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Mike, you have the differences pretty much figured out there. One additional thing, the BB kits had either no grab irons or molded on ones. Most all of the RTR kits already have grab irons installed and painted.
In addition, many RTR's still had the copper clip on top of the motor with the crew frying headlight. I have one of those and it has the plastic handrails, so it has a BB mechanism and and RTR shell. No grabs either, just dimples, so I think there were several different versions of Athearn engines marketed as RTR.
jim as far as the different versions of RTR units i think ya may be right. I have a bunch of (new) rtr shells with the dimples for grabs but there are none.
I guess if i sell or trade one ill just have to make note that it was refurbed by me and may not have a few things that it would if it came out new. Or ill just have to add grabs to em.
also where is the best place to get a good qty of grabs for the best price?
Walthers is having a sale on A-line drop grabs at 50 for $4.49. You should also get some lift rings, sun shades, and MU cables if you don't have them. You can make drop steps from styrene scraps. Also, work from a prototype photo because not all engines had all the grabs indicated by the dimples. This is a GM&O no-details RTR that I detailed out so it has more details than the newer RTR's.
I think Details West sunshades come eight to a pack. For some reason, I've never seen MU hoses with more than two engines worth per package. Check the Walthers catalog for the best deals if you can find something in bulk.
well i just got to thinking i do have a few brass sun shades here somewhere i could make my own in bulk from thin styrene or even some thin brass sheet. it would be a lil time and work but hey im up for saving some money.
What would you reccomend for Mu hoses as ill be doing older diesels and newer. Is there something that will work for both?
What would you reccomend for Mu hoses as ill be doing older diesels and newer. Is there something that will work for both?[/QUOTE said:
I use single strand wire to make my MU hoses, it holds its shape when formed into curves, and comes in a useful range of colours. I got a few feet of wire from work, so it cost me nothing.
Ron
For the large red MU Cables as shown in Ron's photo, a piece of solid 20 gauge red wire works fine. Come to think of it, I don't remember a commercial version of this because it's so easy to make from wire.
For the multiple MU cables hanging down from the pilot, there are differences between models and companies. There are certainly differences in the way MU cables look and are attached to the nose of an F or E unit compared to the ones used on hood units. If you're a real detail hound, there are probably 10 different styles of MU cables available. If you just want the look of MU cables, you can use anything from 22 gauge solid strand black wire or just buy a bunch of the Details West MU cables when they are on sale and use them for everything. Very few people will ever notice an MU cable except that it's black and has a silver looking thing on the end.
