Electrotren E3119 conversion to TECSA 321.048

[ellocoloco]

Alongside my model of TECSA 316.017, I converted another Electrotren ALCo into TECSA 321.048.

Starting with E3119 - RENFE 321.025, above, I again stripped all the paint, did a few modifications and resprayed it into the TECSA version. The 321 class were a later version or the ALCo DL 500 World loco and were essentially a more European styled 316 as first bought by RENFE. 321.025 carried the same livery as 321.048 but because I would have to make some changes I knew I wouldn't be able to avoid a full respray. 

321.025 is modelled in original form though later in their service life some of the 321 class were modified with larger cabside windows, smaller front windows and cab door windows plated over. The headlight arrangement was also changed and Electrotren modelled a number of these rebuilds including E3115 - ADIF 321.051. Once sold into contractor service, 321.048 was partially modified and does not match the tooling of either Electrotren variant. It has the new, larger, cabside windows but retains the door windows and original front windows and the number boards were removed and sheeted over and the light set up changed, door plated over and handrails removed. Fortunately I was able to order as spares from the Hornby website the cab windows from E3115 to use in my conversion. It was relatively simple to increase the window space on the body shell to fit the new ones. The rest of the changes were similar to what I needed to do with 316.017 and included using plasticard and filler to cover up the number boards and fill in some of the light fixtures, door and handrail holes. I also had to remove some bodywork around the cabsides where these look like they have been replaced with new sheet steel. Once again the model was finished with Railmatch, Xtracolor and Humbrol paints and Trenmilitaria decals. 

The finished model runs superbly and has a Lokpilot factory fitted which allows control of the separately motored fan and selectable lighting options. The original ALCo World locos were based on the North American ALCo FA series and although not a B unit, running 316.017 and 321.048 together almost gives the impression of a classic 50s US AB lash up! I am still missing TECSA 318.009, so no prizes for guessing what I'm looking for next! 

I just need Electrotren to announce some wagons...................please!

[96RAF]

These are my two, looking a bit dog eared with bits missing as the bodies are on and off every few days to swap decoders on test.

[ellocoloco]

Your 321 is the same one I used for 321.048 so I know its insides well. Certainly is a tricky body to remove with the lights needing disconnected and the door handrails unhinged. I am not familiar with the 278 electric having tried to avoid electrics so as not to need catenary on a layout I haven't built. Still, I have a 470 EMU which I converted from AC to DC a few years ago.

I always think of a Farish (pre Bachmann) instruction sheet for my only N loco which stated - do not dismantle out of idle curiosity - whenever I start to take something new, and expensive, apart.

[96RAF]

I always think of a Farish (pre Bachmann) instruction sheet for my only N loco which stated - do not dismantle out of idle curiosity - whenever I start to take something new, and expensive, apart.

 

 

Stirling advice.

BTW - 278 has live overhead capability with a selection switch on the main PCB.