C430 Kitbash

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R

River Run

Diesel Detailer
A few months ago, I started to build a C430 (Reading version) from parts of a Stewart C630 shell and Atlas parts. So far I have the project looking the part. The drive is from an Atlas GE U23B, and as you can see there are quite a few other Atlas parts in this build. The fuel tank is from an Atlas C420, and the bulges are also. I still have a lot to do, but I thought I would share my progress with those who are not members of my forum.


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pretty sweet, and looks pretty nicely done.

ive been a model builder for along time, and do alot of scratch building, but dunno if i could do it for this kinda stuff lol
 
Sometimes you gotta just jump in and try. I've got a box with mistakes in it, we all do. The hardest part is getting the razor saw cuts straight without cutting yourself in the balance. It's also hard when you are making a locomotive from photos, especially one as old as this one is. I had a bunch of parts in my parts box, and one day as I was looking for a part, I picked up these pieces and said, "hmmm, this looks like a C-430!" and the next thing I knew friends were telling me, "BUILD IT!". Hey, what's the worst thing that could happen? It would end up back in the parts box. Now I've got a pretty good start on a locomotive I've always liked that was never offered in plastic. You can get a brass one if you can find it and if you have $400-500 dollars, or you can build a Tiger Valley version with the rough zamac castings and the driveshaft through the fuel tank, and I hear they sound like a Waring Blender full of ice cubes when running. Don't be afraid to tackle a project, if it comes out right the feeling of acomplishment you get is great.
 


Here's my stalled 430 project. This is what happens when I spend too much time staring at the "junk box" It's a Tyco shell mounted on a stretched MDC RS3 frame. Some day I hope to get back to it, change the fuel tanks,finish detailing, and decorate it either for Reading or Susquehanna, but its pretty low on the priority list right now......
Se, you not only have to stay "just do it", you also have to say "just finish it!" :D
 
Here are some more updates on this build. The Lift Loops have been added, the old Cast on Walkway above the Radiator has been removed and another section of shutters from a Stewart C628 scrap shell has been fitted. I took Plastruct angle iron and made a walkway support and added Plano Apex Walkway material. Details West ALCO Sand Fillers have been added to the nose and rear hood. A hand formed Grab Iron was added to the top of the hood also. Jack Pads from a donor Atlas C425 shell were installed, a Horn Bracket was made and a Brass 3 Chime Horn from the parts box was added. I've also used Florists Wire to make the Air Line that goes to the horn from the cab and added a Detail Associates Sinclair Antenna.

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Tiger Valley Models is still in business, but they do not have an online presence. They make the sideframes you want.
 
Thanks Randy,
With Tiger Valley sideframes and Atlas tanks (plus a few othe Atlas parts) the old girl just might move up on the priority list.
Might being the operative word here. Lately the maint. dept has had all it can do to keep up with motor replacements and cracked gears to worry about rebuilding stuff off the "dead line". :( In the meantime I'll stockpile all the parts. Parts on hand trumps parts to be ordered anytime!
 
I think if you file the Atlas sideframes flat and grind down the TV sideframes you could epoxy them together. I've been putting the two side by side and it looks like it can be done. Now if we could get a master done, some entprising Resin Caster would have a niche to fill.
 
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