Diesel kitbash suggestions needed

[Ray Dunakin]

I have an Aristocraft RS-3 that we were given a couple years ago. It's a great loco but it's 1/29th scale and my layout is 1/24th. I have to open it up to install the receiver and sound, so I figured while I'm at it, I should kitbash it into a narrow gauge loco. I'm wondering if there was ever a prototype that was any where at all similar to the RS-3? I'd prefer to use as much of the existing shell as possible.

I'll create a completely fictional kitbash if necessary but I'd still want to make it as plausible as I can.

Any suggestions or comments will be appreciated.

[marc_reusser]

Ray,

Can you post a pic of the Loco? (I have no idea what an RS3 is. I assume its not like an Audi RS8 )

M

[Gordon Ferguson]

Is this the one ?

If so suggest you have a look at this site, most of the German manufacturers listed with photos - you'll need to work through them but think you will need a European narrow gauge prototype if you want to retain a lot of the existing structure .

http://www.werkbahn.de/photos.htm

[finescalerr]

Sorry, Ray. Won't translate. The closest diesels I can think of would be those on the White Pass & Yukon but they are rather unique. -- Russ

[Ray Dunakin]

Is this the one ?

Yep, that's it.

I'll probably just build a bigger cab, widen the walkways, replace the handrails and a few other details, and call it narrow gauge.

[Malachi Constant]

Ray --

Have a look at the Russian TU-4 / TY-4 (depending on how you translate their alphabet):
http://narrow.parovoz.com/Tu4.html

Also South African Railway:
http://www.narrow-gauge.co.uk/gallery/show.php?image_id=236&cat_id=61

Neither would use the distinctive Alco hoods, but might give you some ideas.  Think the Russian loco may be well-suited for a bash on that chassis and has nice proportion ... definite narrow gauge look.

Cheers,
Dallas

[gnichols]

My dad often said this about rebuilding cars, "Park it under an overhead crane, gently lift off the radiator cap, and then drive a newer car under it (or loco, or truck, etc.)
  Kidding aside, I'd probably just make a larger (longer / higher) cab with higher windows and perhaps make higher hand rails.  Leave the rest alone and repaint.   Gary