Hello;
I have recently become interested in modeling the modern day South Shore railroad in HO scale. I plan on custom painting a lot of the freight equipment, which shouldn't be any big deal.
My problem arises with the single level NICTD EMUs. After studying some prototype photos, my initial idea was to take the shell from a Walther's' Horizon Fleet commuter cab, strip the paint off, fill in a few windows, add some double doors, add a pantograph to the roof, and then paint and decal accordingly. For power I planned on using the chassis from a Proto 1000 RDC. Simple, right?
I have several Proto RDC chassis laying around, so I figured that was half the battle. However, it seems that the Horizon cab cars have become as scarce as hen's teeth. I have managed to dig up some scale drawings of the EMUs, so I guess my next best bet would be to scratch build; which is something I have never done.
My question is: If I do decide scratch build these units, where is a good place to begin? Any resources and tips would be appreciated. Also, any ideas for an alternative kitbash would be appreciated as well.
Thanks for your time,
-Jack
Have you taken a look at Island Model Works? They make resin models of a bunch of different commuter cars, and have a few South Shore models.
http://islandmodelworks.com/Chicagocommuter.html, scroll down on the page and I think you might find the exact cars you're looking for.
Robert Beaty
The Laughing Hippie
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The CF-7...a waste of a perfectly good F-unit!
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the
end of your tunnel, Was just a freight train coming
your way. -Metallica, No Leaf Clover
This may sound nuts but have you investigated the various European or even Japanese prototypes as possible sources for a kitbash? To me these units have a vaguely "non-US" look to them. I can't point you to a specific make or car but the reynaulds site shows most of the readily available European makes.
http://www.reynaulds.com/ho-scale.aspx
Dave Nelson
Dave,
There's a good reason why they have a Japanese look to them...they were built in Japan! They were purchased from Sumitomo Corporation, built by Nippon Sharyo.
I was under the impression the original single level cars were made by Kawasaki.