Thanks to everyone for your answeres. I have looked into the new GP30s. I understand exactly what you all are saying. The tiing is, I raally like the old vintagey stuff. I love the old TYCO, COX, Bachmann and Life Like stuff that isn't even around anymore. They don't compare to new things, but I just like them. I am from the school that newer may be better, but it's not always comfortable. Why not go with what you like and for me it's what reminds me of the late 70's and 80's when I was a kid. I am like this about most things, cars, guitars, etc. Like I said I am a musician. My instrument of choice is 30 years old with a considerable amount of the paint worn off and I love it more than some brand new insturments I have.
Even though i am getting back into the hobby, I have done some mods, kitbashing and custom building in the past. I might just try to see if I can modify a new shell to work. I'll really only be out $20 or so and it might be a fun project. LIke I said I was just wondering if anyone had actually tried doing such a thing and what steps might be involved in making it work.
Thanks again for the input!

Greatings everyone,
This is my first post here on this board. I don't really do the message board thing but thought I would try since I can't find the answers I am looking for.
I recently got back into the hobby after being out of it for about 15 years. I am into HO and N. I sold off all of my stuff when I got out of the bobby years ago. I am a musician and needed $$$ for equipment, but now I have decided to get back into the hobby. I've been buying new and used things here and there.
I recently got an old Bachmann front wheel drive, single axle drive GP-30 in Chessie colors. The engine runs great and I am not planning on using DCC at this point for the switching layout I am building.
The problem with the GP-30 is that the handrails are broken/missing and it has a broken step on the front.
I would like to replace the body shell with a new GP-30 from Bachmann.
I emailed Bachmann's part department and they said the new GP-30 shell would not fit the old frame I have. Maybe it won't indeed, but I was wondering if anyone has tried this and if so how much modifications are needed to get it o work. From diagrams and pictures I've looked at, I can't see a difference. As it stands right now my old Chessie is not in a physical condition good enough to put it on display. I might just bite the bullet and buy a new shell any way, but thought I would consult the board first.
Likewise I have a few N scale F9 frames with shells that are broken or in bad shape that I wish to replace, but I can't find replacements. I tried to buy some NOS F9 shells from th 70's but they did not fit. What do I do since Bachmann has none in stock?
Thanks in advance!
Rob