Switching Loco Shells

[Cody J]

Is is possible to take the shell off of a Bachmann HO GE B23-7 and place it on the body of a Bachmann HO EMD GP40 and do the same with the GP40 shell and the B23-7 body?

Thanks,
Cody

[rustyrails]

If you're willing to put out the effort, most things are possible.  I can't give you exact directions, but you can start by removing the shells and test fitting the bodies to the other chassis.  Are the wheel bases about the same?  You may find that you have to mill away some of the frame or use sheet styrene to build up mounting pads.  Back in the early N-scale days, this was common practice because there just weren't all that many smooth running mechanisms. 

But, I have a question.  My guess is that both these engines run about the same.  True?  So why do you want to do this?  I'm guessing that there may be a solution to what you want to do that is less labor intensive. 
Rusty

[Guilford Guy]

IIRC, B23-7s are a few feet longer than a GP40.

Edit: Upon checking thedieselshop.us...
B23-7
Wheelbase: 45ft 2"
Total Length: 61ft 2"
GP40
Wheelbase: 43ft
Total Length 59ft 2"

[Cody J]

Thanks for all of your information


Cody Jackson

[jward]

not only are the lengths different, the truck sideframes and fuel tanks are also different. while a ge unit with emd trucks may look ok (L&N and SCL had them that way among others) an emd with ge trucks would just look silly.....