Jantrix
I echo the comments on the post about finding another one on ebay, train shows or even craigslist ( be careful there ) and you should be able to find something.
I would also like to welcome you to the forum. We have a thread here "Jeffries diner " I would like to invite you to join us there, it is open to everyone and we talk on topic ( trains ) and some off topic subjects with in certain restrictions. Hope to see you there. First cup of Joe is on YGW.
YGW
Jantrix:
Jantrixmy late grandfather gave me a full set of Erie Lackawanna trains when I was a boy (circa 1978). All that is left is this engine. My grandfather worked for EL in Queens NY, for most of his adult life.
Well then the engine certainly deserves to be preserved! Personally, if I was going to undertake such a task I would make a choice between two options:
One would be to leave the locomotive exactly as it is and recognize that the 'patina' of use represents the love that the locomotive has had over the years of use.
The second option would be to totally rebuild it, almost from scratch. The basic shell looks to be fairly decent albeit perhaps not exactly prototypical. The railings have to go. That would require the rebuilding of the platform (i.e. walkway) part of the shell including the steps, which, by the way, are hideous! The handrails that I referenced in my previous post could then be easily incorporated into the body. Other details like ditch lights, if appropriate, could be added during the rebuild. Several companies offer appropriate steps as well as many other details. Check out Precision Scale for starters:
http://www.precisionscaleco.com/
In short, you could add as much detail as you wanted, and by doing so you could in fact actually make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. The project would be a challenge but it would also be very rewarding. Your grandfather would be very proud of your work on the locomotive.
All the best!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
BigDaddyYou don't take any prisoners do you Larry? Of course you should keep your RS-11. I fully understand that feeling. The OP did not tell us his reasons and it's none of our business.
Yes,I did come off stronger then I intended but,for whatever reasons we should offer help.
A pack rat is one thing,a hoarder another..Then there is personal sentimental reasons why a item is kept. I have a glass cupboard full of such items including empty Avon locomotive bottles.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
You don't take any prisoners do you Larry? Of course you should keep your RS-11. I fully understand that feeling. The OP did not tell us his reasons and it's none of our business.
However, as a confirmed Packrat, I can tell you everything has sentimental value or potential use, beyond reason. I am attached to my Lionel Hustler. It is just as noisy as it was 40 years ago, possibly the first sound HO loco ever. I could remotor it and convert it to DCC. Instead I will weather it as an abandoned loco.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
BigDaddyFrom what I can see, the steps are missing on one side and the too thick handrails are damaged. Sometimes sentimental attachments are a triumph of emotion over common sense.
Actually he wants to refurb the engine for display.I suppose I should toss my Model Power RS11 that my late wife got me for our first Christmas because there are better? Sure its no where close to my Atlas/Kato RS11s but,its still remains high in the sentimental department.
To the OP I would look for a second E-L RS3 and cannibalize it for the needed parts.
Hi Jantrix:
Welcome to the forums!
Here is the same locomotive. It looks to be in much worse shape than yours but at least the steps aren't broken. Perhaps you could put the two locomotives together to make one, but you still won't have a silk purse.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/322223417206?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
I found one set of RS3 handrails on eBay but they are designed to fit an Athearn locomotive. I have no clue as to how close they would be to the AHM shell, but I suspect it would be a lot of work to fit them. You would have to cut off the original stanchions and then drill holes for new ones. That would probably entail some re-painting of the shell. Then you would still be left with the heavy and broken steps:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/RS-3-HANDRAIL-SET-MAROON-AND-GOLD-Plastic-Version-Athearn-HO-SCALE-/351844856374?hash=item51eb967236:g:JIUAAOSw14xWLAFd
As an alternative, you could make your own handrails using pre-manufactured stantions something like these, but they would require a lot of re-working of the shell, and they won't work for the endrails:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/A-Line-D1073-HO-Formed-Metal-Handrail-Stanchions-Short-9-16-1-4cm-35-/331973043765?hash=item4d4b22a635:g:efsAAOSwepZXSF7y
Good luck with it.
(Note that the eBay listings are from the Canadian site).
From what I can see, the steps are missing on one side and the too thick handrails are damaged. Sometimes sentimental attachments are a triumph of emotion over common sense.
Bowser is coming out with a new line of RS-3's next year. The detail will be superior to what you have now. Maybe you should save for one of those and let the grand kids play with this one.
Do not be afraid to open it up and rebuild it yourself. It is not that hard, and you should be very pleased by the results. Other than that, you can find some one near you who is able to do it.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
I have never heard of such a company. There used to be companies that sold specific kits or parts to upgrade locomotives, but I don't think any are still in business.
Northwest Shortline has motors, gears, etc if you're looking to upgrade/replace those. Other companies sell parts, usually more scale sized than AHM, again for upgrading. I suspect some work may be required to get them to fit a 40 year old AHM diesel.
Your other bet is to try to find a junker at a train show that has the parts you want in good condition.
Good luck
Paul
Is there an aftermarket company the creates refurb kits for old pieces? I'd like to refurb this AHM engine for display. It's 40 years old and has had a rough life.