again.

[cab4]

You know what i just realized? the E60s run on Dash-8 trucks... And whats more, they have a bit of a different detail about them. I have Dash-8 sideframes i can use, but those little piston shaped things (Snubbers?) are going to be a problem. The kit only has one per sidframe (so I have 4). The E60s need 4 per truck. Do they sell these seperate?

They also don't have those brake cylinders. I thought something looked funny...

[cab4]

The new bachmanns are going to be just slightly annoying to work with. I'm not sure i'd want to do the roof modifications. I think also if they pulled better i'd like them more. gonna have to try and add some weight to my own.

[cab4]

I never used a bachman for an E60MA, so i have no pictures on how to do it. the most important thing you have to do is remove the Steam Heat "boxes" (i'm not entirely sure what they are). they are two boxes on the long hood end of the locomotive behind the cab. CH and MA versions do not have these boxes because they have HEP generators. There is also a difference in fan arrangement, but that only requires alittle shaving, sanding, and filling. Most of the detail is still correct enough.

Obviously, if you want to detail it, you'll also need antennas and airconditioners if you are modeling an MA. I use Atlas AEM-7 air conditioners. You can buy these as seperate parts all over the internet for cheap, so they shouldn't be a problem.

[Randy Earle]

Nice camp car!

[cab4]

The camp car is cool and all, but maybe you should make a different thread for it, lol.

[cab4]

Well, its been forever, and i still haven't done any work on this thing! I'll be rolling it out onto the work bench as soon as I get some painting and decaling out of the way on my other projects.