question about kit bashing a c630(updated 5/21/10)

[rs2mike]

I have been given, by my parents, a tyco c-630. Now I think the details are fairly good for this era of loco. I does run but not great so what I would like to do is lose the tyco drive train and scratch build a frame or find a frame that would work under the hood. Any suggestions on a frame that would work? If not does any one have some pics on how they built a frame and truck mount?

Thanks in advance. I will try to remember to take pics as I do this and post for others to see.
Mike

[rs2mike]

I am thinking of putting another frame under the shell but would need the lengths of some frames that might work. any one have any frame lenghts handy. I will measure the body and report back with the length and hopefully someone will have a measurement that will work.

[Randy Earle]

There are a couple places on the web that have really nice HH C-630s by Stewart for less than 70 dollars.

[rs2mike]

Yeah I know where to buy them all completed. This will be a static model only for the roundhouse yard area. All I need is to "fudge" it so that when mom and dad come to visit I can point it out and say "that is the engine you bought me". There are a bunch of frames on ebay right now fairly cheep that I could get away with and some dummy trucks as well. I just figured if someone had these particular dimensions they could forward on to me which frame had the dims I was looking for,

By the way the dims are 8 3/4" x 1 1/4".
thanks

[rs2mike]

Got a frame at the local train show this weekend. An athearn sd something for $3.00. Starting to modify the frame today by cutting off the end where the coulpers mount and filing the frame skinnier. I also trimmed the body of the 630 a little so the frame would fit and not hit anything. Next I will trim off all the hand rail crap on the side frame. I will bend new railing from brass. I am using some cast off trainmaster metal trucks for the 630 as well. Again close enough as most of the time it will probably be in the roundhouse or engine shed. I will try to take some pics at this point and post them later this week.
Mike

[rs2mike]

Sorry all, had some nice weather here lately and have been doing yard work. I will get some pics up tomorrow.

I have finished the frame for now. I will probably be on the lookout for some fuel necks and guages and some air tanks for the frame. The body has been stripped and the tyco truck mounting holes have been filled. I am waiting for the super detail kit to come in the mail. I also body mounted kadee couplers and filled in the pilots. Pics will show some decent progress. Again sorry for the delays. Life just keeps getting in the way:o)

[rs2mike]

Here are some pics of where I am at. The first couple are of the modified athearn frame. Rails were thinned down so as to hide a bit better uneder the walkway, and to help get the coupler height right.



Next is some pics of the shell and the shell on the frame.







next comes the super detail kit when it arrives in the mail. I will also add mu hoses on both ends, some antennas on top.

[puddlejumper]

I like it! Thanks for posting up progress pix! Also nice to be able to show your parents you used the loco they gave you.

[poweredby251]

What superdetail kit are you getting?

[rs2mike]

I got the cal-scale 628-630 detail kit. It is really good. Has windshield wipers, 2 different size lift rings, drop steps and corner steps, mu hoses, trainline, uncoupler bar and another bar across the top of the uncoupler bar. i have one extra if someoe wants to trade for horns, beacons or whatever.

This weekend I have drilled over 100 #79 holes for all the things to be attached to the body. I will post pics of everything added to the 630 tomorrow.

[rs2mike]

Drilled a ton of holes over the weekend. Added the drop steps, lift rings, trainline, mu hoses, antennas, custom bent brass railings, all new front and rear pilot rails. All I need to add is the windshield wipers. I will do that after paint and the glass is added.

Here are some pics










I think it is turning out pretty good for an old tyco shell. So far I have $33.00 into the project.

[rs2mike]

I have a motor and universals that I thought about using. But right now I think it will just be a dummy unit on the dead line or shop area. I may in the future, everything is there I just need to hook it up.

Also got it in primer yesterday. Let it dry for a few days then decide what to paint it. Thinking red with black walkways to hide the frame a little better. Not sure though. I need to do some searching online. It may end up in my green and grey scheme but I am thinking that I will do it up a different color as if it was a second hand purchase that never got the chance to get repainted.

[rs2mike]

Ok I am getting to painting the engine. But I have a question. I am going to paint it red with black walkways and sills. My question is on safety striping. Should I put white stripes on the hood or on the pilot? Right now i have it taped off for the pilot and was thinking now that I should put them on the hood ends. What do you think?

[puddlejumper]

It could go either way but since you're asking for opinions, I would put them on the pilot.

[rs2mike]

pilot it is. I will mask the body off tomorrow and shoot the black, later in the week I will shoot the red and it will be 2 steps closer to being done.

[rs2mike]

Got the 630 painted and lightly weathered. Need to number and letter it and add the window wipers. Pics to follow this weekend.

[rs2mike]

As promised









enjoy

[icghogger]

Nice One, Mike!!

[puddlejumper]

I really like that. Nicely done!

[rs2mike]

Thank you for the compliments. This is my first tear down and start from scratch build. The ohter rs units I did all I did was modify what was there. This one I had to find a frame, mill it down, find trucks, do body work and add details and paint. It was fun. I am debating on doing another one as I have one more detail set. Maybe I will keep it in the back of my head for fall and winter.