What’s New?

The other day I was down in the layout room and I decided on some changes.  Basically the changes are minor to make future expansion more feasible and looking at a couple of industries.  It is something we all do if we have layout.  Something does not look just right and something better will fit here instead of there.  So I will have a few more things to to do over the summer.

I also have a modeling project.  I picked up two brass ALCO Models ALCO T-6 Switchers. The motors are tiny open frame and I just can’t get them to run.  I disassembled them cleaned them and lubed the gears.  The mechanisms were not that great so I am going to switch out the chassis and drives and just leave the shells.  I have an old Proto 2000 SW  9 switcher which I thought would be a good candidate. It will work but there will have to be some serious grinding.  The couple pockets will have to be removed and some minor grinding of the motor cradle will also be needed.

This is what I observed:

1.  The circuit board or DCC decoder would have to be changed to a smaller one.
2.  The coupler pockets on the chassis of the SW9 would have to be ground off
3.  The sides of the motor cradle would have to be ground down a little.
4.  The cab floor in the T-6 would have to be partially removed
5.  The length of the chassis is correct.
6.  As with any grinding the motor would have to be removed first.

So in the meantime I am going to look for an Atlas or Athearn switcher underframe and see how they will work.

A.J.